2024 Hurricane Season updates
Post holds community forum with hurricane and emergency experts ahead of storm season
The Palm Beach Post convened a panel of emergency managers and hurricane experts to discuss their concerns about the season, what residents should do ahead of a storm, when to evacuate, and what to expect after the storm. Read more
Forecasts all point to a busy season with La Niña and warm ocean temps
There are signs that the Bermuda High may be in a different position this year, meaning more storms could reach the U.S. Read more
Hurricane track forecasts have hit a wall but new modeling may give them a boost
Decades of improvements in forecasting the track of a tropical cyclone have led to a skinnier and more precise hurricane cone but this year will see no further refinement. Read more
Rapid intensification forecasts improve, and then there was Otis
Four tropical horrors rippling with Category 5 fury have made landfall in the United States, killing hundreds of people and causing billions of dollars in damage. All of them — the 1935 Labor Day hurricane, Camille in 1969, 1992’s Andrew and 2018’s Michael — were wispy tropical storms just three days ahead of reaching the coast, swirls of clouds and ocean froth with often underestimated intent. Read more
More than 1 million new Florida residents may not understand storm prep
With more than 1 million new residents moving to the Sunshine State between 2020 and 2023, emergency managers do worry that a lack of awareness about preparing for, and weathering hurricane season, could mean anything from limited discomfort when the lights go out to death in a roaring storm surge. Read more
Your 2024 hurricane guide
Tips for starting a storm supply list
Assemble these items now. Put aside in a special box. Keep heat-sensitive items inside the home and rotate stock throughout season. Read more
What you should do to protect your home during a hurricane
Get shutters, storm panels or plywood in place on windows. If you haven’t installed sockets, attach with wood screws; they’re better than nails and do less damage. Don’t tape windows; tape can create daggers of glass and bake onto panes. Read more
Make sure you have safely installed shutters, tips on maintenance
Shutter orders and backlogs rise near the height of storm season. So the time to choose your coverings, if you haven’t already, is now. The least expensive option is plywood. Read more
Know your Florida homeowners insurance policy before a storm hits
Aside from the obvious ways to physically prepare your home for any expected damage — boarding up windows, using sandbags, securing patio furniture, etc. — there is an often-overlooked hurricane prep step that could save you money. Familiarizing yourself with a few key things in your home and flood insurance policies will help you understand what costs you are responsible for covering should your home be damaged. Read more
How to prepare your trees and yard before a storm in Florida
Trim trees before storms threaten. Many municipalities have “amnesty” weeks before storm season, when you can deposit more than the allowable limit of yard debris . Take in all garden furniture, grills, tiki torches and other outdoor items. (Do not sink furniture in swimming pool.) Read more
What to do with your boat in Florida if a storm approaches
Don’t consider staying on your boat. Make arrangements now for how you will store your boat. Studies show boats stored ashore are more likely to survive than those in the water. Try to store boats above the anticipated storm surge level. Storing on high-rise racks is high-risk. Read more
Important numbers to call, websites to access during hurricane season
From numbers for emergency managers to numbers for seniors, here's a list of numbers to call for assistance before, during and after a hurricane. Read more
Know your evacuation zone and when it's time to evacuate
If a major storm threatens, it could take days to evacuate some areas, especially if the storm is forecast to run parallel along the east or west coast of the Peninsula, hitting several major cities. Read more
Tips on Palm Beach County public transportation during a storm
Transit service ends when sustained winds near tropical storm force (38 mph) as the hurricane approaches. The airport terminal will close when airlines determine it is no longer safe to fly. Airlines will stop travel into the region when a warning of sustained winds reaching 40 mph to 50 mph has been issued. Read more
Best tips on how to keep your pets safe during a storm
Do not leave pets at home, especially if you live in an evacuation area. Even if they survive the storm, they might flee a damaged home and be lost in the chaos. Or they could be trapped inside without food, water or supervision. Read more
Safety tips for navigating around your neighborhood after storm
DON’T TOUCH POWER LINES. Watch for downed lines. Consider every power line energized. Call 911 or FPL at (800) 4-OUTAGE to report fallen power lines that present a clear danger to you or others. Do not attempt to touch any electrical power lines and keep your family away from them. Read more
