Hurricane Season in Florida: Everything You Need to Know
Florida is known for its beautiful beaches and warm weather, but it is also notorious for being the hurricane capital of the United States. With over 121 hurricanes hitting the state since 1851, it is crucial for Florida residents to be aware of how to prepare for hurricane season. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about hurricane season in Florida, including what month has the most hurricanes, where hurricanes hit the most, how to prepare, insurance considerations, and more.
H1: What Month Has the Most Hurricanes in Florida?
August and September: Peak Months for Hurricane Season
Florida’s hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30 every year, but the most active months for tropical storms are August and September. This is due to the equatorial Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico waters being warm enough to support the development of tropical waves. According to Tropical Storm Risk, the 2023 hurricane season is predicted to be 15% below the 30-year norm, with around 13 named storms, 6 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes.
H1: Where Do Hurricanes Hit the Most in Florida?
Monroe County and Miami-Dade County: Most Hurricane-Prone Areas
Monroe County on the southwestern tip of Florida has experienced the most hurricanes in Florida, followed by Miami-Dade and Broward Counties to the east. Hurricane Irma in 2017 resulted in widespread flooding in the Miami-Dade county area, with four to six feet of water. While areas such as Tampa, Jacksonville, and the Big Bend do not have as high of a risk of a direct strike from a hurricane, they are still susceptible to a landfall each year. The midwestern coast of the state experiences the least number of hurricanes.
H1: How to Prepare for Hurricane Season in Florida
Before the Storm
Create an Emergency Plan
It is important to have an emergency plan in place before hurricane season starts. This plan should include evacuation routes, a list of emergency contacts, and instructions for turning off utilities.
Create an Emergency Kit
Emergency kits should include basic necessities like food, water, first aid supplies, and medications. Don’t forget to include supplies for your pets, as well.
Store Important Documents Safely
Keep important documents like insurance policies, identification, and financial records in a waterproof container and create digital copies in case of damage or loss.
Sign Up for Emergency Alerts
Subscribe to community or county emergency alerts to receive storm updates and warnings.
Know Your Home’s Flood Risk
Flood insurance is essential in Florida, as it’s not covered by standard homeowners insurance. Make sure to understand your home’s flood risk and purchase flood insurance if necessary.
During the Storm
Stay Informed
Follow weather alerts to stay updated on the storm’s trajectory and potential impact in your area.
Stay Safe
Stay clear of areas impacted by hurricane winds and flooding, and reach out for disaster assistance or find a shelter in your area.
Check Road Conditions
During a flood, check the status of road conditions with Florida 511 to ensure safe travel.
After the Storm
Listen to Local Officials
Wait for local officials to declare it safe to return home after a storm hits.
Document Property Damage
Take photos and videos of any damages to your property for insurance purposes.
Filing an Insurance Claim
If your home is damaged, file a claim with your insurance provider, making sure to include all necessary documents and photos.
H1: Insurance Considerations for Hurricane Season in Florida
Hurricane Deductibles
In Florida, insurers typically give you the option of a 2%, 5%, or 10% deductible. Hurricane deductibles are activated once an official hurricane watch or warning has been issued by the National Weather Service. Be prepared for a separate deductible for hurricane wind damage on top of your standard homeowners insurance deductible.
H1: FAQs
1. How do hurricanes form?
A hurricane usually starts out as a small weather disturbance, like a tropical wave. The weather disturbance must travel over warm, deep water of 80°F or higher and 150 feet or deeper. This is why hurricanes normally form and grow over the ocean rather than on land masses.
2. What is a hurricane deductible?
Unlike standard deductibles, hurricane deductibles are set at a percentage amount. In Florida, insurers typically give you the option of a 2%, 5%, or 10% deductible. Hurricane deductibles are activated once an official hurricane watch or warning has been issued by the National Weather service.
3. What should I do to prepare for hurricane season?
Plan an emergency kit, have an evacuation plan, store important documents in waterproof containers, subscribe to emergency alerts, and purchase flood insurance.
4. Where do hurricanes hit the most in Florida?
Monroe County on the southwestern tip of Florida has experienced the most hurricanes in Florida, followed by Miami-Dade and Broward Counties to the east.
5. What should I do after a hurricane hits?
Wait for local officials to declare it safe to return home, document any property damage, and file an insurance claim.
Conclusion
Florida’s hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30 every year, with August and September being the most active months for tropical storms. Monroe County and Miami-Dade County have experienced the most hurricanes in the state. To prepare for hurricane season, create an emergency plan, have an evacuation route, store important documents safely, subscribe to emergency alerts, and purchase flood insurance. After a hurricane hits, wait for local officials to declare it safe to return home, document any property damage, and file an insurance claim.
