Hurricane season travel tips for Florida

When is hurricane season?

According to NOAA’s National Hurricane Center, the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. The center notes that the peak of the season is September 10, with most activity between mid-August and mid-October. Broward County, where Pompano Beach is, uses the same dates.

Season dates describe when storms are most likely, not when they will happen. Many summers and falls pass with no direct impact on Pompano Beach. The point of planning is not to worry. It is to know what you would do if a storm forms near your travel dates.

Should you travel during hurricane season?

For many people, yes. Summer and fall bring warm water, quieter beaches and more room to choose dates. June, July and early August tend to see less tropical activity than the late-summer peak. If your dates are fixed and a cancelled trip would be a real hardship, consider the drier, busier months instead; our guide to the best time to visit compares them.

Before you book

• Read the cancellation terms for your stay, flights and car rental, and know what happens if a storm affects your dates.
• Consider travel insurance and read what it covers. Many policies only cover a named storm if you buy before the storm is named.
• Book flights that are easy to change, if you can.
• Save our number, (954) 256-1111, so you can call or text us with questions.

Every booking is different, so ask us about our policy before you book rather than after a storm forms.

In the weeks before you travel

Start checking the tropical outlook from the National Hurricane Center at nhc.noaa.gov about a week before you leave. It shows areas forecasters are watching, often days before a storm forms. For local conditions, the National Weather Service office in Miami covers Broward County at weather.gov/mfl.

Learn the difference between a watch and a warning. A hurricane or tropical storm watch means those conditions are possible in the area. A warning means they are expected. If a watch is posted for your destination close to your travel date, that is the time to call the airline, your insurer and us.

What to pack in hurricane season

• A phone with weather alerts turned on, plus a portable battery
• A printed copy of your bookings and key phone numbers
• Enough medication for a few extra days
• A compact rain jacket or umbrella for the regular afternoon storms
• A flashlight, small but useful

Our full Pompano Beach packing list covers the everyday items.

If a storm threatens during your stay

Follow official instructions first. Broward County Emergency Management publishes evacuation zones, shelter information and storm updates at broward.org/hurricane. The City of Pompano Beach also shares local updates. If officials call for an evacuation of the area, follow it.

Practical steps that help:

• Keep your car fuelled and your phone charged once a storm is in the forecast.
• Stock a little extra water and food that does not need cooking.
• Stay off the beach and out of the water when rough surf and rip current warnings are posted.
• Stay in touch with us. We will share what we know about the building, and you can reach us by call, text or email.

Storm policies, evacuation orders and shelter details change. Always follow the National Hurricane Center, the National Weather Service and Broward County Emergency Management for current information.

Rip currents and rough surf

A storm far offshore can still affect the beach in Pompano Beach. Swells from distant systems often bring rough surf and a higher risk of rip currents, even on sunny days. Watch for lifeguard flags and posted warnings, swim near a lifeguard when one is on duty, and stay out of the water when officials advise it. If you are caught in a rip current, the usual advice is to stay calm and swim parallel to the shore until you are out of it.

If you are driving

Many guests drive to Pompano Beach from elsewhere in Florida or further north. Driving gives you flexibility if plans change. If a storm is in the forecast, check road conditions and official guidance before you set out, keep the tank above half and avoid driving through flooded streets. Parking here is free on site, one space per unit.

If you are flying

Airlines often post travel waivers when a storm threatens an airport, allowing free changes for affected dates. Check your airline’s website and app before you call, since waivers are usually listed there first. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International is the closest major airport; see our guide to getting from FLL to Pompano Beach.

Everyday summer weather is different

Most rain during hurricane season has nothing to do with hurricanes. South Florida’s wet season brings short, heavy afternoon storms, often with lightning, that clear within an hour or two. NOAA normals for nearby Fort Lauderdale show June averaging about 9.6 inches of rain and September about 8 inches. Plan beach time for the morning, head in when you hear thunder and keep a few rainy day ideas ready. The weather by month guide has every month’s averages.

A good base for a summer or fall stay

A summer trip is easier when the beach is close and you have space indoors. We are about a 2-minute walk from the sand, with a courtyard pool for the hot hours. A suite has a living room and full kitchen for a stormy afternoon in, and a studio has a kitchenette. Parking is free on site, one space per unit.

If you have questions about travelling in hurricane season, call or text us before you book. When you are ready, check availability.