The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 until November 30. Florida is within a naturally occurring path known as Hurricane Alley. By knowing your vulnerability and how to prepare, you can reduce the impact a hurricane may have on you, your family, and your business. Pre-season forecasts can estimate how many storms may develop within a given season, but they cannot predict where storms will make landfall. Remember…It only takes one!

Important Terms to Know

The National Hurricane Center will issue Tropical Storm and Hurricane Watches and Warnings when these conditions are expected along a specific coastal area.

• Tropical Storm Watch
  An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified coastal area within 48 hours.

• Tropical Storm Warning
  An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected within the specified coastal area within 36 hours.

• Hurricane Watch
  An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible somewhere within the specified coastal area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

• Hurricane Warning
  An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified coastal area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.