With Hurricane Milton being one of the fastest-growing hurricanes since Wilma in 2005, the need for preparedness was never more urgent. This Category 3 storm slammed Florida’s Gulf Coast with torrential rain and 120 mph winds, submerging and devastating whole neighborhoods. Tragically, 24 lives were lost, and entire communities were left grappling with the aftermath. As rescue teams pulled residents from flooded homes and assisted living facilities, the satellite images of flooded homes near Siesta Key and Tampa were a stark reminder: hurricanes are unpredictable and dangerous. The good news is that hurricane preparedness can significantly increase your family’s safety during such events. Taking the right precautions and knowing what steps to take before, during, and after the storm can save lives and protect property. Below is a hurricane preparedness checklist to help you get ready for future storms like Hurricane Milton. Keep your family safe by starting your preparations now! What is the Latest Update on Hurricane Milton? As Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key on October 9, 2024, it became one of the most damaging storms to hit Florida’s Gulf Coast in recent years. Residents in the Tampa area saw their homes submerged, with floodwaters creeping into …
Hurricane Preparedness Week: Are You Ready for the Next Florida Storm?
As Florida gears up for another hurricane season, the importance of Hurricane Preparedness Week, which runs from May 5-11, cannot be overstated. With memories of past storms like Hurricane Idalia and Hurricane Ian still fresh, this week serves as a crucial reminder of the need to be ready. These reminders underscore the critical importance of readiness, regardless of whether you reside inland or along the coastline. Hurricane Preparedness Is Critical for the Busy 2024 Season As the calendar inches closer to June 1st, marking the commencement of the 2024 Hurricane Season, the urgency for preparedness grows exponentially. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Hurricane Center are issuing repeated warnings, underlining the gravity of the situation. National Hurricane Preparedness Week stands as a reminder, urging individuals and communities to take proactive measures to safeguard lives and property. Reflecting on the harsh lessons learned from past hurricanes, such as the unforgettable impacts of Hurricane Idalia and Hurricane Ian, the imperative for preparedness becomes abundantly clear. The devastation wrought by these storms left indelible scars—communities ravaged by storm surges, neighborhoods submerged in floodwaters, and landscapes scarred by relentless winds. The images of destruction serve as a stark reminder of …
When Is Peak Hurricane Season? For Florida, It’s Here
“When is peak hurricane season?” This question looms large for the residents of Florida. It’s a time of heightened vigilance, preparation, and resilience. The Sunshine State is no stranger to the fury hurricanes bring, with its extensive coastline bordering the Gulf and Atlantic Coasts, making it more susceptible to these natural disasters than any other U.S. state. In this blog, we’ll explore the critical aspects of Florida’s hurricane season, including the timing of its peak, from the crucial period between mid-August and mid-October to the essential steps you need to take to ensure the safety of your family and the protection of your property. When is Peak Hurricane Season? Florida’s hurricane season is like a crescendo, building up to a climactic peak around September 10, with the most intense activity occurring from mid-August to mid-October, as the National Hurricane Center reported. While the official hurricane season stretches from June to November, recent years have seen storms forming as early as mid-May around Florida. This warm-up period reminds Floridians to be vigilant and prepared well before the official season starts. It’s crucial to understand that Florida faces more significant hurricane risk during hurricane season than any other U.S. state. Historical data …
Will 2023 Be an Active Hurricane Season? Here’s What to Expect
As we enter the mid part of 2023, many are curious about what lies ahead regarding weather and natural disasters. One pressing question on the minds of meteorologists, researchers, and individuals residing in hurricane-prone regions is, “Will 2023 be an active hurricane season?” The anticipation and concerns surrounding the upcoming hurricane season are rooted in the previous year’s experiences and the complex interplay of various atmospheric factors. In this blog, we will explore the predictions, factors influencing the season, and steps individuals can take to stay prepared. When Is Hurricane Season 2023? The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season is rapidly approaching, set to begin on June 1 and extend until November 30. However, this season comes with a heightened level of uncertainty, as experts have identified a developing El Niño and unusually warm conditions in the Atlantic Basin as influential factors. An analysis by Weather.com highlights the abnormal warmth observed in the Gulf of Mexico, off the Southeast U.S. coast, and in the eastern Atlantic during spring. In early April, forecasters kept a close eye on the potential formation of a tropical or subtropical storm in the area, but fortunately, it dissipated without significant impact. April tropical systems are infrequent, with …
When Does Hurricane Season End?
The Florida hurricane season is a six-month period from June 1st to November 30th of each year. The peak of the season is mid-August through late October. During this time, there is an increased chance for tropical storms and hurricanes to form in the Atlantic and Caribbean Sea and then move toward Florida. Find out when does hurricane season end and what to do after it! What Contributes To The Formation Of Hurricanes During The Season? The first is the warm ocean water temperatures. These waters need at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit for a hurricane to form. The second ingredient is moist air. This air rises and condenses into thunderstorms which can turn into hurricanes. Lastly, there needs to be low wind shear. This is when the upper-level winds are at different speeds or directions than the lower-level winds. If wind shear is too high, it can prevent thunderstorms from organizing into a hurricane. During the hurricane season, it is important to be prepared. This means having a plan in place in case of evacuations, stocking up on supplies, and knowing your insurance coverage. It is also important to stay informed by following the National Hurricane Center and local news …
Hurricane Preparedness for Pets: 5 Things to Do Before the Next Storm
Watch out; a hurricane is coming for your pets! What is hurricane preparedness for pets? Hurricanes are terrifying–there’s nothing that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up like seeing the news reporting the path of a hurricane coming straight for us. So keeping your pet carrier ready to go when needed can provide some peace of mind even if you’re just on standby during a storm. Whether you have farm animals or small, cuddly furballs at home, it’s always a good idea to make sure you have backup plans for when storms are at their worst. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite hurricane prep tips for you and your furry friends! What Is Hurricane Preparedness For Pets? If you’re like most pet owners, you probably think of your furry friend as your best friend. But what if a hurricane hits your area? That’s why hurricane preparedness for pets is imperative for your pets and yourself. Whether you plan on boarding your pet or taking them where you go, ensure that they are safe and in the care of someone reputable. There are limited options for shelters that allow animals during natural disasters, so ensure your …