Miami Beach must evacuate for all category hurricanes. Tidal surge, tornadoes, sustained winds and flooding can bring extensive damage to buildings and roads on Miami Beach. It is never too early to prepare, but it can be too late if you wait.

The Atlantic hurricane season is officially from June 1 to November 30. Hurricanes have occurred outside of these six months, but these dates were selected to encompass over 97% of tropical activity. The Atlantic basin shows a very peaked season from August through October, with 78% of the tropical storm days, 87% of the minor (Saffir-Simpson Scale categories 1 and 2) hurricane days, and 96% of the major (Saffir-Simpson categories 3, 4 and 5) hurricane days occurring. Maximum activity is in early to mid September. Once in a few years there may be a hurricane occurring "out of season" -- primarily in May or December.

It is advised that you begin evacuation procedures before an evacuation order is given. This will allow you more time to calmly get off of the island to a home of a friend or relative that is not in an evacuation zone. Please remember to take with you an emergency suitcase of essential hurricane supplies, such as identification (driver's license and/or utility bill with your Miami Beach address) and prescription medicine. Red Cross shelters will not open until an evacuation order is given and spaces are limited. If you are a visitor to our area, listen to local news outlets for tourist evacuation orders.