Weather researchers at Colorado State University (CSU) released an early outlook for the 2025 hurricane season, predicting above-average activity for storms developing near the U.S. Atlantic coastline, the Gulf Coast, and the Caribbean. As many Leon County residents know, it only takes one landfalling hurricane to make it an active season for us all.
The Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through November 30 and typically peaks in August, September, and October, is expected to produce 17 named storms in 2025. Nine of these could become hurricanes, with four potentially strengthening into major hurricanes. Florida remains the most hurricane-prone state, with 41 percent of all U.S. hurricanes making landfall here since 1851. History has consistently shown that inland communities like ours are still vulnerable to severe hurricane impacts, including flooding, tornadoes, and damaging winds.
Leon County’s 2024 weather challenges showed that even inland communities are vulnerable to severe storms. Before hurricane season, Leon County endured major flooding from January’s Squall Line and April’s Bicentennial Storm. In May, a historic tornado outbreak caused more than $50 million in damages, rivaling Hurricanes Hermine, Michael, and Idalia combined. The impacts continued with Hurricane Debby’s heavy rainfall in August, followed by Hurricane Helene, the strongest storm to hit the Big Bend, and Hurricane Milton just 13 days later, after record-setting rapid intensification.
Each of these emergencies exposed different vulnerabilities, tested our community’s partnerships, and revealed new opportunities to strengthen our resilience. As we prepare for the upcoming hurricane season, Leon County remains committed to building on the lessons learned, enhancing our readiness, and ensuring that we stand ready to respond to whatever the next season may bring.
Leon County Government remains committed to addressing the urgent needs of the citizens we serve before, during, and after disasters. We continue to engage our community, listen to our citizens, and address the challenges we face together. After every disaster, Leon County performs an extensive analysis of our emergency operations through a comprehensive after-action report that leads to findings and recommendations that are implemented into our disaster plans. Improvements include increasing special needs sheltering capacity for our most vulnerable citizens, directly engaging with neighboring rural communities to coordinate volunteers and donations, and creating outreach teams to educate and serve.
This commitment to learning and improving led to FEMA and the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes designating Leon County as the nation’s first #HurricaneStrong community in 2018. #HurricaneStrong is designed to save lives and homes through collaboration with leading disaster safety organizations.
You, too, can become #HurricaneStrong by following this five-step process: Personal Safety, Family Preparedness, Neighborhood Preparedness, Financial Security, and Strengthen Your Home.
Personal Safety – Know your risks. The Big Bend is vulnerable to a variety of hazards, from hurricanes to wildfires. Do your research and determine which risks threaten your home. Review the Leon County Disaster Survival Guide at LeonReady.com for preparedness information for all kinds of hazards.
Family Preparedness – The best ways to prepare your family for disasters are to have a plan, build a kit, and stay informed. Once you have assessed your risks, your emergency plan will be your family’s guide on how to react when an emergency occurs. Your emergency plan will help family members know where to shelter in your home, where to go and what route to use if your family needs to evacuate, and how your family will communicate when disaster strikes.
When a disaster is imminent, such as the approach of a hurricane, it can be difficult to gather the appropriate supplies. Building a kit in advance ensures your family will have the essential survival supplies on hand when disaster strikes. A five-gallon bucket with a lid makes an excellent container for your emergency supply kit. It is also important to have at least three days’ worth of supplies on hand, as it may take at least that long for emergency responders to begin clearing roadways and restoring electricity following a disaster.
No matter if you can see a disaster coming, like a hurricane, or if it happens suddenly, staying informed is important. Follow your local media sources, like radio, television, or online news. The best way to stay up to date on the changing nature of the emergency is to tune into Leon County Government’s information sources.
In Leon County, you can receive emergency information by downloading the County’s Citizens Connect App, which is available from the Google Play or Apple App Store. For those with internet access, you can get updates from the County’s Emergency Information Portal at LeonCountyFL.gov/ei. Also, during a disaster, Leon County partners with WFSU Radio (88.9 FM) and iHeartMedia to provide real-time emergency updates from Leon County’s Emergency Operations Center.
Neighborhood Preparedness – When you are prepared for a disaster, you become a resource for your neighbors. Work with neighbors to help them understand their risks and how best to prepare. Discuss community preparedness during neighborhood meetings. Volunteer with a local organization that provides disaster assistance services. You can receive training on how to best help others in need. For more information on volunteering, please contact Leon County Volunteer Services at 850-606-1983.
Financial Security – The saying of “saving for a rainy day” is never truer than following a disaster. Wind, rain, fire, or flood — any hazard has the potential to damage your home. Having the ability to repair and restore your home allows you to recover quicker following a disaster.
Insurance is an important part of covering the costs of repairing and restoring your home. Each year, check with your insurance carrier to ensure you have the right amount of appropriate coverage. Many citizens are unaware that standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover flooding.
Keep a small amount of cash at home in a safe place. It is important to have small bills on hand because ATMs and credit card machines may not work during a disaster.
Strengthen Your Home – Prepping your home before a disaster can help limit the impacts. While permanent improvements are best for protecting your home, there are several do-it-yourself projects that can help strengthen your home. And remember to use caution if you need to climb on your roof or work on a ladder. Many injuries related to falls occur before hurricanes.
Temporary plywood shutters can be created to protect your windows and glass sliding doors from wind impacts during hurricanes. This is a project that needs to be completed well in advance of the hurricane. To make the process easier, measure all the windows in your home that need protection. Once you purchase the plywood, cut and label it beforehand to make installation easier when a storm is closing in.
Another way to strengthen your home is by using temporary sandbags positioned to help divert water from vulnerable areas, such as external and garage doors. Place heavy-duty plastic sheeting between doors and sandbags for more protection.
By taking the steps above, you can help minimize the impact of a catastrophic event. Take the time to prepare beforehand so that you can act accordingly during the crisis and recover faster and better after the event. No matter what the 2025 hurricane season brings, just a little bit of planning now goes a long way to ensure the safety and welfare of you, your family, and your neighborhood. 
Kevin Peters, Director
Leon County Emergency Management
