In Florida, serene landscapes are disrupted by severe weather, highlighting the critical need for preparedness. This article underscores the importance of protecting lives, property, and the state’s unique way of life. Join us as we explore the significance of proactive measures amid the stormy terrains of Florida.
Lightning
Lightning stands out as one of the deadliest and most capricious weather phenomena. Every thunderstorm carries the potential for lightning strikes, posing a threat to individuals, trees, and objects on the ground or in the air. Florida, consistently leading the nation in lightning strikes, recorded over 14 million instances in 2021, earning the state the top spot for lightning strikes per square mile on average.
- Stay Informed: Be vigilant about approaching storms and seek refuge in an enclosed structure immediately upon hearing thunder.
- Mind Outdoor Activities: Recognize that not only water activities but also open areas like sports fields or outdoor work can be hazardous during storms.
- Avoid Trees: Refrain from seeking shelter under trees, as they attract lightning.
- Indoor Safety: Even within enclosed structures, steer clear of windows and refrain from using corded electrical devices or running water during a lightning storm.
- Vehicle Shelter: If an enclosed building is inaccessible, a vehicle with a hard-topped roof becomes the next best option for protection against lightning strikes.
Rip Currents
Florida’s alluring beaches draw millions of residents and tourists annually, yet beneath their inviting surface lies a natural phenomenon that demands caution—rip currents. These swift channels of water moving away from the shore have been implicated in over 300 drownings along Florida’s Gulf and Atlantic beaches since 1995. Common year-round, rip currents often form at breaks in nearshore sandbars or near structures like jetties and piers, posing a risk by pulling unsuspecting swimmers into deeper offshore waters.
- Check Forecasts: Consult the National Weather Service forecast for surf zones and coastal waters to gauge the rip current risk.
- Lifeguard Awareness: Seek information from lifeguards about existing water conditions if available.
- Watch for Flags and Signs: Be alert for warning flags or signs, especially on beaches without lifeguards.
- Recognize Signs: Look for visual cues such as a channel of churning water, a difference in water color, a line of seaward-moving foam, or an offshore area of murky water, indicating potential rip currents.
- Stay Calm in a Rip Current: If caught, avoid panic and don’t fight the current. Swim parallel to the shoreline, either to the left or right, to escape its pull.
Thunderstorms and Tornadoes
Florida, renowned for its sunshine, also experiences a notable frequency of thunderstorms, averaging over 70 days per year and reaching up to 80-100 days along the Gulf Coast. The Storm Prediction Center issues Convective Outlooks, Severe Thunderstorm, or Tornado Watches to signal potential severe weather. Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are issued for winds over 58 mph and hail larger than 1″.
- Outlook: Issued when there’s a possibility of hazardous weather or hydrologic events in the upcoming week. Outlooks aim to raise awareness about potential significant weather that could lead to situations threatening life or property.
- Advisory: Issued when hazardous weather or a hydrologic event is occurring, imminent, or likely. Advisories cover conditions less severe than warnings but can cause significant inconvenience, potentially leading to situations that may threaten life or property if caution is not exercised.
- Watch: Issued when the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has significantly increased, though its occurrence, location, or timing remains uncertain. A watch indicates that hazardous weather is possible, prompting people to develop a plan of action in case of a storm and stay alert for further information, especially when planning travel or outdoor activities.
- Warning: Issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent, or likely. A warning signifies that weather conditions pose a direct threat to life or property. Individuals in the storm’s path need to take immediate protective action.
Although not commonly associated with tornadoes, Florida ranks 5th nationally in tornado frequency and ties for 6th in fatalities, emphasizing the unforeseen threat. Tornadoes in Florida come in various shapes and sizes year-round, lasting usually less than 15 minutes but capable of causing significant damage as they traverse the ground.
In the event of a Tornado Warning:
- If your area is under a Tornado Warning, take immediate shelter.
- Seek refuge on the lowest floor in an interior hallway, closet, or small room in your home or office. Increase the number of walls between you and the outside.
- Keep away from windows and doors; use pillows to protect your head.
- Evacuate mobile homes and find a sturdier building or house.
Hurricanes and Flooding
Florida’s unique geographic location, surrounded by warm waters and closely situated to the tropics, makes it highly susceptible to weather systems from the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea. For more detailed information on hurricane preparedness, you can explore our articles on hurricanes here. Given the state’s flat terrain, flooding becomes a significant concern, with about 90% of hurricane-related fatalities resulting from drowning in storm surge or freshwater flooding. As a homeowner, taking proactive steps can help minimize flood-related losses and ensure the safety of your loved ones.
Prioritize Safety:
When flooding is imminent or occurring, your first priority should be the safety of yourself, your family, and your pets. Stay vigilant by monitoring local news and weather reports, sign up for emergency alerts, and have a communication plan ready in case of a power outage. Always follow evacuation orders if issued by authorities to ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones.
Homeowner Preparedness:
For homeowners, implementing strategic measures can significantly reduce the impact of flooding.
- Elevate and Anchor Utilities: Elevate and anchor critical utilities, including electrical panels, propane tanks, sockets, wiring, appliances, and heating systems. Securing these essentials helps prevent damage during flooding.
- Clean Debris from Gutters: Ensure the efficient flow of water by clearing debris from gutters and downspouts. This simple maintenance task prevents water accumulation, reducing the risk of flooding.
- Elevate or Move Furniture: When flooding is anticipated, take proactive steps to protect your furniture and valuables. Consider moving them to a safe location, such as the attic or the highest floor of your home, to minimize potential damage.
By incorporating these homeowner-focused measures, you enhance your property’s resilience to flooding and create a safer environment for you and your family during hurricane events. Always heed evacuation orders issued by authorities to ensure your safety in the face of severe weather.
Temperature Extremes and Wildfires
As temperature extremes pose risks to both humans and animals, with dangerous conditions arising when the heat index surpasses 105 degrees F, the potential for heat-related illnesses such as cramps, exhaustion, and heatstroke becomes significant. The National Weather Service issues Heat Advisories and Warnings when the combination of heat and humidity reaches hazardous levels, emphasizing the need for precautionary measures.
In Florida, wildfires can occur throughout the year, with peak activity typically observed from January to mid-June before the onset of more frequent rains. To mitigate wildfire risks, the National Weather Service issues Fire Weather Watches and Red Flag Warnings, alerting people and land managers to potentially hazardous burning conditions that may escalate the danger of wildfires.
For homeowners preparing for wildfires:
- Clear roofs and gutters of debris to reduce the risk of embers catching fire.
- Address loose or missing roofing materials to prevent ember penetration.
- Clean debris from attic vents and install metal mesh screening to reduce embers.
- Repair damaged window screens and broken windows.
- Use wire mesh to screen or box-in areas under patios and decks to prevent debris accumulation.
- Keep flammable materials away from exterior walls, including mulch, plants, leaves, needles, and firewood piles.
- Remove stored items underneath decks or porches.
Sources
https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/swaw/
https://www.nfpa.org/en/education-and-research/wildfire/preparing-homes-for-wildfire