When and Where Do Hurricanes Hit Florida? 2023 Guide
Florida is one of the states in the United States that is most susceptible to hurricanes. The state has a long hurricane season that lasts from 1st June to 30th November. Past history shows that Florida has seen a considerable number of hurricanes that range through all categories of intensities. It is therefore essential for Florida residents to be well-prepared in advance for the hurricane season.
What Month Does Florida Have The Most Hurricanes?
Although hurricanes can strike at any point during hurricane season, the peak of the season occurs mid-August through late October. This typically accounts for the majority of hurricanes that hit Florida. The official peak of the hurricane season is on 10th September.
Which Are The Most Affected Areas Of Florida?
The southwestern Monroe County has experienced more hurricanes than any other Florida county, followed by the Miami-Dade and Broward Counties to the east. The southeastern coastline is at the highest risk of a land-falling hurricane, followed the panhandle. Other areas such as Tampa, Jacksonville, and the Big Bend face a lower risk of a direct strike but are still at risk of experiencing a landfall every year.
What Are The Categories of Hurricanes?
A tropical depression occurs when the maximum one-minute sustained surface wind is 33 knots or less. It becomes a tropical storm when the maximum one-minute sustained surface wind ranges from 34 to 63 knots inclusive. A hurricane is defined as a tropical cyclone with the maximum one-minute sustained surface wind at 64 knots or greater. A major hurricane is a hurricane that reaches category three or higher on the Saffir/Simpson Hurricane Scale.
What Is The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale?
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale was devised by wind engineer Herb Saffir and meteorologist Bob Simpson. The scale categorizes a hurricane based on its intensity using a measurement of wind velocity, central pressure, and height of storm surge. Based on the criteria, storms can fall within categories one to five, with the latter having the strongest winds of 157 mph or more. The National Hurricane Center adapted a newer version of the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale in 2010, which uses only peak winds to categorize a hurricane.
What is the Predicted 2023 Hurricane Season?
Tropical Storm Risk (TSR) forecasts that the 2023 hurricane season might have around 13 named storms, with about six of them becoming hurricanes with winds speeds of 74 mph or more. Three of the hurricanes could potentially be major hurricanes with wind speeds of 111 mph or higher.
What Insurance Should Residents Consider?
Florida homeowners should consider purchasing extra insurance cover for areas where the standard coverage falls short. The state has a separate hurricane deductible. If a policyholder files a claim for hurricane wind damage, the insurer usually requires a separate deductible payment. Hurricane deductibles are typically set at a percentage amount, with options ranging between 2%, 5%, or 10% in Florida.
How to Prepare for Hurricane Seasons in Florida
Before the storm
- Develop a plan for you and your family.
- Create an emergency kit that includes basic necessities.
- Store essential documents in a waterproof container.
- Sign up for community or county emergency storm alerts.
- Be aware of your property’s flood risk.
- Purchase flood insurance – homeowner’s insurance does not cover flooding.
- Plan an evacuation route.
During the storm
- Follow weather alerts from the National Weather Service.
- Stay away from areas affected by the hurricane’s winds and flooding.
- Find a shelter or contact disaster assistance in your area.
- Check road conditions during floods on Florida 511.
After the storm
- Listen to the local media for instructions on when it is safe to return to your home.
- Wear protective clothing when cleaning up your property to avoid health risks.
- Filing a claim for wind or water damage with your coastal home insurance or flood insurance provider.
- Document any property damage, including taking videos and photos.
Conclusion
Florida residents should always be well-prepared for the annual hurricane season, which runs from 1st June to 30th November. A majority of the hurricanes that hit the state peak between mid-August and late October. The preparation process should include developing a plan for you and your family, creating an emergency kit, storing essential documents safely, and signing up for community or county emergency storm alerts. Purchase flood insurance to cover any hurricane-related flooding, and plan an evacuation route. After the storm, listen to local media for instructions on when it is safe to return home, wear protective clothing, if cleaning up debris from your property, and document any property damage.
FAQs
1. What are the average number of hurricanes affecting Florida every year?
The average number of hurricanes that hit Florida in a year ranges from 3 to 7. However, the 2023 hurricane season could have around 13 named storms, with around 6 of them becoming hurricanes, and possibly 3 being major hurricanes with wind speeds of 111 mph and above.
2. Does my homeowner’s insurance cover hurricane damage?
Your standard homeowner’s insurance policy may not provide adequate coverage for hurricane damage. In most cases, you will need to purchase additional insurance coverage to cover the damages fully. Consult your insurance provider to know more about the extent of your policy coverage.
3. How do I file a claim for hurricane damage to my home or business?
You should contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report any damages that your property has suffered. Take videos and photos of the property damage and document the damages done. Your insurance company may send an adjuster to assess the damages, and your claim will then be processed.
4. When is the storm officially categorized as a hurricane?
According to the National Weather Service, a storm is officially classified as a hurricane when the maximum one-minute sustained surface wind reaches 64 knots or more.
5. Does homeowner’s insurance cover flooding?
No, homeowner’s insurance does not cover flooding. You will need to purchase flood insurance to cover hurricane-related flooding.
