Hurricane Season - Gold Coast Beverage Distributors, the largest beer distributor in Florida

General Hurricane Info

Florida's hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30, which means that we are at a greater than average risk of a severe storm. A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone–an organized rotating weather system that develops in the tropics. Hurricanes rotate counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere. Tropical cyclones are classified as follows:

Tropical Depression—An organized system of persistent clouds and thunderstorms with a closed low-level circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 mph (33 knots) or less.

Tropical Storm—An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a well defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph (34-63 knots).

Hurricane—An intense tropical weather system with a well defined circulation and sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher. In the western North Pacific, hurricanes are called typhoons, and similar storms in the Indian Ocean are called cyclones.

Hurricanes are often described by their 1 to 5 rating on the Saffir-Simpson scale, which is based on the hurricane’s intensity. This scale estimates potential property damage. Hurricanes or typhoons reaching Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of their potential for loss of life and damage. Category 1 and 2 storms are still very dangerous and warrant preventative measures. In the western North Pacific, the term “Super Typhoon” is used for tropical cyclones with sustained winds exceeding 150 mph.

The Florida Department of Health has a good pre-storm list on what to include in your hurricane supplies - please click here for English or aquí para Español. For more pre-storm lists on how to prepare, the Red Cross has a good list in English and Español.

Learn about National Hurricane Preparedness week!

Do It NOW!

Make sure your homeowners', windstorm, AND flood insurance policies are effective.
Check your battery-powered equipment and buy necessary items. A radio may be your only link to the outside world during a hurricane. Make sure you have enough batteries to last a week without power.
Develop an evacuation plan so that everyone in your family will know where to go if they have to leave. Think about where to keep pets, people needing medical care, and those who have trouble travelling.