Hurricane season and the rainy season are here. The City of Hollywood advises residents to plan ahead and be ready for any severe weather event. June 1st marks the start of the Atlantic hurricane season and the South Florida rainy season in also underway.
Though 2015 is expected to be a below average hurricane season as far as hurricane activity is concerned, it only takes one storm to cause significant problems in our community. We also can expect the typical afternoon thunderstorms that bring heavy rainfall, gusty winds, dangerous lightning, and possible flash floods. Flooding is a problem in several parts of Hollywood, so it's important that residents and business owners are prepared.
Now is the time to prepare your household for hurricane season. Gather your hurricane supplies for each member of your family (including pets). Review your hurricane checklists, contact numbers for relatives and friends, and evacuation plans (if you live in an evacuation zone). Remember, you and your family should be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours after a hurricane makes landfall.
Visit the hurricane preparedness section on the City of Hollywood website, to learn more about how to prepare your household and business for a hurricane. This section of the website also contains useful tips on saving money while gathering your hurricane supplies, flood and generator safety information, and much more. Should a tropical storm or hurricane threatens our area, the City's website, www.hollywoodfl.org, will be updated with the latest storm information, so it may be a good idea to add a bookmark for the website on your web browser.
The summer months also mark the rainy season in South Florida which is the time of year when 70% of the yearly rainfall occurs. Weather hazards associated with the rainy season include lightning, gusty and damaging thunderstorm winds, flooding, hail and even tornadoes. May to August is the period when most of South Florida’s severe weather (flooding, large hail, tornadoes and strong winds) takes place. Also, rip currents are common due to the persistent onshore winds.These hazards do not include impacts from any tropical systems that can affect South Florida, particularly during the peak months of August, September and October.
The regular thunderstorms associated with the rainy season can result in minor to moderate street flooding, power outages, downed electrical lines and trees, and other damage. The City of Hollywood urges residents to be prepared and informed. Residents are encouraged to visit the National Weather Service at http://weather.gov/southflorida to get updated weather information or tune into local media outlets. Residents should also be aware of the need to seek safe indoor shelter in the event of a strong or severe thunderstorm. The City of Hollywood Emergency Management division provides updated severe weather preparedness information at www.hollywoodfl.org/emergency.
City of Hollywood personnel are ready to respond to hurricanes, severe weather and other emergencies. Hollywood Police, Fire Rescue and Beach Safety, Public Works, Public Utilities and Emergency Management monitor all potential threats to the area and respond to any parts of the City that are impacted by severe weather.
If you encounter a flooded roadway, down tree or power line or any other storm-related hazard, please avoid the area and call the Hollywood Police Department non-emergency number at 954.764.HELP (4357) to report the hazard. Hollywood crews will respond to the affected area as quickly as possible.
