Severe Weather

The Palm Beaches are no longer under severe weather threats from Hurricane Milton and our hearts go out to neighboring cities and regions in Florida affected by the storm.

If you’re planning to visit an attraction, museum, or restaurant, contact them in advance as they may have temporarily closed or changed hours due to the weather conditions.

We are updating hotel availability for accommodations throughout The Palm Beaches. Please see the worksheet below. The list’s date range goes from Oct. 10 – 13.

In addition to the below worksheet, the Expedia Accommodations Module, Priceline Accommodations Portal, and the Booking.com Portal will remain open to provide real-time information on hotel availability for any residents or visitors seeking a place to stay.

Emergency Resources

Official Weather Information:

• National Hurricane Center

Palm Beach County Emergency Management & Evacuation Information:

• Emergency Management

Florida Emergency Management Information:

• Florida Division of Emergency Management
• Florida Emergency Business Information

Transportation Information:

• Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
• Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL)
• Miami International Airport (MIA)
• Brightline
• Tri-Rail Regional Transportation
• Road Traffic Conditions

Additional Travel Related Information:

• VISIT FLORIDA

Hurricane Terminology

If you are unfamiliar with hurricane terminology here is a glossary of some terms you might hear:

Watches and Warnings:

• Tropical Storm Watch: A National Hurricane Center (NHC) announcement that sustained winds of 39 mph to 73 mph are possible within the specified area within 48 hours.
• Tropical Storm Warning: A NHC announcement that sustained winds of 39 mph to 73 mph are expected somewhere within the specified area within 36 hours.
• Hurricane Watch: A NHC announcement that sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are possible within the specified area within 48 hours.
• Hurricane Warning: A NHC announcement that sustained winds of 74 mph or 119 km/hr) or higher are expected somewhere within the specified area 36 hours.

Storm Terms:

• Tropical Depression: A tropical depression has a clearly defined surface circulation with maximum sustained winds of less than 39 mph.
• Cone of Uncertainty: The cone represents the probable track of a storm, representing the possible margin of error in the forecast over a 3-day and 5-day period.
• Tropical Storm: Organized tropical system with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39 mph to 73 mph.
• Hurricane: Organized tropical system with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of at least 74 mph.
  • Cat 1: 74 – 95 Very dangerous winds will produce some damage
  • Cat 2:  96 – 110 Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage
  • Cat 3: 111 – 129 Devastating damage will occur
  • Cat 4: 130 – 156 Catastrophic damage may occur
  • Cat 5: 156 – Catastrophic damage will occur

Be Safe from the Heat

Palm Beach County encourages all residents and visitors to practice heat safety during these hot and humid days.  Heat Indices of 105 to 108 degrees and higher are possible over the interior areas, with 100 to 105 degrees and higher over the metro areas throughout this week. The Heat Index is the apparent temperature, or “what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature.”   This can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke illnesses.

To prevent heat related illnesses:

• Never leave children, vulnerable adults, or pets in a parked car – Temperatures in a parked car can rise quickly which can cause death for children, vulnerable adults, or pets.  If you see a person or pet in a parked vehicle on a hot day, call 9-1-1 immediately.
• Limit time outside – avoid being outside during the midday heat and spend more time inside when possible
• Utilize public spaces – take advantage of public spaces with air conditioning when possible.  Use this time to read a book or surf the internet at one of the great library locations within the county (County Library map attached); visit a local park or neighborhood splash pad (County Parks map attached), a public or community pool, your local community center or neighborhood clubhouse. Even plan your shopping for the middle of the day to stay cool when it is hottest out.
• Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty
• Do not get too much sun – apply sunscreen if you are going to be in the sun.

For more heat related preparedness information visit Extreme Heat (fema.gov) and/or Heat Illness Prevention (OSHA.gov).

Download: Where to cool off in Palm Beach County Parks Guide