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Traveling to Central Florida During Hurricane Season

If you’re planning on visiting the Sunshine State during hurricane season, check out our FAQ below. 

Hurricane image from space.

Image of a hurricane from space

Although days in Central Florida are usually filled with sunshine and warm breezes, hurricane season can still bring unwanted weather. Luckily, tropical weather forecasting is of the utmost importance during this season, and it provides ample time for preparation. If you’re planning on visiting the Sunshine State during hurricane season, read our FAQ below. 
 
Florida emergency management and Experience Kissimmee information resources:
 

  • Experience Kissimmee travel advisories
  • General hurricane media inquiries: Florida Division of Emergency Management (850-921-0217)
  • Tourism-related media inquiries: Juliana Leveroni, Director of Communications at [email protected]
  • Industry Partners and businesses: Emily Shorrock, Sr. Director of Industry Partner Relations at [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a hurricane?

A hurricane is a type of storm called a tropical cyclone, which forms over tropical or subtropical waters. The tropical cyclone is a low-pressure, rotating weather system with major surface winds. Depending on sustained wind speeds, it can be considered a tropical depression. 
 
Tropical storms: maximum sustained winds of 39 mph 
Hurricane: maximum sustained winds of 74 mph

How are hurricane categories determined? What do they mean?

Hurricanes are ranked from 1 to 5 by the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale depending on the maximum sustained winds.
 
Category 1 (max winds of 74-95 mph)
 
Category 2 (max winds of 96-110 mph)
 
Category 3 (max winds of 111-129 mph)
 
Category 4 (max winds of 130-156 mph)
 
Category 5 (max winds of 157 mph or higher)

When is hurricane season?

The Atlantic hurricane season is June 1 to November 30. The peak season is from mid-August to mid-October. 

What kind of damage can hurricanes cause?

Unlike other natural disasters, hurricanes pose a greater risk to coastal areas. Although damages have a wide range, most Atlantic hurricanes consist of high wind gusts and heavy rain. It’s important to follow local guidance on flood warnings, tornado watches, road debris, and closures.

Can I travel to Central Florida during hurricane season?

Yes, you can still travel during hurricane season! Central Florida hosts many visitors during hurricane season as it includes summer vacation and fall seasonal events. Historically, chances are slim that your Central Florida vacation will be affected by a hurricane. However, while making plans to visit Kissimmee, plan ahead by checking airlines, hotels, vacation homes, and attractions for up-to-date information.

What should I do if I’m in Central Florida and a hurricane threatens the area?

Throughout the summer and fall, Florida emergency management officials keep in constant contact with Osceola County officials for weather-related emergencies. In the case of a hurricane threat to the area, local media reports, official advisories, and lodging facilities provide updates and details about how to proceed. Upon hearing about a storm, visit www.experiencekissimmee.com for the latest information and updates. You can also follow the Instagram and Facebook accounts for real-time updates. Always listen to local Osceola County official’s orders on evacuation, flood zones, and safety measures. 

What procedures do I follow if I’m staying at a vacation home property?

The first thing we suggest is reaching out to the property manager on updated procedures to follow and what expectations are in place. Stay inside your vacation home and prepare for the storm. Be aware that most restaurants and food delivery options will not be available, so ensure proper groceries are available in your vacation home. 

Where can I get real-time advisories for hurricanes/tropical storms?

Travel advisories at www.experiencekissimmee.com provide visitors with real-time information from local tourism officials and links to advisories from these state and national sources:
 

Where can I monitor hurricanes and receive more information?

www.Experiencekissimmee.com will have updated information for the destination, as well as nhc.noaa.gov for a live radar view.

What are the differences between a tropical storm watch, tropical storm warning, hurricane watch, and hurricane warning?

Tropical Storm Watch: Sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph are possible within 48 hours. 
 
Tropical Storm Warning: Sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph are expected within 36 hours.
 
Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours.
 
Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours.

Why are hurricanes named?

The National Hurricane Center names the tropical cyclones. Names are given to provide ease of communication and reduce confusion between forecasters and the general public regarding watches and warnings. A strict procedure established by the World Meteorological Organization determines the future names of each hurricane. They name the hurricanes in alphabetical order and only repeat them in intervals of six years.