Florida is known for its sunny beaches, warm temperatures, and tropical climate, but it’s also prone to severe weather events that can strike at any time of the year.
From hurricanes and tropical storms to winter weather, tornadoes, hail storms, and flooding, residents and visitors in Florida need to be prepared for any storm that comes their way.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the severe weather events that occur in Florida and what you can do to stay safe.
Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
Hurricanes and tropical storms are perhaps the most well-known severe weather events in Florida. These storms can bring high winds, heavy rain, storm surge, and flooding, and they can cause significant damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
Hurricane season in Florida typically runs from June to November, with the peak hurricane season occurring in August and September.
To prepare for hurricanes and tropical storms, it’s essential to:
- Stay informed about weather forecasts and warnings
- Create an emergency plan for your household
- Secure your home and property
- Stock up on essential supplies
- Know your evacuation zone and be prepared to evacuate
- Review your insurance coverage for wind and flood damage
- Consider the needs of vulnerable populations in your household
- Stay informed during the storm and take precautions indoors
- After the storm, check your home for damage and report it to your insurance company
Lightning
Florida is known as the lightning capital of the United States, with more lightning strikes than any other state.
Lightning can pose a significant safety risk, causing fires, power outages, and injury or death to people who are struck by lightning.
To protect yourself from lightning, it’s important to stay indoors during a thunderstorm and to avoid using electronics or plumbing, which can conduct electricity.
If you’re outside during a thunderstorm, seek shelter in a building or a vehicle with a metal roof.
Tornadoes
While tornadoes are more commonly associated with the Midwest and Great Plains, they can also occur in Florida. Tornadoes can develop quickly and can cause significant damage to homes and businesses.
To prepare for a tornado in Florida, it’s vital to have an emergency plan and to be familiar with the signs of a tornado. These are as follows:
- Dark, rotating clouds
- Loud, roaring noise
- Debris being carried by the storm
- Large hailstones
- The calm before the storm
- Greenish tint to the sky
If a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter in a sturdy building and stay away from windows.
Winter Weather
While Florida is known for its warm temperatures, it can experience freezing temperatures and even snow and ice during winter. In January 2018, a rare snowstorm hit Florida, causing power outages and road closures.
To prepare for winter weather in Florida, it’s essential to have warm clothing and blankets on hand and a supply of non-perishable food and water in case of power outages. It’s also important to bring pets indoors and to take steps to protect pipes and other outdoor infrastructure from freezing temperatures.
Hail Storms
Hail storms can occur in Florida throughout the year but are most common in the spring and summer months. Hail can cause damage to cars, homes, and other property and can also pose a safety risk to people caught outside during a storm.
Staying indoors and away from windows is essential to protect yourself during a hail storm. If you’re driving, try to find a safe place to pull over and park until the storm has passed.
Flooding
Finally, flooding can occur in Florida due to heavy rainfall, storm surge, and other factors.
Flooding can cause damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure and can also pose a safety risk to people who are caught in floodwaters.
To prepare for flooding in Florida, it’s important to stay informed about weather forecasts and to create an emergency plan.
If you live in a flood-prone area, consider purchasing flood insurance and taking steps to ensure your property is protected from flood damage, such as elevating your home or installing flood barriers.
During a flood, stay informed about evacuation orders and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
Avoid driving through flooded roads or walkways, as the water may be deeper or moving faster than it appears.
After a flood, be cautious when returning to your home or business, as floodwaters can cause structural damage and create hazards such as mold and debris.
Being prepared for all types of severe weather in Florida
Severe weather events can occur in Florida at any time of the year, from hurricanes and tropical storms to winter weather, tornadoes, hail storms, lightning, flooding, and thunderstorms.
By being prepared and staying informed about weather conditions, residents and visitors in Florida can help keep themselves and their loved ones safe during severe weather events.
