The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 with a peak period from early August through the end of September. Hurricanes are most likely to impact the keys in late August and early September.
Historically one or two hurricanes will actually make landfall in the United States each season, and the Florida keys are often directly in their path.
What does a Hurricane mean if I have Florida Keys vacation plans? Statistically, there is a very low risk that a storm will impact your vacation. But if you’re planning to vacation in the keys between June and October, you might consider buying travel insurance. Typically, if your trip is cancelled or interrupted due to a storm, you can be refunded up to the limit of coverage. Note that in most cases, insurance must be purchased more than 24 hours before a hurricane is named.
This year, forecasters predict an above average season with 11 to 17 named storms.
What if I live in the keys and a storm is predicted? The Florida Keys Emergency Management teams are very experienced and prepared in the advent of a land-falling hurricane. If a dangerous storm threatens the keys, in an abundance of caution, they will immediately start a staged evacuation.
Well in advance of the storm, STAGE ONE is a mandatory evacuation order for all tourists. All hotels, motels, resorts and campgrounds will be required to close and remain closed until the threat has passed.
STAGE TWO will be a voluntary evacuation of all high profile vehicles and sailboats. Emergency managers, police and other officials will provide a small window, typically about 48 hours….for residents and business owners to evacuate multi-axle vehicles. This includes vehicles towing boats, campers, RV’s, motor coaches and semis or tractor trailers. All sailboats desiring to evacuate must adhere to this strict timeline. After stage two evacuation orders expire, all draw bridges will be locked down and high profile vehicles and towing will be prohibited on the highway
STAGE THREE is when they will begin announcing mandatory evacuations for all residents starting with Key West. Police officers on foot patrol will go door-to-door through residential neighborhoods encouraging remaining residents to leave. Every few hours, they will issue updated evacuation orders…next will be the lower keys, then Marathon, followed by Islamorada and finally the upper keys of Tavernier and Key Largo.
STAGE FOUR is when they will open several emergency shelters for residents that failed to heed the warnings and will shut down the southbound lanes of U.S. Highway 1 to all traffic. Monroe County Police, Florida Highway Patrol and possibly the National Guard will prohibit any vehicles from traveling south.
STAGE FIVE is when they declare all roads as northbound lanes. They will begin directing drivers to use the southbound lanes as an escape route.
STAGE SIX is when they will declare the roads unsafe and will begin advising remaining residents to shelter in place or go to emergency shelters. High winds, storm surge, flooding and debris on the roads will determine when and if they resort to this.
It’s been over a decade since the keys were impacted by a dangerous storm, so newer residents may be inexperienced and ill-prepared for an evacuation. To learn more, see our post on how to prepare your home and business for hurricane season.
