Hurricane Season in Orlando: What Visitors Should Know

This page is general background, not an emergency plan and not a substitute for official instructions. If a tropical system threatens Central Florida, follow the directions of the National Weather Service (NWS), the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and your county emergency management office. In an emergency, call 911.

We do not give evacuation instructions here. Evacuation orders, zones, routes and shelter openings are decided locally and change quickly, so use the official sources linked below.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, according to the National Hurricane Center. The NHC says the peak is around September 10, with most activity between mid-August and mid-October. Tropical activity sometimes occurs before and after the season dates.

Forecasts can change quickly, so check official forecasts before and during any trip in the season.

Orange County's emergency management guide says that although Orange County is in Central Florida, it is not insulated from the effects of a storm, and it lists high winds, tornadoes and flooding among the hazards.

The NWS lists storm surge flooding, inland flooding from heavy rain, destructive winds, tornadoes, and high surf and rip currents as the main hurricane hazards. Federal guidance notes that storm surge has historically been the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States, so coastal conditions matter if you plan any beach or coastal trips.

Never drive through flooded roadways. Just six inches of moving water can knock a person down, and a foot can sweep a vehicle away.

A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possible in the area; a hurricane warning means they are expected. The NHC issues watches about 48 hours before it expects tropical-storm-force winds and warnings about 36 hours before, but timing can vary, and there are separate watches and warnings for tropical storms and storm surge.

When a tropical cyclone has formed, the NHC issues advisories at least every six hours. The NWS tells people to listen closely to local officials and to evacuate immediately if told to do so.

Florida's division of emergency management urges residents and visitors alike to check their county's emergency management office for the most up-to-date local information, and to sign up for emergency weather alerts. Orange County's alert system sends messages by text, email or phone about severe weather, road closures and evacuations.

Wireless Emergency Alerts arrive automatically on compatible phones, are free, and need no subscription. NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts official NWS warnings and watches around the clock. Orange County points residents to the National Weather Service for Central Florida forecasts.

Each Florida county has its own emergency management program, including Seminole and Osceola counties, so use the one for the county where you are staying.

Florida publishes a statewide Know Your Zone lookup where you can enter an address to see whether it is in an evacuation zone. The state says to follow orders from local officials and to monitor local news for alerts from authorities. If you are staying in a hotel or rental, ask the property whether it is in an evacuation zone and what its storm procedures are.

Check your county emergency management page for shelter information when a storm approaches. Orange County asks residents who need a special needs or medical shelter to dial 3-1-1 or 407-836-3111; visitors with medical needs should contact the county for guidance.

After an emergency you may need to manage on your own for several days, according to Ready.gov, so a basic supply kit matters if you are staying in a rental or camping.