Hurricane season 2024: Know your evacuation zone and when it's time to evacuate

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30 with the peak of the season on Sept. 10. The most activity happens between mid-August and mid-October, according to the National Hurricane Center.

An overheated Atlantic Ocean and a rising La Ni?a have forecasters predicting a highly active hurricane season, one that could rival one of the busiest years on record.

The key to getting through storm season is being prepared. That's why The Palm Beach Post has compiled tips, lists, contact numbers, graphics and maps that should help you prepare for a storm, and, if need be, get through it fine.

When to evacuate in Palm Beach County

If a major storm threatens, it could take days to evacuate some areas, especially if the storm is forecast to run parallel along the east or west coast of the Peninsula, hitting several major cities.

That means perhaps millions of evacuees could flood highways, causing major backups throughout the state.  Authorities work closely with the National Hurricane Center when deciding evacuations, but some storms are hard to forecast.

Four days before landfall, Hurricane Andrew was an ill-defined, weak storm far out at sea.

Emergency managers don’t want motorists stalled in bumper-to-bumper traffic as the hurricane comes ashore. You should not stay home if you live in an evacuation area.

Should I go to a hurricane shelter? What to know to make your decision

Palm Beach County hurricane evacuation maps

To hone in on a specific area of the county to see what evacuation zone you are in, go here. https://bit.ly/4bqdFJ3

Palm Beach County has an evacuation zone look-up tool. Here's how to access it.

If you stay home during a hurricane

Make sure your home is as reinforced as possible. Consider the house’s condition and whether your family is healthy enough.

If you stay with friends or relatives during a storm

Hurricane Survival Checklist: How do I prepare my house and yard for a hurricane?

Make arrangements far in advance. Check again as the storm approaches to make sure your hosts aren’t on vacation or renovating.

Take some things that you’d take to an emergency shelter.

If you leave home as hurricane approaches

No place in Florida is safe from a storm. It could envelop much of the state or march up the coast and turn toward your destination. In 1995, Erin threatened Miami, and thousands fled to Orlando, where Erin struck.

Decide your destination and get a hotel room before you go. Rooms fill quickly.

Flying may not be an option. Airports will close well in advance of the storm.

Trains will fill quickly and will stop running once conditions deteriorate.

Check your car. Fill tank, check tires, fluids and brakes. Get a current map of backup routes.

Leave early.

If roads are already jammed, go back home or to a shelter. If the storm is 24 hours from landfall or closer, it’s too late to try to leave town.

Tell someone where you are going. Leave a phone number.

Evacuation map information

Florida’s Turnpike: Monitor www.floridasturnpike.com for the latest details.

More evacuation route information: Call 850-414-4100

Call 511: The Florida Department of Transportation offers its free 511 service for travel information and roadway conditions, including road and bridge closures, toll suspensions and major evacuation routes. For more, go to www.FL511.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: When to evacuate: 2024 hurricane evacuation zones in Palm Beach County