The official Atlantic hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30. The majority of tropical activity occurs during these six months. Always be prepared for a storm year-round.
Tropical Climate – Know Your Weather
Tropical Depression: An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 mph (33kt) or less.
Tropical Storm: An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39 - 73 mph (34 - 63 kt).
Hurricane: An intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with a well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph (64 kt) or higher. In other parts of the world, the word hurricane is synonymous with typhoon and cyclone.
Miami-Dade County Emergency Management
Learn about the Office of Emergency Management, including the phases of emergency management, governmental affairs, activation levels and the comprehensive emergency management plan.
Persons with Special Needs
Miami-Dade has designated locations for people with special needs. Registration is necessary for the Special Needs and Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program. Discover details by viewing the Special Needs page on the Miami-Dade website.
New Storm Surge Evacuation Planning Zone
Storm Surge, Flooding, Wind & Tall Buildings
A storm surge has the ability to cause extensive damage posing the greatest threat during a severe weather event, and it is the main reason evacuation orders for an area are issued. The Miami-Dade Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has identified five Storm Surge Planning Zones within the county. Areas in Miami-Dade along canals, rivers and further inland have been identified as being at risk for storm surge.
Independent of a hurricane’s category, each planning zone or portions of a zone can be evacuated depending on the hurricane’s track and projected storm surge. Upon identification of a threat, the OEM or County Mayor will use local media to relay pertinent information, such as evacuations and shelter openings. It is important to monitor the news for this information. Remember that these planning zones deal strictly with storm surge and you will need to determine if your home is safe to remain in during a hurricane.
Hurricane force winds are dangerous. The high winds can cause considerable damage from the pressure they put on windows and buildings, as well as damage caused by unsecured items and debris which become projectiles capable of causing death, great bodily injury, or serious damage to property. New technology has proven that winds are stronger as you go higher, which should be of concern to the many hi-rise condominium dwellers living in the City.
Storm Surge Planning Zone
To determine if your location is within a storm surge planning zone, visit the Storm Surge Planning Zone page or call Miami-Dade County Answer Center at 3-1-1.
Additional Resources
- Schedule a Planning Session for Your Group or Condominium Association, contact the Avenuentura Police Crime Prevention Office at 305-466-8989, ext. 8962 for more information about planning a session.
- Miami-Dade Answer Line 3-1-1
Be Informed During an Emergency