Essential Guide to Natural Disasters in Florida

It is important to understand the different types of natural disasters that you might experience in Florida, so that you can be prepared for any event.

There are five main types of natural disasters: hurricanes, thunderstorms, tornados, heavy rain/flooding and lightning strikes. Hurricanes are the most common type of storm seen in Florida with about 6-8 per year on average, but other natural disasters can be just as life threatening. Let's look at some of the most common natural disasters in Florida.

Drought & Extreme Heat in Florida

Drought and extreme heat are two of the most common weather-related events in Florida. They can both cause a lot of damage to property and even lead to loss of life.

Drought is a prolonged period of time when there is not enough water available for people, plants, and animals. This can be caused by a lack of precipitation, high temperatures, or both. The state of Florida is especially prone to drought conditions, due to its hot, dry climate.

Extreme heat is when the air temperature reaches or exceeds 95 degrees Fahrenheit for three consecutive days. This can cause health problems for people and animals, as well as damage to property.

Earthquakes in Florida

Earthquakes are not as common in Florida as they are in other states, like California, but they can still occur. The state of Florida is located in an area that is known for seismic activity, so it is important to be prepared for an earthquake.

According to the USGS, only 15 earthquakes have occurred in Florida in the past 20 years.

An earthquake is a sudden shaking of the earth that can cause a lot of damage to property and lead to loss of life. The state of Florida is located in an area that is prone to earthquakes, so it is important to be prepared for one.

You can prepare for an earthquake by making sure you have a disaster supply kit (aka "bug out bag") and by rehearsing how to protect yourself during an earthquake.

Floods in Florida

Floods are one of the most common natural disasters in Florida. They can occur as a result of a hurricane, thunderstorm, or other type of storm. Florida is exposed to both seawater floods due to its low elevation, and freshwater flooding due to its lakes, rivers, and high water table.

A flood is a high-water event that can cause a lot of damage to property and lead to loss of life. The state of Florida is especially prone to flooding, due to its hot, humid climate and flat terrain.

You can prepare for a flood by making sure you have a disaster supply kit and by rehearsing how to protect yourself during a flood.

Hurricanes in Florida

Florida is a state that is especially prone to hurricanes, with about 6-8 per year on average. Hurricane season in Florida runs from June 1st through November 30th. The entire state from South Florida (Hurricane Andrew) to the Florida Panhandle (Hurricane Michael) to Central Florida (Hurricane Irma) is at risk. Hurricanes can cause a lot of damage and lead to loss of life. The following are some things to consider when preparing for a hurricane (or tropical storm):

1) Make sure you have a disaster supply kit and rehearse how to protect yourself during an earthquake.

2) Know what the different types of hurricane watches and warnings mean so you know when it's time to evacuate.

3) Use your NOAA Weather Radio or TV broadcast stations for updates and information about the storm.

4) If you live in the coastal area or low-lying areas, evacuate when the order is given.

Nuclear Disasters in Florida

A nuclear disaster is a catastrophic event that can be caused by a nuclear accident or terrorist attack. A nuclear accident can occur at a nuclear power plant or during the transportation, storage, or use of radioactive materials. A terrorist attack can involve the use of a nuclear weapon or device.

Nuclear disasters can cause a lot of damage and lead to loss of life. They can also cause long-term health problems for people who are exposed to the radiation.

Florida has a total of 5 reactors across 3 plants at Turkey Point, Crystal River, and St Lucie. There has never been a nuclear accident, and the risks remain very low, especially compared to other ongoing risks from the air pollution from Florida's fossil fuel plants. However, it is smart to be aware of your local nuclear plant and understand the additional risks it presents in the case of a major hurricane or other natural disaster.

You can prepare for a nuclear disaster by making sure you have a disaster supply kit and by rehearsing how to protect yourself during a nuclear disaster.

Power Outages in Florida

Power outages are a common occurrence in Florida. They can be caused by a hurricane, thunderstorm, or other type of storm. They can also be caused by a power plant outage or a car accident that takes out a power line.

A power outage is a disruption of the electrical service that can cause a lot of damage to property and lead to loss of life. Even though a power outage is a thought of as a result of a natural disaster, an extended power outage can create its own natural disaster-like conditions.

You can prepare for a power outage by making sure you have a disaster supply kit and by rehearsing how to protect yourself during an extended power outage.

Severe Weather & Thunderstorms in Florida

Florida is particularly prone to thunderstorms and severe weather. A thunderstorm is a storm consisting of one or more lightning discharges that lasts less than half an hour.

Thunderstorms are also known as "gully washers" because they can produce up to six inches of rainfall per hour, with flooding being the primary hazard. The following are some things to consider when preparing for a thunderstorm:

1) Make sure you have a disaster supply kit and rehearse how to protect yourself during an earthquake or power outage.

2) Know what the different types of thunderstorm watches and warnings mean so you know when it's time to evacuate.

3) Be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially if you are near water, at the beach, or outdoors so you are safe from lightning.

4) If you see a down power line, do not go near it and immediately call the power company to report it so they can turn off the electricity.

Sinkholes in Florida

In Florida, sinkholes are a natural phenomenon where the ground below the surface collapses. They can be caused by man-made construction or geological changes in the environment. Sinkholes are also called "drain holes" because they form when an underground cavity is full of rainwater or other fluids and starts to dissolve.

Sinkhole dangers include being swallowed up, suffocated, crushed by rock, and gas poisoning. Fires have been known to start from lightning strikes that have hit a power line running through a sinkhole. Homeowners often become powerless if their house falls into a hole which leads to loss of property and sometimes loss of life.

You can prepare for a sinkhole by making sure the foundation of your house is securely in place with no leaks.

Tornadoes in Florida

Tornadoes are a type of severe weather that can occur anywhere in the world. In Florida, they usually occur in the northern and central parts of the state towards the Georgia border. They can also occur in the southern part of the state, but this is less common. Tornadoes can cause a lot of damage to property and occasionally result in fatalities. The best way to prepare for a tornado is to have a plan in place and to make sure you have all of your emergency kit ready to go in addition to a pre-determined shelter location.

Tsunamis in Florida

Tsunamis are a natural disaster that occurs in Florida. They are most likely to happen on the East Coast from the Atlantic Ocean and can result in people being swept away by waves or because of coastal flooding. However, even though Florida has thousands of miles of coastline, a tsunami is a very remote possibility. The primary risk comes from landslides risks on the Canary or Azores islands across the Atlantic.

Wildfires in Florida

Wildfires are a serious hazard in Florida, especially during the dry season. They can cause a lot of damage to property and occasionally result in fatalities. Florida's pine forests in the northern and central part of the state are most at risk. Wildfires are most likely to occur in spring, summer, and fall. It is illegal to cause a forest fire or even be reckless with an unattended campfire under Florida state laws.

You can prepare for wildfires by knowing the risk of wildfire where you live using this map. You should make sure your house has proper clearances from trees or shrubs and you have a plan to evacuate your house if there is a fire.

Winter Weather in Florida

Severe winter weather is uncommon in Florida, which is exactly why it presents a natural disaster risk. In February 1899, a cold wave that became known as the Great Arctic Outbreak pushed frigid Canadian arctic air into the state. During this event, the lowest temperature ever recorded in Florida (-2°F) occurred on February 13, 1899. Unlike northern states, Florida is mostly unprepared for a severe winter weather event. Heavy snow and ice can cause damage to power lines, roads, and homes. Low visibility from the extreme weather can also prove dangerous when driving or walking outside in unsafe conditions.

Next Steps

Florida is home to many natural disasters that can lead to serious property damage & loss of life. But as most Florida residents know from years of hurricane drills and emergency preparedness, most risk can be mitigated with the right planning & preparation. Explore our resources along with the resources of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.