ALACHUA – June 1 marked the official start of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, a six-month period during which Floridians are reminded to prepare for the possibility of tropical storms, hurricanes, flooding and severe weather.
While coastal communities often receive the most attention when hurricanes threaten the state, emergency management officials stress that inland areas such as North Central Florida are not immune from serious impacts.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, with activity typically peaking between mid-August and mid-October. Historically, Florida has experienced more hurricane landfalls than any other state, making preparedness an annual priority for residents and local governments.
Inland doesn’t mean immune
Although Alachua County communities are located well away from the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, hurricanes can still bring damaging winds, tornadoes, flash flooding and prolonged power outages.
In recent years, storms such as Hurricane Irma in 2017, Hurricane Idalia in 2023 demonstrated how powerful tropical systems can affect inland Florida communities. Fallen trees, blocked roadways, damaged homes and extended utility disruptions were among the impacts experienced throughout North Central Florida. The widespread power outages, downed trees and property damage caused by Hurricane Helene in 2024 serve as a reminder that North Central Florida remains vulnerable to significant impacts from tropical systems, even when communities are located far from the coast.
Because many neighborhoods are heavily wooded, local officials often warn that falling trees and limbs pose one of the greatest threats during tropical weather events.
Preparing before a storm forms
Emergency management experts encourage residents to prepare long before a storm enters the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic Ocean.
A basic disaster supply kit should include:
- At least seven days of water and nonperishable food
- Prescription medications
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- First-aid supplies
- Portable phone chargers
- Important documents stored in waterproof containers
- Pet food and supplies
- Cash, since electronic payment systems may be unavailable during power outages
Residents are also encouraged to review homeowners and flood insurance policies before storm season intensifies.
Many people are surprised to learn that standard homeowners insurance policies generally do not cover flood damage. Separate flood insurance policies often require a waiting period before coverage takes effect.
Flooding can occur far from the coast
Flooding remains one of the most dangerous and costly hazards associated with tropical weather.
Heavy rainfall from slow-moving storms can overwhelm drainage systems and cause creeks, rivers and low-lying areas to flood. Even communities dozens or hundreds of miles from the coast can experience significant flooding from a tropical system.
Emergency officials advise motorists never to drive through flooded roadways, noting that it is often impossible to determine the depth of water or whether the roadway beneath has been damaged.
Know your evacuation zone
Although widespread evacuations are less common in inland counties, residents should still understand local emergency plans and be prepared to act if conditions warrant.
Officials recommend identifying multiple routes to family members, shelters or safer locations and ensuring vehicles remain fueled during periods of heightened storm activity.
Residents who rely on electrically powered medical equipment should also have contingency plans in place in the event of prolonged outages.
Stay informed
Meteorologists emphasize that seasonal forecasts predicting above-average or below-average activity do not determine whether a particular community will be affected.
It takes only one storm to make a season memorable.
Emergency management officials encourage residents to monitor forecasts from the National Hurricane Center, local weather services and county emergency management agencies throughout the season.
For North Central Florida residents, preparedness remains the most effective defense against hurricane season’s uncertainties. Taking time now to assemble supplies, review emergency plans and understand local risks can make a significant difference when tropical weather threatens later this summer.
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