Meteorologist Stephen Mullens advised coastal residents to prepare for storm surge, rainfall, and wind during hurricane season in a public interview. The guidance comes as the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30.

Stephen Mullens, a meteorologist and assistant instructional professor of meteorology at the University of Florida’s Department of Geography, emphasized that water poses the greatest threat to life and property. "Most fatalities and property damage comes from flooding as a result of both storm surge (water that has been moved from the ocean onto land) and from too much rain during the storm," he said.

Mullens outlined specific steps for residents living in vulnerable areas to mitigate risks before a storm arrives. "If you live by the coast, you should be thinking about storm surge, rainfall, and wind speed," he said. He noted that state government officials traditionally issue evacuation warnings at least a few days ahead of a hurricane, giving residents time to act.

Determining evacuation status is a critical first step for coastal households. FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center allows residents to search by address to see their flood zone designation. Vehicles in Zone A or AE high-risk flood zones should not remain in a driveway or low-lying parking area when a major storm approaches.

Evacuation logistics do not always require long-distance travel. Residents should plan to evacuate if flooding is forecast to be more than a foot. Category 3 and above hurricanes can push storm surge deep inland and produce flooding well outside the immediate coastline.

Home preparation involves clearing potential debris sources and securing structures. He also advised trimming vegetation to prevent impact damage. Securing loose items and protecting windows are essential for wind resistance.

For those near the coast, physical barriers offer protection. If a roof has sustained prior damage, a large tarp will prevent future rain from entering the home.

Power outages are a common consequence of severe storms, requiring backup planning. He cautioned that purchasing decisions require careful consideration of needs and constraints.

Water storage is a fundamental component of household preparedness. He instructed residents to fill them with water prior to a storm. Households should have enough water and food for seven days. Residents can also fill a bathtub with water to flush toilets during a water supply disruption.

Vehicle readiness ensures mobility during and after a storm. Gas stations in storm-affected areas often run out of fuel within hours of a watch being issued. Drivers should fill their vehicle fuel tank and any jerricans as soon as a storm watch is issued. A hurricane watch means conditions are possible in an area within 48 hours, according to NOAA.

Mechanical checks prevent breakdowns in hazardous driving conditions. Drivers should check tire tread depth and inflate tires to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI before a storm hits. Worn wiper blades should be replaced if they leave streaks before driving in heavy rain.

Drivers should top off engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid before a storm hits. Vehicle batteries older than three years should be tested before a storm hits.

Documentation and positioning protect vehicles from damage. Drivers should document their vehicle’s condition with photos and video of every panel, the interior, the under-hood area, and the undercarriage before a storm arrives for insurance purposes. Vehicles should be moved to higher ground or a covered shelter, such as a parking garage above the projected storm-surge elevation, before a storm arrives.

Truck beds should be cleared of loose items before a storm hits to prevent them from becoming projectiles in high winds. Removable tonneau covers or bed racks that could act as a sail in sustained winds should be removed before a storm.

Emergency supplies in vehicles support survival during displacement. A hurricane emergency kit for a vehicle should include jumper cables or a jump starter pack, a tow strap, a basic tool kit, a flashlight, work gloves, a first aid kit, prescription medications, blankets, a change of clothes, and water. A vehicle emergency kit should contain at least one gallon of water per person.

The financial stakes of hurricane seasons have grown in recent decades. Hurricanes have caused more than $1.5 trillion in damages in the United States since 1980, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Hurricane damages in the United States average $23 billion per hurricane since 1980, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused more than $100 billion in combined damage in 2024.

Climate patterns influence storm activity across the globe. A potentially record-breaking El Niño is growing in the Pacific Ocean, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The National Hurricane Center issued key messages warning of catastrophic and deadly storm surge, hurricane-force winds, and catastrophic flash and urban flooding, including landslides, across portions of the southern Appalachians and the Florida Big Bend region.

What's New

Historical records show varied federal actions, such as when the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall, Electric Screwdrivers Recall by DeWalt Industrial Tool, on 1998-11-05. Hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean runs from June 1 through November 30.

Why It Matters

The scale of destruction from recent storms reflects the urgency of preparedness advice from experts like Mullens. With hurricanes causing more than $1.5 trillion in damages in the United States since 1980, individual actions to secure homes and vehicles can reduce personal loss. The combination of storm surge, wind, and rainfall creates compound hazards that affect infrastructure and safety far beyond the immediate coastline.

Understanding official definitions and tools helps residents make informed decisions. Knowing the difference between a hurricane watch and a warning, and using resources like the FEMA Flood Map Service Center, allows for timely evacuation and protection of assets. As climate phenomena such as El Niño evolve, the frequency and intensity of these events may shift, making consistent preparation a critical component of coastal living.