Hurricane Safety for Tampa Bay Newcomers
Notable hurricanes have made landfall in the Tampa Bay area since 1921.
A Tampa Bay Living Magazine Feature
By Tampa Bay Living Magazine staff
The Tampa Bay area is prone to hurricanes from June until November. For tourists planning to travel to the area during hurricane season and for new residents, here’s what to know to prepare.
How hurricanes affect the Tampa Bay region
When hurricanes approach the Tampa Bay region, they can cause significant damage to homes and businesses and infrastructure such as roads, bridges and power lines. The strong winds associated with hurricanes can knock down trees and power lines, leading to widespread power outages. Heavy rainfall can lead to flooding, which can damage homes and businesses and cause erosion that destroys bridges. According to experts, hurricane impacts can include storm surge, flooding from heavy rainfall, damaging winds and tornadoes.
“An example of the impacts to the Tampa Bay region of what could happen if a major hurricane were to hit the area can be seen in southwest Florida where Hurricane Ian struck last September. Ian made landfall in southwest Florida at category 4 intensity (on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale), producing catastrophic storm surge, damaging winds, and historic freshwater flooding across much of central and northern Florida,” said Tampa Bay National Weather Service Meteorologist Paul Close in a statement to Tampa Bay Living Magazine. “Ian was responsible for over 150 direct and indirect deaths and over $112 billion in damage, making it the costliest hurricane in Florida’s history and the third-costliest in United States history.”
In addition to the physical damage hurricanes cause, they significantly impact the Tampa Bay economy. The region is home to many tourism-dependent businesses, and hurricanes can disrupt travel plans and cause cancellations, resulting in lost revenue for businesses. Furthermore, rebuilding following a storm can take months or even years. These factors can lead to a long-term economic impact on the region, as seen with Hurricane Ian in 2022.
According to experts, the Tampa Bay region is particularly vulnerable to hurricane storm surge due to its low-lying coastal areas and the shape of the bay, which can funnel water into narrow channels and pile up.
More than 100 years have passed since a category three or higher hurricane has hit the Tampa Bay area. However, due to the region’s population growth and risk of catastrophic damage and economic losses, experts say preparing in advance is crucial to saving lives and property.
Weather officials urge residents to prepare now before a storm strikes
The National Weather Service recommends that the earliest time to prepare for a hurricane is before hurricane season begins on June 1. For Tampa Bay residents, understanding their home’s vulnerability to storm surges, flooding and wind is crucial. Here are some preparation recommendations from weather experts.
1. Stay informed: Check weather reports and authorities’ updates. Listen to news stations and follow official social media accounts to stay up-to-date on storm progress and heed evacuation orders from authorities. Know the proper evacuation zones and routes.
Evacuation zone maps:
Tampa Bay news stations:
Social media accounts for emergency announcements and evacuation orders:
National Weather Service — Tampa Bay
2. Have a plan: Know where to seek refuge if an evacuation order is issued, and plan how to get there. Make sure any family or travel groups know the plan and have a designated meeting place in case people are separated. Visit ready.gov to get started.
3. Review insurance policies: Review homeowners’ insurance policies to ensure adequate hurricane coverage. The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes offers guides to help families prepare their homes for natural and human-made disasters.
4. Make a specialized plan for people with disabilities and chronic illnesses: Preparing for a hurricane can be stressful for anyone, but it can be incredibly challenging for people with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Here are some hurricane planning tips.
Make a specialized plan: Create a specialized plan that outlines what to do during a hurricane. This plan should include an evacuation plan, a communication plan with family and friends and a plan for any necessary medical equipment or supplies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer guides to help people with chronic illnesses prepare for a hurricane. For people living with paralysis, the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation has released a comprehensive booklet, “Emergency Preparedness for People with Paralysis,” as well.
Prepare a disaster kit: Disaster kits should include food, water, medication, medical equipment and personal hygiene items. Include specific items, such as a communication device or mobility aid.
Know evacuation options: If evacuation orders are issued, know where to go. Contact the emergency management office to learn about accessible evacuation options.
Register with the emergency management office: For people with disabilities, it’s essential to register with the city emergency management office. This step will ensure that they know their disability needs, request accommodations and can assist during an emergency.
Stay informed: Stay informed about the hurricane status by monitoring news stations and weather reports. Make sure you have a way to receive emergency alerts and updates.
Have a backup power supply: If someone requires electricity for medical equipment, bring a backup power supply, such as a generator or battery backup.
Stay connected: During a hurricane, staying connected with family, friends and emergency services is essential. Charge cellphones and backup batteries or charging devices.
Practice an emergency plan: Practice any hurricane plan regularly, including evacuation drills and communication plans.
6. Pack an emergency kit: Compile a hurricane emergency kit, which should include enough food, water and medication for at least three days, as well as a first aid kit, flashlight and extra batteries. Also, pack any essential documents, including passports and insurance information, in a waterproof container.
7. Secure belongings: For tourists staying in a hotel or rental property, secure any loose objects outside, such as patio furniture or umbrellas. Move valuables to a higher floor or safe location.
8. Follow evacuation orders: If authorities issue an evacuation order, follow it immediately. Take time when leaving, as roads may become congested or impassable.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issues watches and warnings to alert the public to hurricane threats. Here’s what they mean.
1. Hurricane Watch: A hurricane watch is issued when hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours. This means hurricane conditions, including sustained winds of at least 74 mph and dangerous storm surges, are possible in the specified area. When a hurricane watch is issued, prepare for potential impact. This includes reviewing emergency plans, securing property and gathering necessary food, water and supplies.
2. Hurricane Warning: A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane conditions are expected in 36 hours or less. This means hurricane conditions, including sustained winds of at least 74 mph and dangerous storm surges, are expected in the specified area. When a hurricane warning is issued, immediate action must be taken to protect life and property. This includes evacuating to a safer location if directed to do so by authorities.
Will the 2023 hurricane season be active for the Tampa Bay area?
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issues hurricane predictions in the U.S. These predictions are based on various factors, including historical patterns, sea surface temperatures and wind patterns. They are significant because they help emergency management officials prepare for potential storms. They also help individuals and communities in hurricane-prone areas like the Tampa Bay region take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property. NOAA typically issues hurricane predictions in May, before hurricane season starts on June 1.
However, it’s critical to note that these predictions are just that – predictions, say experts. While they are based on scientific data and analysis, some degree of uncertainty is always involved. For example, the 2020 hurricane season was predicted to be above average. Still, it was the most active hurricane season on record.
The NOAA 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook reveals an above-normal season is highly likely, with lower chances of near- or below-normal activity.
NOAA says above-normal activity sits at 60%, near-normal activity at 25% and a below-average season at 15%. The Atlantic hurricane region comprises the North Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. The outlook predicts 14-21 named storms, six-11 hurricanes, and two-five major hurricanes, in addition to an Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) range of 105%-200%, which already includes the ACE from the 5 storms (with 1 reaching hurricane strength) recorded in 2023.
However, government officials have stated publicly how critical it is that Tampa Bay residents and visitors understand their risk, put their hurricane preparation plans into action and heed any evacuation orders should a hurricane approach the area.
“As we saw with Hurricane Ian, it only takes one hurricane to cause widespread devastation and upend lives. So regardless of the number of storms predicted this season, it is critical that everyone understand their risk and heed the warnings of state and local officials. Whether you live on the coast or further inland, hurricanes can cause serious impacts to everybody in their path,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell in a statement.
Editor’s Note: This article was edited to include the updated August forecast from NOAA.