06/19/2023

Hurricane Season - June-November

Hurricane Season is June 1st - November 30th.

A sign that says Hurricane Season. A dark, stormy beach is in the background.

To create your online Family Disaster Plan, go to FloridaDisaster.org.

For more Hurricane/Disaster Preparedness resources, please click here.

What is a Hurricane?
A hurricane is a low-pressure system that generally forms in tropical waters. Hurricanes are often accompanied by powerful thunderstorms, heavy rain, strong winds, storm surge, and tornadoes.

Tropical systems are classified by wind speed in the following categories:

Tropical Depression: An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with defined center of 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 winds of 39-73 mph.

Hurricane: An intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with a well-defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or greater.

The Difference Between a Watch and a Warning
Tropical Storm Watch: Tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible in the specified coastal area within 48 hours.

Tropical Storm Warning: Tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected somewhere in the specified coastal area within 36 hours.

Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are possible within the specified coastal area, but tropical storm-force winds may reach the coast within 48 hours.

Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the specified coastal area, but tropical storm-force winds will arrive in less than 36 hours.