As Floridians continue to recover from Hurricane Debby, experts are highlighting that the peak of hurricane season is approaching rapidly. In the wake of Debby's landfall on August 5 in Steinhatchee, Florida, which left a trail of home and property damages, Hillsborough County residents are advised to stay vigilant during these most active weeks of the season. According to a recent report from the Hillsborough County, September is traditionally the "busy season" for hurricanes due to a confluence of climatic factors.
What makes September notably ripe for the hurricane activity is a combination of low vertical wind shear, high water temperatures, and minimal dry air from the Sahara as compared to earlier months. Because high wind shear can weaken tropical cyclones and the absence of Sahara's dry, dusty air, which peaks from July through August, the stage is set for potential storm development. Moreover, waters in the Atlantic serve as a heated bed, supplying the necessary energy for these storms to take shape.
However, officials assure residents that there is still time to prepare adequately for what may come. Among the recommendations are creating a personal and family preparedness plan, keeping disaster kits ready, and making sure important documents are secure. The advised steps include, "Make a plan and include your family, seniors, and pets. Keep all important documents (including important contact information) in a waterproof container or save them digitally. Establish a meeting place in case you are separated and consider the special needs of children, senior family members, and pets in your plan, as stated by the Hillsborough County.
Residents can sign up for HCFL Alert and follow Hillsborough County on varied social media platforms such as Facebook, X, Nextdoor, and Neighbors to receive timely updates. Additional guidance and resources for hurricane preparedness and recovery, including details on Hillsborough County’s efforts, can be found at HCFL.Gov/StaySafe and the Storm Recovery Resources page.
