Hurricane Resource Hub

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Hurricane Preparation Resources Around the Region

What Are The Hurricane Hazards?

  • Storm surge – A hurricane can produce destructive storm surge, which is water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds. This advancing surge combines with the normal tides to inundate normally dry land in feet of water. The stronger the storm, the higher the storm surge.
  • Inland flooding – In the last 30 years, inland flooding has been responsible for more than half the deaths associated with tropical cyclones in the United States.
  • High winds – Hurricane-force winds can destroy poorly constructed buildings and mobile homes. Debris such as signs, roofing material, and small items left outside become flying missiles in hurricanes.
  • Tornadoes – Hurricanes can produce tornadoes that add to the storm’s destructive power. Tornadoes are most likely to occur in the right-front quadrant of the hurricane.
Florida Division of Emergency Management

Storm Tracking Tools

Live Storm Tracking

Use this map to track the storm live

Tweets by FL Division of Emergency Management

Follow them to have the most up-to-date news

National Hurricane Center News

Visit their website and stay informed

County Resources

Citrus County Emergency Management
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Hernando County Emergency Management
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Hillsborough County Emergency Management
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Manatee County Emergency Management
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Pasco County Emergency Management
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Pinellas County Emergency Management
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Citrus County Emergency Management
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Hernando County Emergency Management
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Hillsborough County Emergency Management
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Manatee County Emergency Management
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Pasco County Emergency Management
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Pinellas County Emergency Management
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hurricane Preparation

When a Hurricane Watch is issued, it means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area. The hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. This watch should trigger your family’s disaster plan, and proactive measures should be initiated especially those actions that require extra time such as securing a boat, leaving a barrier island, etc.

When a Hurricane Warning is issued, it means that hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area. The hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. Once this warning has been issued, your family should be in the process of completing proactive actions and deciding the safest location to be during the storm.

  • Have a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio and battery backup to receive important weather and other emergency-related warnings.
  • Build a disaster supply kit and have a family and/or business plan. Remember to also have a plan for pets.
  • Before, During and After a Hurricane
  • Evacuating Yourself and Your Family
  • Determine if your home is in a storm surge evacuation zone. If so, learn what needs to be done if you evacuate or stay when a storm is moving toward your area.
  • Mitigate Hurricane Damages
  • Learn how to prepare your home from wind damage before a storm threatens your area.
  • Consider insuring your home or business from flood loss.
  • Make sure that all other aspects of your home are as protected from hurricanes as possible.

Download our Disaster Planning Guide for more information.

If a storm is approaching, there are two paths to consider. Download our Evacuate or Stay info sheet. Follow your City and County’s social media for the most up-to-date information.

The safety of your family’s animals depends on you, especially in an emergency. During severe weather or other emergency situations, if it is unsafe for you to stay in your home, it is also unsafe for your animals. Do not leave your animals behind or use them as an excuse not to evacuate.

Download our Keeping Animals Safe info sheet.

The time to think about disaster preparedness is now. In some cases, this may require a change in mindset, since small business owners are often preoccupied worrying about immediate challenges and it can be hard to think of longer-term possibilities. Being prepared will make your business more resilient when a storm arrives.

Download our Business Preparedness info sheet.

After a disaster, you may be without power and many of the services you rely on, including water, sewer, phone, cell phone, businesses, etc. Immediate response may not be possible, so you must prepare to be self-reliant for at least 7 days after the storm.

Download our What to Expect After a Storm info sheet. 

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