Everything You Need to Know About Hurricane Season
No matter how many or how few you’ve been through, hurricanes should never be taken lightly. They can not only destroy homes, but also lives, which means everyone living or visiting the Gulf of Mexico should be well-prepared when a hurricane hits. In order to do that, you need to know everything there is about hurricanes and hurricane season.
When is hurricane season?
Officially, hurricane season lasts from June 1st to November 30th, but the peak months are August through early October. That means right now is a prime opportunity for a hurricane or tropical storm to form out in the Atlantic.
What’s the difference between a tropical depression, storm, and a hurricane?
There are three major classifications for hurricane development, each varying in strength:
Tropical Depression
This is an organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with sustained winds of 38 miles per hour or less.
Tropical Storm
Also an organized system of thunderstorms, but with sustained winds of 39-73 miles per hour.
Hurricane
A tropical storm becomes a hurricane once sustained winds go over 74 miles per hour.
How can I prepare?
While there’s always a bit of unpredictability with hurricanes, you’ll likely get at least a few days’ notice. However, those few days before the storm will be filled with stress, so it’s best to have a plan in place before a hurricane threatens to hit. Here are some steps you can take to do so:
- Plan out an evacuation route
- Have an emergency supply kit
- Take inventory of your personal property
- Review your insurance policy
- Protect your home by covering windows and doors with plywood and cutting weak branches and trees.
At Woody’s Watersports, we want to make sure everyone stays safe throughout the hurricane season. But once the skies clear up and the seas calm down, feel free to stop by to enjoy one of our jet ski rentals! You won’t regret it.