The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season carries a chilling forecast: 25 named storms and 13 hurricanes —seven of which are predicted to be Category 3 or higher. No need to fear; hurricanes have been hitting Miami long before the University of Miami made this natural disaster their namesake. If there is anything Miamians can do, it is to thrive in the unstable weather – they even enjoy it. Here’s everything you need to know to weather the storms this season like storm-wrangler.
Hurricane season saw its kickoff even before the start of the fall semester, with Hurricane Beryl ripping its way through the Caribbean in late June. Hurricane Debby rolled around before midterms, hitting Tallahassee and the Florida Panhandle in early August. And recently, Hurricane Helene is making headlines tearing through Florida, Georgia and North Carolina in late September.
Although Debby spared South Florida, the storm season — which officially ends during the last full week of classes in November — brings constant warnings and foreboding predictions of tropical disturbances churning in the Atlantic.
The threat of a hurricane hitting Miami can leave University of Miami students, especially those new to South Florida, feeling nervous during the storm season.
“Oh, I’m petrified,” said first-year business student Brooklyn Matt. “Growing up, lightning and thunder were always my biggest fear, but I think the people around me will help me prepare,” said the native New Yorker.
While Matt has yet to experience her first South Florida hurricane, Alin Gurdikyan, a graduate student, remembers Hurricane Irma vividly and the impact the 2017 storm had on her family.
“It was my first year living here so we didn’t know anything about hurricanes,” said Gurdikyan. “My family started packing up and started driving, but the hurricane followed our direction,” she said, noting that trees were being uprooted. “We were almost gonna crash; we had to move from hotel to hotel to get to safety.”
Matthew Shpiner, executive director of Emergency Management at the University of Miami, said the university works year-round to keep UM and its community safe and prepared.
“It’s a part of life living in South Florida,” said Shpiner, adding that South Florida is in a hurricane evacuation zone for major storms, Category 3 or higher. “It’s not a common occurrence, but we still need to be prepared for it.”
Photo Credit: Gerald Fink
What is a Hurricane, Anyway?
Let’s get scientific.
Hurricanes start as tropical storms over the ocean and are classified as hurricanes when winds reach up to 74 mph. Hurricanes require warm water and strong winds. When these factors combine, winds start moving in a spiral, creating a hurricane. The faster the winds, the more dangerous the storm.
Hurricanes are rated on a scale from 1 to 5, with Category 1 being the tamest and Category 5 the strongest. Categories are classified by their wind speeds:
Category 1: 74–95 mph
Category 2: 96–110 mph
Category 3: 111–129 mph
Category 4: 130–156 mph
Category 5: 157 mph or higher
Hurricane season typically runs between late May and November, so this information is more pertinent for the fall semester.
“The hurricane center forecasts are five-day forecasts, so maybe as early as five days out, there is indication that there may be a threat,” said Robert Molleda, meteorologist-in-charge of the National Weather Service’s Miami Forecast Office. “But we aren’t always going to have that timeframe. Sometimes they can form close to us, so it’s important to keep a level of readiness.”
What Do I Do if One Comes?
Hurricane preparedness is essential for people who want to prepare for the possibility of one making landfall.
For the latest updates and advisories on whether to evacuate, tune into the local TV news and radio stations and check the national weather service’s website.“If you are even remotely plugged in through sources of information, you could see the latest information on any storms that are out there,” Molleda said.
Follow directions from local officials; if told to evacuate, either head to a hurricane evacuation center or seek shelter that is not in an evacuation zone.
Be “Hurricane Prepped”
Weather emergency officials advise residents to stay away from all windows, skylights and glass doors if they are staying in one place.
Adam Baranovsky, a UM graduate student, said that as someone who has experienced hurricanes in the Northeast, he is ready to weather the South Florida storm season.
“I’m hurricane prepped, so I think I’ll be fine,” said Baranovsky. “I know what to do during a hurricane. I’ve prepped extra everything. I know to stay away from windows and have extra clothing and food.”
Officials also advise residents to stay in a small interior room, such as a closet or hallway on the lowest level of their homes. If needed, cover or board up windows.
Residents should charge all electronics while still having power, since electricity may go out. Stock up on food and water, flashlights, a first aid kit and other necessities. Note for storm enthusiasts: While the h ‘eye’ of the hurricane is calm, do not venture outside as the eye passes, because the second half of the storm is coming.
With a lower-category storm, some enjoy staying in, since many take this opportunity to spend time with friends and family. Many also take this time to relax, maybe by getting creative with arts and crafts or doing puzzles and board games.
If the power has yet to go out, there is no time like a hurricane to binge-watch a comfort series.
Hurricane Parties
In a more traditional sense, hurricane parties are when friends and family come together under the safest roof bringing food, alcohol and other important resources to ride out the storm together. Hurricane parties can help keep party-goers safe while providing companionship; sometimes, these parties last days.
But what do college kids do when classes are called off? They have their own version of hurricane parties.
Hurricane cakes, which detailed the swirling cyclone and its name in frosting, used to be sold at Publix. However, they discontinued them a few years back after receiving public backlash for “making light of a tragedy.” In response, some took to X to express that the cakes should make a comeback. While these cakes are no longer on the shelves, what’s to stop students from baking their own?
With or without the Publix baked showstopper, just stay sober enough to get yourself to safety.
“It’s not a big deal,” said Sherrine Predelus, a sophomore and Florida resident. “If one were to come, I’ll just go to Costco, get some things, get gas and go to sleep.”
What Do I Do After it Passes?
Even after the storm has passed, continue monitoring the weather on local media. Also avoid flooded or muddy areas as they can contain oil, gasoline or other contaminants. Residents should be mindful when walking outside, steering clear of harmful debris, including glass and nails. . Also be vigilant about downed power lines and wires — assume all lines are live. When wading through water, be extra cautious because even six inches of water can sweep someone off their feet. .
“Depending on the severity of the storm, it may take time for the community to recover and some of the basic resources that we are used to having access to may not be in place, such as public transit, grocery stores etc. so plan accordingly for post storm,” Shpiner said.
Resources for Students
Students living on campus should take heed of all hurricane preparedness signs in the dorms. Pay attention to advice from RAs and university personnel as the storm forms. . UM provides storm alert advisories throughout the threat and duration of a storm. It also maintains an Emergency Preparedness website: https://prepare.miami.edu/.
The Office of Emergency Management on campus offers Zoom hurricane preparedness training sessions, “Hurricane Preparedness: Weathering the Storm,” multiple times per month. UM officials go over what to expect before, during and after a hurricane and offer tips and information on hurricane forecasts. The presentation includes a question-and-answer and discussion section. Sign up information is available at UM’s events page: https://events.miami.edu.
Hurricane History
22 hurricanes within a 30-mile radius of campus have impacted the University of Miami since its inception in 1925. Here are some of the main ones.
The Great Miami Hurricane of 1926: It was the first year of classes for the university when the Sept. 18 Category 4 storm caused classes to start late. The university shelved its plans for a 50,000-seat football stadium on campus. The storm actually gave UM athletic teams their name, The Miami Hurricanes, and mascot, the ibis. Ibis birds are said to be the last to leave during a hurricane and the first to come back after the storm.
Hurricane Andrew 1992, Category 5: In the wake of this Category 5 storm, the fall semester was postponed for almost three weeks. The storm caused millions of dollars of damages to UM facilities. Reportedly, 400 staff and faculty members lost their homes.
Hurricane Katrina 2005, Category 1: Flooding and wind damage caused road blockages. Students living in the dorms were without power and could feel the rain and wind inside from leaking windows and air conditioners.
Hurricane Wilma 2005, Category 3: Campus was closed for a full week; many wereout of power. On-campus damage was minimal, however, the residential colleges experienced some roof damage and leaking.
Hurricane Irma 2017, Category 3: Classes were canceled for almost three weeks; some students left the Miami area. The storm caused millions in damages. Post storm, debris and downed trees were all over campus; recovery efforts lasted over a year.
words_allie litzinger & communitywire.miami. design_sal puma.
This article was published in Distraction’s Fall 2024 print issue.
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