Buying Key West Real Estate - Things to know

Hurricanes & Tropical Storms in the Florida Keys

When is Hurricane Season?
June 1 - November 30

What Is A Hurricane?
A hurricane is a tropical cyclone, which generally forms in the tropics and is accompanied by thunderstorms and a counterclockwise circulation of winds. Tropical cyclones are classified as follows:

TROPICAL DEPRESSION
An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds* of 38 mph or less

TROPICAL STORM
An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39-73 mph

HURRICANE
An intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with a well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or higher

What Are The Hurricane Hazards?

• STORM SURGE - is water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the storm. This advancing surge combines with the normal tides to create the hurricane storm tide, which can increase the mean water level 15 feet or more.
• INLAND FLOODING - In the last 30 years, inland flooding has been responsible for more than half the deaths associated with tropical cyclones in the United States.
• HIGH WINDS - Hurricane-force winds can destroy poorly constructed buildings and mobile homes. Debris such as signs, roofing material, and small items left outside become flying missiles in hurricanes.
• TORNADOES - Hurricanes can produce tornadoes that add to the storm's destructive power. Tornadoes are most likely to occur in the right-front quadrant of the hurricane.

What Should I Do When A Watch or Warning Is Issued?

• When a HURRICANE WATCH is issued for your part of the coast this indicates the possibility that you could experience hurricane conditions within 36 hours. This watch should trigger your family's disaster plan, and proactive measures should be initiated especially those actions that require extra time such as securing a boat, leaving a barrier island, etc.
• When a HURRICANE WARNING is issued for your part of the coast this indicates that sustained winds of at least 74 mph are expected within 24 hours. Once this warning has been issued, your family should be in the process of completing proactive actions and deciding the safest location to be during the storm.

What Actions Should You Take To Be Prepared?

• Have a family disaster plan and disaster supply kit .
• Build or identify a Safe-Room in your Home
• Purchase and use a NOAA Weather Radio in your home with a tone alert feature. This will allow you to receive warnings issued by your local National Weather Service office.

Informational links and documents from FloridaDisaster.org