Hey everybody and welcome back to Meteorology Matters.
Can you believe it?
Only a hundred days left until the official start
of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.
It's crazy how fast time flies, right?
It really is.
And with hurricane season just around the corner,
my social media feeds are already blowing up
with all those hurricane memes and prep lists and articles.
Oh yeah.
It's got me thinking like,
should we be freaking out yet or is it too early?
Well, you know, it's never too early
to start thinking about hurricane preparedness,
but I think instead of full on panic mode right now,
maybe let's just take this as a good opportunity
for a little checkup.
Okay, so like a preparedness checkup,
instead of loading up on all the canned goods just yet.
Exactly, we've got time, but now's the perfect time
to kind of take stock and make sure we're ready
for whatever this year's hurricane season might throw at us.
Okay, that sounds a lot more manageable than, you know,
diving head first into panic mode.
So no need to rate the grocery store just yet,
but speaking of what's to come,
any hints about what kind of season we might be in for?
Are we talking a quiet hurricane season
or should we brace ourselves for a lot of activity?
Well, you know, predicting hurricane season intensity
this far out is kind of like trying
to predict the weather months in advance.
There are some clues we can look at,
but it's not an exact science, you know?
So right now we're in what we call a neutral ENSO phase.
ENSO.
Right, that means that neither El Nino nor La Niña
are really influencing the weather patterns at the moment.
And historically speaking, neutral years
have produced a real mix, you know,
some quiet seasons, some very active,
so it's a bit of a toss up at this point.
So basically it's a wait and see kind of situation.
Exactly, we kind of got to see how things develop,
but there are a couple of interesting factors
at play this year.
You know, one thing is the gulf waters
are unusually warm right now.
Really?
Yeah, and that extra heat,
well, it can really fuel storm development,
so that's something to keep an eye on.
But on the other hand,
we've also had some pretty strong cold fronts
and Arctic air pushing down, which could cool things down.
So it's a real, it's a fascinating
meteorological balancing act that's happening right now.
It sounds like a lot of factors to keep track of.
It really is.
I'll definitely be checking for those updates
as we get closer to June.
You know, I used to think hurricane preparedness
was only something folks living right on the coast
had to worry about,
but lately I've been hearing so much more
about inland areas getting slammed too.
Like is that a growing trend?
Something we need to be thinking about
even if we're miles from the ocean.
Oh, absolutely, you're right on the money with that one.
While wind and storm surge are usually
the biggest concerns for coastal areas,
the threat of inland flooding from hurricanes,
that's becoming a much more significant factor.
And we saw a really dramatic example of this
with Hurricane Helene a few years back.
Helene, I don't remember that one making a live fall.
You know, you're right, it didn't.
Helene actually stayed offshore, but it's rain bands.
Those were massive and they stretched so far inland,
dumping incredible amounts of rain
all across the Eastern US.
The floods that followed were just devastating,
particularly in the Appalachian region.
It was a real wake up call that these hurricanes
can pack a punch far beyond the coastline.
Wow, I had no idea hurricane
could cause that much damage so far inland.
Yeah, you know, it's a common misconception.
People think if they're not right on the coast, they're safe,
but that heavy rainfall from hurricanes
can cause rivers and streams to overflow,
leading to widespread flooding hundreds of miles inland.
So even if we're not right on the coast
and worried about wind and storm surge flooding
is still a huge concern.
Exactly.
And this is making me think I need to take a closer look
at my homeowners insurance policy.
Does that usually cover flood damage?
That's a great point.
And honestly, something everyone should double check.
Standard homeowners insurance
typically doesn't cover flood damage.
So you might need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy.
Okay, so insurance checkup that's officially on my to-do list.
What else should we be thinking about right now
as we prep for hurricane season?
Are there any other really crucial steps?
Well, I always tell people to focus on three key areas.
Insurance, as we just discussed then,
a solid evacuation plan,
and of course, putting together that disaster supplies kit.
A little effort now can save you
so much stress and heartache down the road.
It makes sense to be prepared.
All right, so let's break those areas down one by one.
We've covered the insurance part.
What about evacuation plans?
Where should we even start with that?
First things first,
you gotta know your evacuation zone.
Oh, right?
You can find that information on ready.gov
or by using the FLSH tool.
Once you know your zone,
sit down with your family
and map out a clear evacuation plan.
Think about where will you go?
How will you get there?
What if the roads are closed?
And don't forget about your kits.
So it's not just knowing where to go,
but having a plan B
and thinking through all the details.
Precisely.
And once you've got that plan in place,
don't just tuck it away in a drawer
and forget about it, practice it.
Especially if you have kids or pets involved.
A few practice runs can make all the difference
when it comes to reacting calmly and efficiently
in a real emergency.
Practice makes perfect, right?
Especially when it comes to safety.
Now let's talk about those disasters of size.
What are the absolute must haves for our hurricane kit?
Aim for at least three days worth of supplies,
ideally more.
You know, power and water could be out
for weeks after a major storm.
So we're talking non-perishable food bottled water,
any essential medications.
Okay, so canned goods, water, first aid kit.
Got it.
What else tends to slip people's minds?
Oh, things like cash, a battery powered
or hand crank weather radio flashlights
with extra batteries.
And oh, a manual can opener.
You don't want to be stuck with a can of soup
and no way to open it.
And of course, don't forget about your furry family members.
Make sure you have enough food, water
and medications for them too.
Those are great reminders.
You know, while I was scrolling through
all those hurricane prep posts,
I came across one suggesting that we should document
our possessions before hurricane season.
Oh yeah.
Like take photos of everything,
note serial numbers, that sort of thing.
It seemed a little excessive.
Is there really any benefit to doing that?
You know, it might seem like overkill,
but trust me, it can be a lifesaver
if you need to file insurance claims after a storm.
Having that detailed inventory of your belongings,
especially with photos and serial numbers,
it can make the claims process so much smoother
and way less stressful.
So documenting everything it is that, okay,
so we've covered insurance evacuation plans
and disaster supplies, that's a lot to think about.
But I'm already starting to feel a little more prepared
just talking about it.
That's great to hear.
Is there anything else we should be doing right now
to get ready for hurricane season?
Well, this might seem obvious,
but I'd strongly advise against
planning any big trips to the Caribbean
or the Mexican Riviera during peak hurricane season.
You're telling me.
I had a friend who booked a dream trip to Cancun
a few years back, right smack in the middle
of hurricane season.
And let's just say it was more hunkering down
in a shelter than margaritas by the pool.
Oh no.
Not exactly the relaxing getaway they had in mind.
Yeah, I can imagine.
All right, so no drop of vacations
during hurricane season, got it.
Exactly, and remember hurricane preparedness
doesn't have to be overwhelming.
Start small tackle one task at a time
and you'll be amazed at how prepared you feel
by the time June 1st rolls around.
You're right, small steps now
can make a world of difference later.
Absolutely.
And speaking of taking small steps,
don't forget to follow meteorologist Rob Jones
on Instagram, meteorologist on TikTok TV meteorologist,
and on YouTube follow Rob Jones Hurricane
where you can also find the meteorology matters
podcast playlist.
Great advice.
He shares some really helpful insights
and updates throughout the year.
He does a great job.
Well, that wraps up part one
of our meteorology matters hurricane preparedness special.
Stay tuned for part two where we'll dive
into some unexpected hurricane prep tips
and answer your burning questions.
Welcome back to meteorology matters.
So glad you're sticking with us for part two
of our hurricane preparedness special.
And the last thing that we talked about,
you know, insurance evacuation plans,
disaster supply kits, all those essential
hurricane prep steps.
The basics.
Right.
But it turns out there's a whole other level
of preparedness that I hadn't even considered.
Like some really clever and unexpected tips.
Oh yeah, there's some good ones out there.
Like for example, I saw this tip
about filling your bathtub with water
before hurricane hits.
And at first I was like, why on earth would I do that?
But then I thought about it.
It's actually a really practical idea
if the water supply gets disrupted,
which can definitely happen after a hurricane.
You've got a bathtub full of water ready to go.
You can use it for flushing toilets,
washing dishes, even basic hygiene.
It's not for drinking obviously.
Right, not for drinking,
but for those other necessities, super helpful.
Wow, that is so smart.
It's funny how something as ordinary as a bathtub
can become such a valuable resource in an emergency.
It really is.
And along those same lines, another good tip
is to freeze water in plastic jugs or freezer bags
before the storm hits.
Yeah, I've heard of that one.
Is that just for having extra drinking water on hand?
Well, that's part of it,
but it also helps keep your refrigerator colder
for longer if you lose power.
Oh, right.
So those frozen jugs,
they act like giant ice packs,
which can be a real lifesaver
when it comes to preventing food from spoiling.
Well, that's a good point.
I never thought about it that way.
So we've got our bathtub full, our freezer packed with ice.
What other unexpected hurricane prep wisdom can you share?
One that often gets overlooked is fuel.
Make sure your car has a full tank of gas
well before a storm is predicted.
You know, gas stations,
they might close or run out of fuel very quickly
during an emergency,
and you don't want to be stranded with an empty tank
if you need to evacuate
or for emergencies in your area.
Oh, that's such a good reminder.
It's easy to focus on stocking up on food and water,
but we need to be able to get around too.
For sure.
Speaking of getting around,
what about communication?
How do we stay in touch with loved ones
if cell service goes down?
That's where a good old fashioned weather radio comes in.
It's a really reliable way
to get those emergency broadcasts and weather updates
even when the power is out and cell powers are down.
A weather radio?
I feel like I haven't seen one of those since I was a kid.
I know they're making a comeback though,
and for good reason.
They're a lifesaver in emergency situations.
Definitely need to add dust off the old weather radio
to my to-do list.
You know, we've talked a lot about
the practical side of things,
but what about the mental and emotional aspects
of facing a hurricane?
It's gotta be pretty stressful.
Absolutely.
Hurricanes are powerful forces of nature.
It's completely normal to feel anxious or overwhelmed.
One of the best ways to cope with that stress, honestly,
is to be prepared,
knowing you've taken those steps to protect yourself
and your loved ones can give you a sense of control
and really help reduce anxiety.
So being prepared isn't just about physical safety.
It's about mental and emotional well-being too.
It's all connected.
Are there any other emotional preparedness tips
you can share?
You know, one thing I've learned over the years
is the power of perspective.
As scary as hurricanes can be,
it's important to remember that they're temporary events.
Right.
The storm will pass, the sun will come out again.
Focusing on that knowledge can help us stay hopeful
and resilient during those tough times.
I love that focusing on the light at the end of the tunnel.
It's a good reminder that even in the midst
of a storm, there's always hope for a brighter tomorrow.
So we've covered practical prep,
mental and emotional preparedness.
Is there anything else we should be thinking about
as we gear up for hurricane season?
One final thought I'd like to leave you with
is the importance of community hurricanes
can bring out the best in people,
fostering a sense of unity and support.
So check on your neighbors,
especially those who might be elderly
or have special needs,
offer help where you can remember
we're all in this together.
Such an important point.
When we come together as a community,
we're stronger and more resilient in the face of adversity.
We've covered so much in part two
of our hurricane preparedness special.
From those practical tips like filling bathtubs
and freezing water, to the importance of mental
and emotional wellbeing and supporting our communities.
Absolutely.
I feel so much more prepared and informed already.
All right, welcome back to Meteorology Matters
for the final part of our hurricane preparedness special.
We've covered so much ground already.
Everything from the upcoming hurricane season forecast
to all those crucial preparation steps
and even some unexpected tips
like filling your bathtub and freezing those water jugs.
Yeah, it's been a lot.
But now it's time to tackle some of your questions.
We receive so many good ones from our listeners
and I'm excited to dive in and share some insights.
Me too.
It's always so helpful to hear what's on everyone's minds.
All right, let's get started.
The first question comes from Sarah in Tampa, Florida.
She writes, my family and I live in an evacuation zone
but we have two large dogs evacuating with them
seems so overwhelming.
Any advice?
Oh, that's a great question, Sarah.
And you are definitely not alone in feeling that way.
Evacuating with pets can definitely add
another layer of complexity,
but it's absolutely essential to include them in your plan.
Absolutely.
So first and foremost, make sure your pets are microchipped
and wearing collars with updated ID tags,
just in case you get separated
during the evacuation process.
Right.
And then do some research
and find pet-friendly hotels or shelters
along your evacuation route.
You know, a lot of emergency shelters don't allow pets
so it's crucial to have alternative options
line up in advance.
That's such a good point.
Finding those pet-friendly accommodations
ahead of time is key.
Now, what about packing for our furry friends?
What are some must-haves for their Hurricane Go bag?
Oh, just like us, pets need their essentials too.
So pack at least a week's worth of food and water balls,
medications and copies of their vaccination records.
Okay.
It's also a good idea to pack any comfort items
like a favorite toy or a blanket
that might help reduce their stress during the evacuation.
And of course, don't forget waste bags for easy cleanup.
All great tips.
A well-stocked pet emergency kit
can really make the evacuation process
less stressful for everyone involved.
Okay, our next question comes from John
in Charleston, South Carolina.
He asks,
I live in a historic home that isn't as wind-resistant
as newer buildings.
What extra precautions should I take to protect my property?
That's a really important question, John,
especially for those living in older homes
that maybe weren't built to withstand
today's Hurricane Force winds.
So if your home has storm shutters,
make sure they're in good working order
and that you know how to install them properly.
And if you don't have shutters,
you might consider boarding up your windows with plywood.
Just make sure it's a snug fit to prevent shattering.
Good idea.
Also, trimming any dead or weak branches
from trees near your house.
That's a good preventative measure
to reduce the risk of them falling
and causing damage during a storm.
Yeah, trimming trees and reinforcing those windows,
those are great tips.
It's amazing how much damage
a single falling branch can cause.
You're telling me.
Okay, and our final question comes
from Maria in Miami, Florida.
She writes,
we're new to Florida
and have never experienced a hurricane before.
What advice do you have for first-timers?
Welcome to Florida, Maria.
It's great to have you here,
but definitely important to be prepared
for hurricane season, especially as a newcomer.
I agree.
My biggest piece of advice for first-timers
is to take those hurricane warnings seriously.
When officials issue an evacuation order,
don't hesitate, leave early, and head to a safe location.
Yeah, it's always better to err on the side of caution.
For sure.
And Maria, remember all those tips we've discussed today.
Get that insurance in order,
create an evacuation plan, pack a disaster kit,
stay informed, and don't be afraid to reach out
to your neighbors for support.
They've probably been through this before
and can offer some great advice.
Yeah, we're all in this together, right?
By supporting each other and sharing information,
we can create a much more resilient
and prepared community.
Couldn't have said it better myself.
Well, that wraps up our hurricane preparedness Q&A,
and it brings our meteorology matters special to a close.
We covered a ton of information today
from understanding hurricane forecasts
and those essential preparation steps
to those little extra tips
that can make a world of difference.
It's been great.
Remember, hurricane season might seem far off,
but a little preparation now can go a long way
in ensuring your safety and peace of mind.
Absolutely.
And don't forget, you can follow meteorologist
Rob Jones on Instagram, meteorologist
on TikTok, TV meteorologist,
and on YouTube, follow Rob Jones' hurricane.
He's an amazing resource for staying up to date
on all things hurricane related.
Yeah, he's great.
Stay safe, stay prepared,
and we'll see you next time on meteorology matters.