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Florida Hazards Watch - Hurricanes
View the latest tropical information from the National Hurricane Center. Please click on the images above to update.
What Are The Hurricane Hazards?
STORM SURGE - A hurricane can produce destructive storm surge, which is water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the storm. This advancing surge combines with the normal tides to create the hurricane storm tide, which can increase the mean water level 15 feet or more.
- INLAND FLOODING - In the last 30 years, inland flooding has been responsible for more than half the deaths associated with tropical cyclones in the United States.
- HIGH WINDS - Hurricane-force winds can destroy poorly constructed buildings and mobile homes. Debris such as signs, roofing material, and small items left outside become flying missiles in hurricanes.
- TORNADOES - Hurricanes can produce tornadoes that add to the storm's destructive power. Tornadoes are most likely to occur in the right-front quadrant of the hurricane.
Graphical Hurricane Local Statement: Issued by local National Weather Service offices to provide more specific information about potential impacts of a tropical storm or hurricane on a particular area. View your Hurricane Local Statement from the National Weather Service at http://www.weather.gov/ghls/.
What Should I Do When A Watch or Warning Is Issued?
When a HURRICANE WATCH is issued for your part of the coast, it means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area. The hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. This watch should trigger your family's disaster plan, and proactive measures should be initiated especially those actions that require extra time such as securing a boat, leaving a barrier island, etc.
When a HURRICANE WARNING is issued for your part of the coast, it means that hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area. The hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. Once this warning has been issued, your family should be in the process of completing proactive actions and deciding the safest location to be during the storm.
What Actions Should You Take To Be Prepared?
Have a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio and battery
backup to receive important weather and other emergency-related warnings. With a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio, you can monitor current weather conditions and forecasts for your local area. These radios also have an alert feature which will sound an alarm - followed by important weather information - whenever a watch or warning is issued for your area.
- Build a disaster supply kit and have a family and/or business plan. Remember to also have a plan for pets.
- Locate or build a Safe Room in the interior of your home or business that can help provide protection for you and your family or your employees. This room should be located away from all windows and exterior walls and doors.
- Determine if your home is in a storm surge evacuation zone. If so, learn what needs to be done if you evacuate or stay when a storm is moving toward your area.
- Learn how to prepare your home from wind damage before a storm threatens your area.
- Consider insuring your home or business from flood loss.
- Make sure that all other aspects of your home are as protected from hurricanes as possible.
- Get many more facts about hurricanes and hurricane safety from the National Hurricane Center and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Learn What to Do
- Before, During and After a Hurricane
- Evacuating Yourself and Your Family
- Make a Plan
- Build a Kit
- Mitigate Hurricane Damages
Hurricane Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is Hurricane Season?
June 1 - November 30
What Is A Hurricane?
A hurricane is a tropical cyclone, which generally forms in the tropics and is accompanied by thunderstorms and a counterclockwise circulation of winds. Tropical cyclones are classified as follows:
TROPICAL DEPRESSION
An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds* of 38 mph or less
TROPICAL STORM
An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39-73 mph
HURRICANE
An intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with a well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or higher
Update:
April 18, 2013 14:27
