Hurricanes, like most vacationers, love warm Atlantic and Gulf waters. While no one wants to hear a hurricane is hurtling toward their beach vacation, the season does run June 1—Nov. 30. So, what should you do to protect yourself and your vacation investment? See our tips below.

 

 

Destin Gulf Cost Waves During Tropical Storm

Buy Trip Insurance

No, really. It’s in your best interest to purchase trip insurance if your vacation falls during hurricane season.


At Natural Retreats and 360 Blue, we’ve built trip protection coverage into the booking process. This allows you the option to purchase coverage while reserving your vacation home. 

If you use a credit card for the reservation, check with your credit card company to see if additional trip or storm coverage is offered. 

 

Travel insurance helps protect your trip investment if you have to cancel or interrupt your plans because of a covered event.

ThunderStorm and Lightning

Listen to Reliable Weather Sources

Colorado State University’s Tropical Weather and Climate Research Department is among the world’s most respected climate research teams.


When they make predictions, everyone in the weather world listens. And they are predicting a very active 2024 hurricane season. The department forecasts 11 hurricanes. Of those 11 hurricanes, 5 are projected to be categorized as a major hurricane.
 

Now, we’re glad your cousin Billy, who has lived along the coast for 30 years, thinks an approaching storm is no big deal—but what do the weather authorities say?
 

When the weather turns sour, tune into the National Hurricane Center for accurate storm mapping and updates.

Learn the Difference Between a Hurricane Watch and a Warning

What if you’re already at the beach, living your best life, when that storm decides to head your way? It’s time to pay attention to NOAA and see if your area is under a Hurricane Watch or a Hurricane Warning.

 

What’s the difference? A Hurricane Watch means the weather conditions are right for a hurricane. A Hurricane Warning means a hurricane is expected with tropical storm winds beginning within 36 hours.

 

It’s like having the ingredients in your refrigerator for Taco Tuesday (Watch) versus browning the taco meat and adding the seasonings (Warning). 
 

We've included a few more terms you should know, too! 

Tornado Watch

A Tornado Watch means a tornado is possible: know your safe place and be ready to act quickly.

 

Tornado Warning

A Tornado Warning means a tornado is happening or about to happen. Immediately seek shelter.

Tropical Storm Watch

A Tropical Storm Watch means tropical storm conditions are possible within the next 48 hours.

 

Tropical Storm Warning

A Tropical Storm Warning means they are expected somewhere within the warning area.

Storm Surge Watch

A Storm Surge Watch means the possibility of life-threatening inundation generally within 48 hours.

 

Storm Surge Warning

A Storm Surge Warning means the danger of life-threatening inundation generally within 36 hours.

An Extreme Wind Warning means extreme hurricane winds (115 mph+) are imminent or happening.

Flash Flood Warning

A Flash Flood Warning means dangerous flash flooding is expected. Never walk through flood waters.

 

Flash Flood Emergency

A Flash Flood Emergency is issued in rare situations when a severe threat to human life and catastrophic damage is happening or about to happen.

Flood Watch

A Flood Watch means flooding is possible: stay tuned to trusted news sources and be ready to seek higher ground.

 

Flood Warning

A Flood Warning means flooding is happening or about to happen.

Beach Flags Could Save Your Life

Double red flags mean the beach is closed.
  • Double Red Flags
    If you see two red flags flying, that means the water is CLOSED. Entering the water is prohibited and can result in a $500 fine and criminal charges. Do not go into the water.
  • Red Flag
    High surf and/or strong currents. Knee deep is too deep!
  • Yellow Flag
    Moderate surf and/or currents. Use caution in the water. 
  • Green Flag
    Calm conditions, but always exercise caution in the water. 
  • Purple Flag
    Presence of stinging animals, like Man O' War, jellyfish, or stingrays. 

Book with Confidence

There’s no reason not to plan a fabulous Summer beach vacation—hurricanes are an unfortunate part of life. With a bit of pre-planning and awareness, you can focus on all the fun stuff and not worry about dangerous conditions.