WINK Listens: What Southwest Florida needs to know before the next hurricane

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — Hurricane season is underway, and many Southwest Florida residents have questions about what to expect and how to prepare.

During WINK News' special report, WINK Listens: Before the Storm, the WINK Weather Authority answered viewer questions about hurricane forecasts, storm dangers, evacuations, shelters, and protecting homes before a storm strikes.

Viewer Dana Parks shared a concern many residents have about the season ahead. "They said it wasn't going to be bad, but now they're saying something about El Niño or that it could cause a few storms of some sort," Parks said.

Another viewer, Tim Crout, recalled the difficult decisions families face when a storm approaches. "I remember my wife and I started talking about, 'Should we leave? Should we not leave?' All of a sudden, we couldn't leave," Crout said.

So, how active will hurricane season be?

According to Colorado State University's Tropical Meteorology Project, forecasters are predicting a slightly below-average Atlantic hurricane season.

The outlook calls for:

• 13 named storms

• Six hurricanes

• Two major hurricanes (Category 3 or stronger)

The forecast closely aligns with projections from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA.

Colorado State researchers estimate a 32% chance that a major hurricane will make landfall somewhere along the U.S. coastline this year. For the Florida Peninsula, the probability is 15%.

Meteorologists emphasized that seasonal forecasts do not determine whether a community will be impacted.

"It only takes one storm to change everything for your family," WINK meteorologists said.

Hurricane names and retired storms

There are 21 names available for storms during the Atlantic hurricane season.

The list repeats every six years, although especially destructive or deadly storms have their names retired permanently.

As of 2026, 100 Atlantic storm names have been retired.

For Southwest Florida residents, retired names include Ian, Helene, and Milton, storms that left lasting impacts on the region.

Storm surge remains one of the greatest dangers

While hurricanes are often categorized by wind speed, meteorologists say water is frequently the deadliest threat.

Storm surge, the abnormal rise of water pushed inland by a hurricane, can quickly become life-threatening.

One WINK Weather Watcher asked that the dangers of storm surge be emphasized.

Meteorologist Katie Walls said, "Storm surge is notorious for being the biggest killer in tropical storms and hurricanes."

Photos shared with WINK News showed how floodwaters from Hurricane Ian reached homes located well away from canals and waterways.

New radar technology helps track storms

The WINK Weather Authority recently expanded its forecasting capabilities with WINK Doppler 3X radar technology.

Meteorologists said the system provides additional storm coverage and more detailed weather information, helping forecasters better monitor developing conditions across Southwest Florida.

Residents can also track Doppler 3X’s data through the WINK News Weather App.

How to prepare your home

Meteorologists recommend installing storm shutters over exposed windows and glass surfaces before a hurricane threatens the area.

Residents living in mobile homes should take extra precautions, as those structures are particularly vulnerable during hurricanes.

Homeowners should:

• Secure or store breakable items

• Move important belongings to the safest part of the home

• Follow local guidance regarding utilities and propane tanks

• Disconnect water, sewer, and electrical connections if evacuation becomes necessary

Meteorologists stress that residents should never attempt to ride out a hurricane in a mobile home.

Instead, they should seek shelter with friends, family, or at an approved emergency shelter.

Hurricane myths can be dangerous

Several WINK Listens viewers have asked about common hurricane myths.

One question submitted by viewer Dina Walker asked:

"Why do people put the blue tape like in an X across their windows? I'm sorry, my opinion that's not gonna help your windows—they're gonna break."

Meteorologists confirmed that taping windows does not strengthen the glass and can actually create larger, more dangerous shards if windows break.

They also warned against opening windows to equalize pressure inside a home during a hurricane, calling it a myth that can increase the risk of wind and rain damage.

Understanding evacuation zones

Viewer Cassie Pack raised a concern often heard before major storms.

"I hear a lot that people stayed during hurricanes because they didn't want to get stuck on 75," Pack said.

Meteorologists explained that evacuation orders are issued by local officials based on zones and storm threats.

Zone A includes the most vulnerable coastal areas and locations most at risk from storm surge and flooding.

Zone B includes many low-lying communities that can also be significantly impacted by storms.

Zones C, D, and E may face lower storm surge risks but can still experience dangerous flooding, damaging winds, and tornadoes.

Officials remind residents that evacuations do not always mean leaving Southwest Florida. In many cases, moving a few miles inland to a safer location is sufficient.

What to bring if you evacuate

Meteorologists encourage residents to prepare evacuation plans before hurricane season peaks.

People leaving their homes should bring:

• Important documents

• Prescription medications

• Personal identification

• Essential supplies

• Items needed for children, elderly relatives, and pets

Shelter options across Southwest Florida

Public shelters may open during hurricanes for residents who have nowhere else to go.

Emergency managers say shelters should be considered a last resort and note that not every shelter opens during every storm.

Since Hurricane Ian, many Southwest Florida counties have expanded shelter plans and added additional locations.

Officials also encourage residents with medical needs to register in advance for special-needs shelters.

Information about shelter locations, special-needs shelters, and evacuation resources is available on WINKNews.com.

WINK Weather Watchers help monitor conditions

The WINK Weather Watchers program includes more than 1,100 viewers across Southwest Florida who share weather observations from their communities.

The reports help provide real-time information about conditions throughout the region before, during, and after storms.

Hurricane guide available for all

The WINK Weather Authority has also released its 2026 Hurricane Guide.

The guide includes:

• Evacuation zone maps

• Shelter information

• Emergency supply checklists

• Important phone numbers

• Preparation and recovery tips

The guide is available online at WINKNews.com and in print at locations throughout Southwest Florida.

As hurricane season continues, meteorologists remind residents that preparation before a storm form can make a significant difference when severe weather threatens.