Florida is a beautiful place to live; however, a part of the package is that you must always be thoroughly prepared for a hurricane. The Atlantic hurricane season in 2024 starts on June 1 and ends on November 30. Past experiences show that Floridians need at least seven days of food, water, medicine, and batteries.
In this guide, we will discuss what you need to prepare in advance for Hurricane in Florida. When is hurricane season in Florida, and is a hurricane coming to Florida right now?
Key Takeaways
- The Atlantic hurricane season spans starting from June 1 and ending on November 30 of each year.
- Mid-August through mid-October is the most active time for hurricane development.
- At least seven days of food, medicine, water, and batteries are recommended for storage.
- Prefer the safety of life over the safety of home and property. Always evacuate as soon as possible when the authorities give instructions.
- Keep updated on the radio for updates and instructions.
Basics of Florida Hurricane
Thunderstorm clouds start in low atmospheric pressure areas known as tropical depressions. When they get enough energy from the warmth of the tropical ocean water, the thunderstorms combine into one tropical storm, and wind speed goes over 39 miles per hour (63 kph). A hurricane is called a hurricane when the wind speed goes up and beyond 74 miles per hour (119 kph).
Storms need continuous energy from warm ocean water and moist air to grow into hurricanes. Although some storms can develop into stronger hurricanes, only a few grow into tropical storms or hurricanes.
Classification of Storms
Storms are classified based on the wind speeds. The wind speeds of storms are measured in knots. One knot is equal to 1.15 miles per hour. So, if the wind blows at 10 knots, the speed is 11.5 miles per hour. So, the standard classifications of storms are;
|
Type Of Storm |
Description |
|
Tropical disturbance |
Thunderstorms with light cyclonic circulation. |
|
Tropical depression |
Wind speeds between 20 and 34 knots, i.e. (23 - 39 mph) |
|
Tropical storm |
Wind speeds between 35 and 64 knots, i.e. (40 - 73 mph) |
|
Hurricane |
Wind speed over 64 knots (74 mph) |
The category of hurricanes is based on the Saffir/Simpson scale in the United States. This scale gives a storm to one of five categories based on wind speed. This scale allows you to estimate the potential property damage and expected coastal flooding from a hurricane.
|
Category |
Winds (mph) |
Damage |
|
1 |
74 – 95 |
Hazardous high winds will cause some damage. |
|
2 |
96 – 110 |
Extremely dangerous as high winds will cause extensive damage. |
|
3 |
111 – 129 |
Devastating damage |
|
4 |
130 – 156 |
Catastrophic damage |
|
5 |
> 156 |
Catastrophic damage |
Storms, thunderstorms, and hurricanes are not uncommon in Florida. The state's geographical position makes it a prime target for hurricanes. The state's history is full of very rough hurricanes, which have destroyed homes, lost lives, caused economic loss, and caused trauma.
|
Storm |
Date |
Category |
|
Great Miami Hurricane |
1926 |
4 |
|
Lake Okeechobee Hurricane |
1928 |
4 |
|
Labor Day Hurricane |
1935 |
5 |
|
Unnamed |
September 1947 |
4 |
|
Unnamed |
August 1949 |
4 |
|
Hurricane Easy |
September 1950 |
3 |
|
Donna |
1960 |
4 |
|
Betsy |
1965 |
3 |
|
Eloise |
1975 |
3 |
|
Andrew |
1992 |
5 |
|
Opal |
1995 |
3 |
|
Charley |
2004 |
4 |
|
Ivan |
2004 |
3 |
|
Jeanne |
2004 |
3 |
|
Dennis |
2005 |
3 |
|
Wilma |
2005 |
3 |
|
Hermine |
September 2016 |
1 |
|
Irma |
September 2017 |
4 |
|
Michael |
October 2018 |
5 |
|
Sally |
September 2020 |
2 |
|
Ian |
September 2022 |
4 |
|
Nicole |
November 2022 |
1 |
Florida Hurricane Watches & Warnings
Tropical system hazards take different forms, such as storm surges, high winds, tornadoes, and flooding. The National Hurricane Center issues tropical storm watches and warnings. So, let's understand Hurricane Florida in the light of common warnings and watches.
Tropical Storm Watch
A tropical storm condition is announced when sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph are expected within the specified coastal area.
Tropical Storm Warning
A tropical storm condition is announced when sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph are expected within the specified coastal area in 36 hours.
Hurricane Watch
A hurricane is declared when sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are possible within the specified coastal area. A preemptive hurricane watch is declared at least 48 hours before the onset, as it is a challenging emergency that requires active preparedness.
Hurricane Warning
On the other hand, a hurricane warning is issued 36 hours before the anticipated onset of strong winds.
Resources
In case of a hurricane, the Florida government and other agencies are always ready to help and support. The critical departments and agencies to contact in Hurricane Florida are;
- Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM).
- National Hurricane Center.
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
- Florida Insurance Council Hurricane Central.
- Florida Disaster Fund.
- American Red Cross.
- National Hurricane Center.
Contacts Hurricane Florida
- Report storm-related environmental hazards at Emergency Support Function (ESF 10) 850-921-0223.
- DEP's Office of Emergency Response: 850-245-2010.
- Florida Division of Emergency Management, State Watch Office: 800-320-0519.
- Florida Emergency Information 24-hour toll-free hotline: 800-342-3557
- Report suspected cases of price gouging at 866-966-7226 or the Florida Office of the Attorney General.
- DEP districts and environmental emergency contacts.
- Displaced Vessel Hotline: 305-985-3744.
- Consumer hotline for general tourism information: 888-735-2872
- Florida Division of Emergency Management/State Emergency Response Team, (850) 921-0217
When Is The Florida Hurricane Season?
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season officially spans from June 1 to November 30. About 97% of all hurricanes in Florida strike during this period. However, NOAA released its forecast on May 23 that this year, Florida will have the highest-ever number of storms, with over 17-25 named storms, 8-13 hurricanes, and 4-7 major hurricanes.
This activity is because of several factors like high warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic, La Niña conditions in the Pacific, weaker Atlantic trade winds, and reduced wind shear.
How to Prepare for A Hurricane in Florida
As we already discussed, hurricanes in Florida are not uncommon. At least four hurricanes have landed in Florida in the past four years. Among them, the Hurricane
Michael was the first Hurricane to land in the U.S. as a Category 5 hurricane since Hurricane Andrew.
All Floridians and visitors must make a safety and emergency plan to face any hurricane. Let's examine what you need to prepare for a hurricane in Florida.
The best plan for addressing hurricane challenges incorporates the guidelines given by the American Emergency Response Team and healthcare partners. Preparedness must include all three stages of extreme weather, including what to do before, during, and after the Hurricane.
Personal Preparedness
A five-step plan must be devised to combat the challenges posed by disastrous hurricanes in Florida.
1. A Communication Plan
- Always have defined meet-up locations and list the agencies and contacts to reach in case of need. Every family member must know about this list.
- Make a list of contacts and place it visibly in your home. You may also share it digitally with all family members.
2. A Medical Kit
- Store food and water to last three to seven days. Also, consider your pets' needs.
- Seven days of medication and medical supplies. If anyone in your family needs refrigeration of medicines like insulin or any power device for their medical needs, then arranging ice blocks, coolers, or battery banks is also essential.
- Have multiple copies of your health insurance and other documents.
- Always make it a point to learn about first aid and CPR.
3. An Emergency Kit
- A radio for alerts and authorities communication.
- Batteries for critical equipment.
- Flashlights
- Season-appropriate blankets and clothing
- Cash supplies
- Dry food items
4. Prepare Your Home.
Preparing your home to withstand the weather challenges and hurricanes in Florida is also critical. It is essential for your safety and also to control the financial damage.
- Cut branches and fragile trees that could fall.
- Remove lawn furniture, grills, building materials, propane tanks, bikes, etc., from the yard and bring them inside. Actually, everything that can blow around should be taken inside.
Use storm shutters or plywood to cover the windows and doors to avoid shattered glass.
5. Get your car ready.
In evacuation, you need a sturdy car with critical kits to run away in minutes.
- Fill your car gas tank.
- Keep your emergency and medical kits in the car.
- Keep car documents handy.
Jackery Solar Generators for Emergencies
As discussed above, certain things need a stable power supply, like medical equipment; some medicines might need refrigeration. Communication equipment, including radios, phones, and GPS, needs power charging. Then, you also need light. A Jackery solar generator is a portable and reliable power source for home emergencies and power requirements on the go. The lightweight and compact solar generators are available in various sizes, starting from the smallest 240 Wh to 24+ kWh of power.
We recommend Jackery solar generators 3000 Pro, 2000 Plus, and 2000 Plus Kit-4kWh. These solar generators are big enough to power 99% of your home appliances in case of power outages. You can power your refrigerator, air conditioner, space heater, and many other appliances.
The Jackery solar generator comes with high safety protocols. Its 30dB noise level is almost library-level noise, so it can be used indoors easily. Then, it has a fully updated battery management system. You can operate and manage the generator with intelligent APP control.
Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro
Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro has a large capacity of 3024Wh and a massive 3000W power output. It is highly recommended for indoor power supply thanks to its updated Battery Management System that provides 12 layers of protection against short circuits and overvoltage. Also, the noise level is only 30- 55dB noise rating, which is like library-level noise. With no noise, no gas emissions or heat dissipation, and high safety standards, the Jackery solar generator 3000 Pro is your best friend during hurricanes in Florida when power outages can happen for long hours.
The Jackery solar generators have multiple output ports, including A.C., D.C., and USB ports, so that you can attach multiple devices simultaneously.
The following table summarizes the working time of different appliances.
|
Appliance |
Working Time |
|
Refrigerator(520W) |
5 H |
|
TV(60W) |
35 H |
|
Light(5W) |
220 H |
|
Heater(1800W) |
2.2 H |
|
Microwave(960W) |
2.2 H |
|
Electric grill(850W) |
2.4 H |
Customer Review:
"I live in an apartment without a balcony or fireplace. That means if the power goes out, we have no heat or T.V., internet, or the ability to cook. This fantastic unit solves all my problems. It charges fast on wall current, so it is always ready for a disaster. ” - Steven Moeller.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
The Solar Generator 2000 Plus has an expandable capacity, which means it starts with a basic 2kWh capacity and can go up to 24kWh by adding a battery pack and solar panels. Its capacity is good enough for emergency home backup, camping, and off-grid living. You can power up to 18 devices simultaneously using multiple A.C., DC, and USB connections.
The solar generator 2000 plus can also support large home appliances, including a heat pump, portable air conditioner, air fryer, electric oven, and kettle. The expanded 24 kWh setup supports two weeks of home backup.
The following table summarizes the working hours of different devices on fully charged Jackery 2000 Plus.
|
Appliances |
Working Time |
|
Portable Air Conditioner(1150W) |
1.9 H |
|
Microwave(1050W) |
1.5 H |
|
Kettle(850W) |
1.9 H |
|
Coffee Maker(550W) |
2.8 H |
|
Drone(90W) |
45 Times |
|
Electric Oven(800W) |
2.1 H |
Customer Review:
"We bought this mainly to cope with power outages. We live on a farm, and when the power goes out, our household pressure pump doesn't work, so we lose water as well - something we've put up with for decades. After much research, I settled on the 2000 Plus because of its 3000w/6000w surge specification. It works. Fantastic. Our pump has a rated draw of 550w @ 230v, but a "locked rotor" draw of 2800w." - Mark from Tasmania.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit - 4kWh
The Solar Generator 2000 Plus (4kWh) comes with a mega 4 kWh expandable capacity. You can expand the capacity to 24 kWh by adding battery packs. It is ideal for off-grid living and long power blackouts, like hurricanes in Florida. It takes only 4 hours for a full recharge and can also be charged through a wall outlet or a carport.
The following table summarizes the working time of different appliances.
|
Appliances |
Working Time |
|
Portable Air Conditioner(1150W) |
3.8 H |
|
Microwave(1050W) |
3 H |
|
Kettle(850W) |
3.8 H |
|
Coffee Maker(550W) |
5.6 H |
|
Drone(90W) |
90 Times |
|
Electric Oven(800W) |
4.2 H |
Customer Review:
“A great addition. This is absolutely a great addition to the 2000 Plus. I mainly have this for power outages, but I will use it on the occasional camping trip. I will probably buy an additional pack to make my supply 6k." - Mark Watkins
What To Do During & After A Hurricane
What to Do During a Hurricane?
When you are directed by the authorities to evacuate or feel it is not safe anymore to live in the house, it is better to leave as soon as possible. Even if your area is secure enough to stay in Hurricane Florida, please follow the below guidelines.
- Keep updated on storm updates, information, and instructions from authorities by using a portable radio.
- Stay away from windows, skylights, and glass doors.
- Always make sure that the storm has passed the area before going out. In many hurricanes in Florida,the eye of the storm goes to a temporary lull while the high winds are still approaching.
- User portable generators for essential power supply.
What to Do After a Hurricane?
When the authorities confirm that the storm has passed and it is safe to go outdoors, you should go out and assess the damage to your house. If you evacuated, you can return home after confirmation.
- Do not touch water, water puddles, or anything in contact with power lines.
- Secure the windows with broken glass or other damage to avoid further weather effects or vandalism.
- Check gas lines for leaks before using.
- Keep records of your expenses on temporary repairs, while the permanent repairs can wait till professional inspection.
- If your property looks unsafe due to storm damage, contact your insurance company to discuss finding temporary accommodations.
Florida Hurricane FAQs
1. What size of solar generator do I need for an emergency?
The size of the solar generator you need for an emergency depends on the number of appliances and their power wattages. You will need to calculate the number of watts of power you need by adding up the wattages of your appliances.
Working time = capacity of the generator x 0.85 / running watts of all your devices
Working time of a 800 watts on 3000 Pro = 3024 * 0.85 / 800 = 3.2 Hours
2. Is there a hurricane coming to Florida right now?
The current update on hurricanes Florida is available at
Atlantic 7-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook
3. What part of Florida gets hit the most by hurricanes?
In 2024, Southeast Florida, from West Palm Beach down to Miami and the Keys, will be more vulnerable to hurricanes. Florida's Panhandle is also at risk.
4. What part of Florida is safest from hurricanes?
The safest parts of Florida are Central Florida, like Orlando; Northeast Florida, like Palatka; Central West Florida, including Tampa; and North Central Florida, including Gainesville.
5. Is Orlando safe from hurricanes?
Orlando is one of the safest cities in Florida from hurricanes. Its location inland helps to reduce the impact of storm surges and strong winds that can occur when a storm reaches the coast.
Final Thoughts
Hurricanes in Florida are not uncommon; these hurricanes can be deadly and destructive. In the past years, we have learned that the best plan to face such challenging weather is to be prepared for all three stages of storms, including approach, arrival, and aftermath. We have discussed what to include in your health and emergency kits, how to prepare your house when to evacuate, and how to proceed after the storm has passed. A stable power supply is critical for survival, so we recommend portable, safe, and reliable Jackery solar power generators for home backup and power supply while moving.
Leave a comment