Hurricane Season in South Florida

Tropical Cyclone & Hurricane Information

The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1st through November 30th, this is the most active period when Hurricanes are most likely to form. A tropical cyclone is a rotating low-pressure weather system that has organized thunderstorms when a tropical cyclone has maximum sustained winds of 39 mph it is then called a Tropical Storm. When a storm has maximum sustained winds of 74 mph it is labeled a Hurricane. 

Hurricanes are ranked by numeric categories from 1 to 5:

• Category 1 Hurricane has wind speeds between 74-95 mph
• Category 2 Hurricane has wind speeds between 96-110 mph
• Category 3 Hurricane has wind speeds between 111-129 mph (at this Category level a storm is labeled a "Major" Hurricane)
• Category 4 Hurricane has wind speeds between 130-156 mph
• Category 5 Hurricane has wind speeds starting at 157 mph 

It is important to realize that any Category Hurricane can cause damage and loss of life. 

Due to the different types of Tropical Cyclones, different types of watches & warnings have been established to alert the public of the likelihood of certain effects brought on by a storm. 

• Watches - certain conditions are possible within 36 hours
• Warning - certain conditions are expected within 24 hours

There are Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings as well as Hurricane Watches and Warnings.

• A Tropical Storm Watch is issued when a tropical cyclone containing winds of 39 to 73 mph or higher poses a possible threat, generally within 48 hours. These winds may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal flooding, and/or river flooding. The watch does not mean that tropical storm conditions will occur. It only means that these conditions are possible.
• A Tropical Storm Warning is issued when sustained winds of  39 to 73 mph or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less. These winds may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal flooding, and/or river flooding.
• A Hurricane Watch is issued when a tropical cyclone containing winds of 74 mph or higher poses a possible threat, generally within 48 hours. These winds may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal flooding, and/or river flooding. The watch does not mean that hurricane conditions will occur. It only means that these conditions are possible.
• A Hurricane Warning is issued when sustained winds of 64 kt (74 mph) or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less. These winds may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal flooding, and/or river flooding. A hurricane warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and exceptionally high waves continue, even though winds may be less than hurricane force.

Storm surge as mentioned above is the abnormal rise in seawater level during a storm, measured as the height of the water above the normal predicted astronomical tide. The surge is caused primarily by a storm’s winds pushing water onshore. The amplitude of the storm surge at any given location depends on the orientation of the coastline with the storm track; the intensity, size, and speed of the storm; and the local bathymetry.

Special Considerations in Lake Clarke Shores during Hurricanes

The Town of Lake Clarke Shores is NOT within a designated evacuation zone. If you are a resident that resides on Lake Clarke or a canal it is important to know that it is more likely you will see very low water levels prior to a storm and during an expected storm, this is due to the connection of canals and chains of lakes to Lake Okeechobee. As part of the storm preparation, the Army Corps of Engineers in conjunction with local water management districts will open levees to push water downstream in preparation for extended heavy rainfall. 

For additional information please visit other pages inside the LCS Hurricane Resources, and to access the LCS Hurricane Information Video.