WINK Storm Handbook

The time to get ready for hurricane season is now. When a storm is nearing Southwest Florida, it’s far too late to prepare.

As Hurricane Ian tragically reminded us, hurricanes can be highly destructive and potentially deadly. That’s why, regardless of its rating, you should treat every hurricane—and the dangers associated with it—very seriously.

Welcome to the 2023 WINK News Hurricane Guide. Hurricane season is now here, and for the next six months, the WINK Weather Team will constantly monitor for tropical depressions, tropical storms and hurricanes that could be potential threats.

Abundant beaches, inland waterways and the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico are what make Southwest Florida a boater’s paradise. However, those features also mean boats are especially vulnerable to damage during tropical storms and hurricanes.

Following a hurricane, electrical equipment, downed power lines and household wiring can all pose potential hazards if not dealt with properly. Here’s how to safely contend with such problems.

Hurricane Ian’s lessons on the power of water

If an evacuation order has been issued, officials strongly encourage you to make every effort to leave the area. Evacuation options that may be better than going to a public shelter include:

On Sept. 14, 2022, the WINK Weather Team started to track a tropical wave leaving Africa with signs of development ahead as it took a long trek across the Atlantic. Nine days later, on Friday, Sept. 23, that system developed into a Tropical Depression, accompanied by the first issuance of a forecast cone.