Real-Time Maps & Alerts

During an emergency, information travels quickly—but not all of it is accurate.

Rumors, outdated social media posts, and unofficial reports can create confusion when you need clear answers.

Whenever possible, rely on official agencies for:

• Hurricane forecasts
• Evacuation orders
• Road closures
• Shelter locations
• Weather alerts
• Flood information
• Emergency announcements

The more reliable your information, the better your decisions.

As a storm approaches, pay close attention to:

Hurricane Forecasts

Track the projected path, forecast cone, expected impacts, and timing.

Watches and Warnings

Know the difference between:

• Tropical Storm Watch
• Tropical Storm Warning
• Hurricane Watch
• Hurricane Warning

Each provides important information about expected conditions and preparation timelines.

Local Emergency Orders

Monitor:

• Evacuation orders
• School closures
• Government announcements
• Public transportation changes

Hurricane Forecast Cone

Follow the latest official forecast track.

Monitor rain bands and storm movement.

See the overall structure and development of the storm.

Determine whether your home is located within a local evacuation zone.

Understand areas at risk from coastal flooding.

Identify locations vulnerable to inland flooding.

Check for:

• Road closures
• Construction
• Flooded roads
• Traffic congestion

Track electrical outages and restoration progress in your area.

• Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)
• NOAA Weather Radio
• County emergency notifications
• Local weather apps
• Utility company outage alerts

Receiving information from multiple sources helps ensure you don’t miss important updates.

A hurricane’s path is only part of the picture.

Also watch for:

• Tornado warnings
• Flash flood warnings
• Storm surge forecasts
• Wind speed forecasts
• Heat advisories after landfall
• Air quality concerns during cleanup

Preparedness means understanding all the hazards—not just the hurricane itself.

Technology is incredibly useful—but it isn’t guaranteed.

Prepare by:

• Downloading offline maps
• Keeping printed maps in your vehicle
• Saving important phone numbers
• Owning a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio
• Charging backup batteries before the storm

Having multiple ways to receive information improves resilience when power or internet service becomes unavailable.

Ask yourself:

• Is this from an official source?
• Is the information current?
• Does it match other trusted reports?
• Has local emergency management confirmed it?

Taking a few extra seconds to verify information can prevent unnecessary panic or poor decisions.

Before a storm:

✔ Forecast reviewed

✔ Local evacuation zone identified

✔ Road conditions checked

✔ Emergency alerts enabled

✔ Family communication plan reviewed

✔ Backup information sources ready

✔ Offline maps downloaded

✔ Weather radio tested

Continue preparing with these Hurricane Bug Out resources:

• Evacuation Planning – Decide when it’s time to leave.
• Evacuation Routes – Plan primary and alternate travel routes.
• Vehicle Readiness – Prepare your vehicle before departure.
• Communications – Build multiple ways to receive emergency information.
• Recovery – Monitor utility restoration and recovery updates after the storm.

Preparation gives you confidence, but staying informed helps you adapt.

Check official forecasts regularly, verify important updates through trusted sources, and monitor changing conditions throughout hurricane season.

The best decisions are made with the best information.