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The Destin
area is occasionally threatened by hurricanes and
tropical storms. The Atlantic hurricane seasons
lasts from June to November. It is important
for everyone living in and visiting Destin to keep an
eye on tropical weather, so you will have time to
prepare if a hurricane does come our way. The
most dangerous aspects of a hurricane are the storm
surge (how far inland the waters will come), the
wind, and the rainfall, which can cause
flooding. It is important for people in coastal
areas, such as Destin, to be aware of their home
owners insurance policies regarding hurricane
damage. Many policies do not cover flood
damage, even if the flood was caused by a
hurricane. In the case that a hurricane does
come your way, stay tuned to emergency broadcast
television stations or radio stations for evacuation
instructions. A volunteer evacuation means
that it would be a good idea to leave, but you don't
have to. A mandatory
evacuation means that you must
leave.
Tropical
Weather Terminology:
Tropical Storm
Watch ' tropical
storm conditions with sustained winds
from 39 to 73 mph are possible in your area within
the next 36 hours.
Tropical Storm
Warning ' tropical
storm conditions are expected in your
area within the next 24
hours.
Hurricane Watch
' hurricane conditions (sustained
winds greater than 74
mph) are possible in your area within 36
hours.
Hurricane
Warning ' hurricane
conditions are expected in your area in 24
hours or less.
Coastal Flood
Watch ' the
possibility exists for the inundation of land
areas along the coast within the next 12 to 36
hours.
Coastal Flood Warning
' land areas along the coast are
expected to
become, or have become, inundated by sea water above
the typical tide action.
Emergency
Broadcast:
Radio: AM
1250, FM 99.5, FM 105.5
Television:
WFGX-12, WEAR-3, The Weather Channel
American Red Cross Family
Disaster Supplies Kit
A list of handy items to have in case a
hurricane or other disaster should strike.
Hurricane
Links:
National
Hurricane Center
Florida Division of Emergency
Management
Okaloosa County Emergency
Information
The Weather Channel Tropical
Update
American Red Cross of Northwest
Florida
Federal
Emergency Management
Agency
National
Insurance Consumer Helpline
(1-800-942-4242)
The Insurance
Information Institute (1-800-331-9146)
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