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While peak tornado season in Florida runs from March through September, storms can and do strike any month of the year, usually with little warning. Knowing how to stay informed, preparing an emergency plan, and recognizing warning signs can make all the difference in keeping your family safe. This guide covers when tornadoes are most common, how to stay updated on alerts, and the best ways to protect yourself, from locating safe rooms to emergency power solutions to keep you connected during outages. It’s time to get prepared.
When Is Tornado Season in Florida?
Florida is known for having tornadoes year-round. However, the peak season is from March to September, averaging about 3-5 per month and peaking in June with an average of 7. Even between November and February, there are still 2-3 tornadoes each month, so the season never really ends.
How To Stay Updated on Florida Tornado Warnings
- Check for alerts and updates on the National Weather Service.
- Install a weather app on your phone and set your location so it alerts you.
- Listen to local commercial radio or television newscasts.
- Listen to NOAA Weather Radio (requires a special receiver).
- Listen for Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your phone, similar to Amber Alerts.
- Learn the signs of developing tornadoes.
- Check for Emergency Alert System (EAS) alerts.
- Have your EcoFlow Portable Power Station charged so you can run TVs and radios, recharge phones to stay connected, and be informed if the power goes out.
How To Prepare for a Tornado in Florida
Preparing for tornadoes in Florida is similar to preparing for a hurricane, but with much less warning, so immediate action is essential. Take the following steps to keep your family safe:
Locate a Safe Room or Shelter
The first step is to identify your nearest safe room or storm shelter according to FEMA standards. Locate one at home, work, school, your favorite shopping mall, and other areas you visit often. Once a tornado warning is issued, you typically only have about 10 minutes to reach safety, so identifying safe areas ahead of time is paramount.
Sign Up For Emergency Alerts
If your community has a community alert system, sign up for it so you can stay up-to-date on warnings and other safety information. Also, if your community has a tornado siren, be familiar with the sound so you know to take action if you hear it.
Keep your EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank with you so you can keep your phone topped up and stay connected, no matter where you are. It’s about the size of your phone, so it will easily fit in your pocket if you have to move in a hurry.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
Every home should have an emergency kit in a waterproof bin in the safe room, storm shelter, or near the door if your house doesn’t have a safe place. Whether preparing for emergencies in cities or out in a rural area, your kit should include the following:
- Complete first aid kit
- Emergency whistle
- Dust masks
- 1 gallon of water per person per day for 3 days
- Non-perishable food to last 3 days
- Food and water for pets
- Prescription medications for family members or pets who need them
- Soap, toilet paper, hand sanitizer
- Rechargeable LED flashlights
- Can opener, utensils
- Multi-tool and duct tape
- Lighter or matches in a waterproof container
- Fire extinguisher
- A portable power station like the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus to keep your flashlights and devices charged
Prepare an Emergency Plan
You also need to prepare an emergency plan with all household members. The plan should include a family communication plan, so everyone knows who to contact, how to contact them, what to do if a family member isn’t home, and where to meet if your home must be evacuated. Practice an emergency drill at least once yearly, including your family communication plan, and ensure everyone knows what to do if they are at home, work, or school. Also, show your family the location and contents of the emergency kit. Your yearly practice is also a great time to refresh your kit’s water, food, and medical supplies.
Purchase an Emergency Power Supply
After a bad tornado, you could be without power for days while crews work to repair the grid. Having an emergency power supply at home is crucial to keep your lights and essential appliances working. The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 is the perfect household backup with 4000W of output and the ability to run 120V and 240V appliances.
You can keep your refrigerator running to prevent food spoilage and other essential appliances like lights, medical equipment, computers, routers, etc. Since it uses no fossil fuels and produces no emissions, you can use it indoors without worrying about carbon monoxide poisoning, which kills 400 people annually in the USA.
A solar generator is best for storms since it comes with solar panels that you can use to recharge in case of an extended blackout. The EcoFlow DELTA Series Solar Generators come in various capacities and panel sizes to suit everyone’s needs. If you already have permanent solar panels installed, take steps now to prevent storm damage, including inspecting all the components to ensure they are securely mounted and sealed. If you use portable solar panels, wait until all storm activity stops before setting them up.
Know the Signs of An Approaching Tornado
It’s also a good idea for everyone in your home to learn the warning signs of an approaching tornado beforehand. If you see any of these signs, don’t wait for an emergency alert; seek a safe shelter immediately:
- Dark skies even during the daytime, often with a greenish tint
- Dark, low clouds that are rotating
- A funnel-shaped cloud below those low, dark clouds
- Approaching debris clouds
- A loud roar that sounds like a passing freight train
What To Do When a Tornado Hits Florida
- As soon as you hear a tornado warning or see the signs of one approaching, immediately head to your nearest safe room or storm shelter.
- Do not drive, as you only have 10 minutes; seek safe shelter nearby instead.
- If you’re in a high-rise building or another building with no safe room or shelter, head to the lowest floor and find the most interior location, putting as many interior walls between you and the outside as possible.
- Stay away from all doors, windows, and glass.
- Climb under a sturdy desk or table if available.
- Get down low and cover your head and neck with your arms.
- If you are outdoors or in your car, head indoors to the nearest sturdy building. If none is available, find the lowest point in the landscape—perhaps a ditch or ravine—and get inside and down low.
- Keep listening to emergency alerts for updates.
- If you’re trapped, do not yell for help to avoid inhaling too much dust. Instead, use an emergency whistle or bang on pipes or other objects that make a lot of noise.
- Do not leave unless it’s a medical emergency. Road hazards or unsafe buildings may still collapse hours later, and you should keep roads clear for emergency responders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, tornadoes are prevalent in Florida. There are more tornadoes per 10,000 square miles than in any other state, including the infamous Tornado Alley. Although there are more storms from March through September, Florida can experience tornadoes in any month of the year.
Yes, Florida frequently experiences tornadoes in the EF0 to EF2 range and occasionally has devastating EF4s. The main season lasts from March to September, peaking in June. However, they can and do occur every month of the year and frequently occur during hurricanes and tropical cyclones.
Final Thoughts
Tornadoes in Florida are frequent and unpredictable, requiring year-round vigilance. Staying informed with reliable weather alerts, having a well-stocked emergency kit, a family communication plan, and identifying safe shelters near all the places you spend time can help keep you and your loved ones safe. Power outages often follow severe storms, so investing in a reliable backup power source like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 ensures you stay connected and informed. With the right preparation, you can weather any storm with confidence. Now, stay safe, everyone.