Georgia, South Carolina Hurricane Guide: What you need to know for the 2024 storm season

Above video: 'The Power of Water' WJCL's 2024 Hurricane SpecialJune 1 marks the start of hurricane season in Coastal Georgia and the South Carolina Lowcountry.WJCL has compiled this information to help you and your family ahead of severe weather in our area. Be sure to bookmark this page and keep it handy in the event of a tropical storm or hurricane.What is the forecast for the 2024 hurricane season?WJCL's long term forecast is set to be released in March. Check back for updates.Check out your local forecast here and download the WJCL App here.When do storms happen in our area?While hurricane season runs from June to November, historically, the most storms occur between August and October, peaking in September.What's the difference between a hurricane watch and warning?Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are possible within the specified coastal area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become more difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical storm-force winds.Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the warning. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical storm-force winds.What should I pack?What to pack in your home disaster supplies kit: First aid kit and essential medicationsCanned foodCan openerAt least seven gallons of water per personProtective clothing/rainwearBedding and/or sleeping bagsBattery-powered radioBatteriesFlashlightSpecial items for infants, elderly, or disabled family membersWritten instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do soWhat to pack when evacuating:Prescription medications and medical suppliesFirst aid kitClothingBedding, including sleeping bags and pillowsBottled waterBattery-operated radioBatteriesFlashlightCar keysMapsDriver’s licenseImportant documents (Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies,wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, etc.) RELATED: Severe Weather Explainer: When would bridges in the greater Savannah area be shut down?Below video: How to evacuate, what to do if you're stayingBelow video: Need help evacuating? These are the resources available to youWhat should I do to my home?Outside Your HomeCover or brace all windows and door openings.Remove a door or one screen panel on each side of your pool enclosure to allow wind to flow through, and cutting down wind resistance. This could save your pool enclosure. Disconnect propane gas at the tank.Bring your barbecue grill and propane tank inside– this may be your only means of cooking during a power outage. Safety/ValuablesPrepare your safe room.Stock it with a battery-powered TV and/or radio with spare batteries, sleeping bags, pillows, chairs, snacks and drinking water, and games for children.Have a mattress nearby to get under in case your home suffers structural damage.Place valuables and personal papers in waterproof containers or zip lock bags.Refrigeration/WaterTurn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting.Freeze water in plastic jugs to help keep your freezer cold when power goes out.Stock up on jugs of bottled water – at least seven gallons per person – one gallon per person per day.Fill bathtub with water for non-drinking use.If you Evacuate to a ShelterOnly do so as a last resort.Try to eat a meal before entering the shelter.Take pillows, blankets and other supplies.Check to make sure the shelter is open – all shelters do not open at the same time. RELATED: Here's what you should know about flood insurance before a hurricane threatens the Savannah areaHow strong can storms get?Tropical StormWINDS 39–73 mphTropical storms are weaker than hurricanes, but can cause flooding from intense rainfall, and some property damageCategory 1 HurricaneWINDS 74–95 mph | STORM SURGE 4–5 ftPossible injuries from flying/falling debrisPossible damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding, and guttersLarge tree branches will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppledPower outages could last several daysCategory 2 HurricaneWINDS 96–110 mph | STORM SURGE 6–8 ftFlying/falling debris can be a threatRoofing, siding, and glass windows vulnerableCan cause structural damage to apartment buildings and mobile homesPower outages can last a few weeksStock up on potable water, as filtration systems can failCategory 3 HurricaneWINDS 111–130 mphMobile/poorly constructed frame homes can be destroyedSignificant damage to apartments possibleExtensive inland floodingElectricity/water might be unavailable for several days/weeks after the stormCategory 4 HurricaneWINDS 131–155 mph | STORM SURGE 13–18 ftCan cause catastrophic damage to property, humans, and animalsSevere structural damage to mobile/frame homes and apartmentsLong-term power/water outages can last for weeks to monthsCategory 5 HurricaneWINDS 155+ mph | STORM SURGE 18+ ftYou should be nowhere near this stormCan cause complete destruction of mobile/frame homes and apartmentsNearly all trees in area might be uprootedPower/water outages can last for monthsArea could be uninhabitable for monthsHow are our communities preparing for the next big storm? Here's how the Port of Savannah is preparing to withstand the upcoming hurricane seasonHere's how the busy Port of Savannah can quickly reopen following a hurricaneHere's how Tybee's sand dunes protect the island during severe weather, storm surge Below file video: Inside look at Georgia Power's hurricane preparednessHow can I share photos or videos during severe weather?If you can take them safely, post them to our Facebook group here.Below video: Hurricane Hunters: What it's like chasing severe storms in the sky