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Hurricane preparedness: Get moving when a storm threatens

4-when-storm-threatens
Hurricane Preparedness Week is April 30 to May 6.

When a storm is forecast to impact your area, take action immediately to be ready. Ideally, longer-term preparedness actions such as having disaster supplies and an evacuation plan will have already been done before hurricane season, when the stores are stocked and time is on your side. When a storm threatens, there’s a lot more to do.

Protect your home

While longer-term home improvement needs to be done well ahead of time, when a storm threatens there are short-term actions to help protect your property. Board up windows, secure loose outdoor items, and secure all exterior doors. Move your vehicle to a safe location if you’re not using it to evacuate. If you are evacuating, unplug electrical equipment such as radios, televisions and small appliances (freezers and refrigerators also need to be unplugged if there is a risk of flooding). If you are instructed to do so, shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving.

Determine sheltering options and consider your pets

Check with local officials to find out what shelter spaces are available. If you have pets, find a place where they can stay — most public shelters only allow service animals. In general, have multiple sheltering options, including distant ones such as a friend’s home outside of the impact area, or a motel. Depending on the circumstances, your home may need to be your shelter — make sure it is prepared and that you know the safest places inside.

Ready your go-bag

Have a go bag ready to take things with you if you need to leave in a hurry. In addition to basic survival needs, don’t forget other supplies such as chargers and hygiene products. Plan to have enough for at least three days, and don’t forget about your pets. While preparing these basic needs, don't forget to keep your phone charged, and make sure to fill up/charge your vehicle as well. Your go-bag should also contain important personal and property documents, including your written communication plan.

Help your neighbors

Many people rely on their neighbors before and after a disaster, and there are many ways you can help them. Help them prepare for a storm, and help them evacuate if needed. Share the latest forecast information with your community so that they know what to expect.

Follow evacuation orders if given

Always follow evacuation orders from local authorities — don’t wait for a hurricane to intensify before deciding to follow the order. You want to leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather. If time allows, unplug electrical equipment, leave a note detailing your whereabouts, and check to see if any neighbors need a ride. 

Current Weather

Thunderstorm

Thunderstorm

84°F

UV Index
1 Low
Pressure
30.01 Falling
Visibility
1 miles
Dewpoint
72 °F
Humidity
68%
Wind
WNW 6.9 mph
Gust
15.5 mph
Wind Chill
84 °F

Hourly Forecast

Today
6 PM
83°F
Thunderstorms
Today
7 PM
80°F
Thunderstorms
Today
8 PM
79°F
Thunderstorms
Today
9 PM
77°F
Cloudy
Today
10 PM
75°F
Cloudy
Today
11 PM
73°F
Cloudy
Tomorrow
12 AM
71°F
Cloudy
Tomorrow
1 AM
71°F
Cloudy
Tomorrow
2 AM
72°F
Cloudy
Tomorrow
3 AM
72°F
Intermittent clouds
Tomorrow
4 AM
71°F
Partly cloudy
Tomorrow
5 AM
69°F
Clear

7 Day Forecast

Mostly cloudy w/ t-storms

Thursday

91 °F

Some sun, then increasing clouds and humid; afternoon thunderstorms; storms can bring flooding downpours and localized damaging wind gusts


Mostly cloudy w/ t-storms

Thursday Night

69 °F

A thunderstorm in spots early this evening; otherwise, clouds breaking; storms can bring flooding downpours and localized damaging wind gusts


Mostly cloudy w/ t-storms

Friday

92 °F

Humid with some sun, then turning cloudy; an afternoon thunderstorm in spots


Partly cloudy w/ t-storms

Friday Night

69 °F

A thunderstorm in spots in the evening; otherwise, partly cloudy and humid


Partly sunny w/ t-storms

Saturday

92 °F

Mostly sunny and humid; widely separated thunderstorms in the afternoon


Partly cloudy

Saturday Night

71 °F

A thunderstorm in spots in the evening; otherwise, partly cloudy and humid


Mostly sunny

Sunday

92 °F

Mostly sunny and humid


Mostly clear

Sunday Night

72 °F

Clear to partly cloudy and humid


Mostly sunny

Monday

93 °F

Humid with sunshine and a few clouds; a thunderstorm in spots in the afternoon


Mostly cloudy

Monday Night

70 °F

A thunderstorm in one or two spots in the evening; otherwise, mostly cloudy and humid


Sunrise and Sunset

Sunrise
6:28 AM
Sunset
8:37 PM

Based on AccuWeather data