When you plan a vacation to Florida, especially during the summer months, hurricanes may be something to make you think twice. The fact is, hurricanes shouldn't cause you cancel your trip. Hurricanes obviously do hit Florida, but your chances that you happen to be there when one hits are quite slim.
Plus with the warnings we are now given with hurricane activity, if one stays vigilant (and makes the right decisions) you should have little problem staying out of harm's way.
Many of the disastrous hurricanes to hit Florida throughout history have come without warning. That's not to say that with all the warning in the world there won't be damage: in 1992 Hurricane Andrew caused $30 billion in damage, one of the most costly natural disaster in the United States. But if you're traveling in Florida and a hurricane is on its way your first concern isn't property, but your family's safety. That's where the decision-making comes in. You won't be forced to evacuate with a hurricane warning, but being a veteran of several hurricanes, including Hurricane Katrina, I know it's better to be safe than sorry.
So how much warning will you get? Tracking hurricanes coming toward the United States was attempted as early as 1873 by the Army Signal Corps. The system was enhanced after a devastating storm in 1899, and as technology has been added throughout the years today they can get pretty accurate in predicting a hurricane's path. The National Hurricane Center, located in Miami keep a close watch on weather activity over the Atlantic during the hurricane season from June 1 through November 30.
By sending electronically equipped aircraft into the eye of the hurricane they can tell a great deal about its strength and direction. Today people are much better informed about the likelihood of impending hurricane activity. If a hurricane is possible within 36 hours the National Hurricane Center will issue a "hurricane watch", and if one is expected within 24 hours a "hurricane warning" will be issued. Just have a plan as to the route you are going to take, and by all means don't wait until the last minute, as the evacuation routes will get very congested.
The word "hurricane" comes from the Indian word meaning evil spirit, and you are definitely tempting fate if you try to ride one out. But it is also no reason to change your vacation plans. Southern Florida, the most vulnerable area in the state, has had 125 of the past 161 years without any hurricane activity. The most hurricanes in one year have been three: in 1933 and 1935. As long as you remain vigilant there is no reason hurricanes should scare you from a Florida vacation.
Places like south Florida are must-see if you vacation in the Sunshine State. Read more on our website whattoseeinflorida. Also, a place in this area of the country you may really enjoy is Key West. Click here to read more. Glen Wheaton is a writer who loves to travel.
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