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Key Takeaways:
- Hurricane season runs from June to November, with September being its peak month.
- Truck drivers should check the weather before and during every route.
- Slow down, find safe parking, and contact your dispatcher during storms.
- Stock emergency supplies and secure your load before severe weather.
- If your home is in the path of a hurricane, work with family and dispatch to plan next steps.
Hurricane season begins in June and ends in November, and September is often the most hurricane-heavy month of the year.
That’s when we see the most active hurricanes — many of which have become notorious storms. If you’re heading to an Atlantic or Gulf of Mexico coastal area during hurricane season, you might be worried about how you’ll be affected.
You’re smart to be concerned: Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisiana, and other coastal states are especially susceptible to hurricanes. Even inland areas can face the consequences of hurricanes, including flooding, extreme winds, and tornadoes.
As a truck driver hauling a dry van trailer or a tarped and secured open-deck load, the last place you want to be is in an area that’s flooding or experiencing a windstorm.
In my work as a driver manager here at Anderson Trucking Service (ATS), I advise drivers like you on how to stay safe in all types of weather conditions.
Let’s discuss how to avoid going into the eye of the storm — and how to stay safe if it’s truly unavoidable. Along the way, I’ll also provide some tips for drivers who live in an area that’s susceptible to hurricane damage.
1. Check the Weather Early and Often — Especially in Coastal States
First things first: It’s important to know which areas you’re driving through and what’s happening there, especially in coastal states during hurricane season.
The following states are at the highest risk for hurricanes, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hurricane Risk Map:
- Alabama
- Florida
- Georgia
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Texas
Additionally, the coastal regions of the following states are at “relatively moderate” to “relatively high risk,” per FEMA:
- Delaware
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
If you’re traveling through any of these states or regions during hurricane season, do your due diligence. Every time you stop — to take a break, fuel up, or check your securements — you should check the weather.
Weather patterns can change rapidly. The storm that appeared to be traveling far north or south of your location earlier in the day might be bearing down on you by lunch. Checking the weather frequently will prevent unpleasant surprises.
As you’re driving, maintain a general awareness of the observable weather conditions. A sudden change in wind intensity or the color of the sky or clouds on the horizon might signal that it’s time to pull over or stop and check the weather.
Depending on the forecast, you may be able to alter your route to either stop short of the storm or drive around it.
Finally, make sure you know the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning:
- Hurricane watch: The conditions to create a hurricane are present and a hurricane could Pay attention to weather forecasts and alerts.
- Hurricane warning: A hurricane is expected in your area. Prepare your home and follow any applicable evacuation orders.
Understanding the difference between the two can help you stay safe while determining your next move.
Keep an eye on Department of Transportation (DOT) emergency alerts for truckers as well as any extreme weather alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS) and follow any instructions from authorities, keeping your dispatcher in the loop along the way.
2. Know When to Slow Down or Pull Over in High Winds
If it’s becoming increasingly unsafe to drive or you’re about to cross through the heart of the storm, slow down and pull into a safe location.
Being on the road in such conditions can endanger you and the motoring public due to the size and weight of your vehicle.
High wind zones are dangerous to drive in, especially in combination with rain. Visibility can quickly drop, roads can become slick, and you may find it more difficult to maintain control of your vehicle.
In these conditions, you should lower your speed and increase your following distance as you navigate to a safe stopping location. It’s not advisable to park on the side of the road or an off- or on-ramp.
In an emergency, you may be able to park in a lot you otherwise wouldn’t be able to — as long as there’s plenty of space and you only anticipate being there for a short time as the storm passes.
3. Secure (and Double-Check) Your Load Before Driving Through Storm Conditions
Hauling flatbed specialized freight through a windy area? Make sure that load is secure.
You’re already taking time to check the weather periodically throughout your haul. You can’t check your smartphone weather app and drive, so while you’re stopped, be sure to double-check your securements.
This simple check could be the difference between a safe, secure load and a serious hazard if you find yourself in the thick of a storm.
It’s also always a good idea to have extra straps and securements in your headache rack. Better to be prepared than to be caught in a bind!
4. Stock Emergency Supplies in Your Truck for Storm Shutdowns
Emergency preparedness is important regardless of the time of year or geographic area.
Every season and every region have their own unique weather conditions to be aware of and prepared for. From hurricanes in coastal regions to tornados in the Midwest to blizzards in the north, you can never be sure that your trip will be 100 percent free from Mother Nature’s interference.
So, how do truckers prepare for the unpredictable? By stocking up: keep extra supplies in your sleeper that can help you survive if you’re shut down and stranded for an extended period.
Consider making a shopping list for your in-truck emergency supply kit. At minimum, your list should include:
- Extra food (nonperishables) and water
- Don’t forget about any pets on board!
- Medical kit
- Extra medication (if applicable)
- Blankets
- An extra charger or power bank for your phone.
And to that last point: keep your phone charged. If the worst happens and you have no truck power, you’ll be glad you did.
5. Plan for Safe Parking During Storm-Related Traffic Surges
If you’re headed into a rough patch of weather, other drivers will be too. Parking shortages are already a problem, but drivers may be shutting down early to avoid the storm and lots can get parked up early.
When you’re planning your trip for the day, make sure you plan out a few options for parking and get there early or reserve a spot.
The last thing you want to do is park in an unsafe location where you can cause harm to others on the road.
6. Take Care of Maintenance Before Hurricane Season Begins
Preparedness doesn’t stop at having extra supplies in your truck. You also need to make sure your truck is in good working order. No one wants to get stuck in a hurricane with a broken-down truck.
If you know you’ll be headed into a hurricane-prone area, or if you’re going to provide hurricane support relief, make a quick appointment at the shop — especially if you’re coming up on a service or your check engine light is on.
7. Stay In Touch with Your Dispatcher for Route Adjustments
This should go without saying, but you should always be in contact with your driver manager or dispatcher — especially when you’re driving through bad weather.
They have access to an array of tools, so they can monitor the weather for you, offer alternate route options, and help you decide the best way to move forward.
So, let’s say you wind up in bad weather. Communication with your dispatcher should look like this:
- If you observe weather moving in that concerns you, let your dispatcher know and update them with any changes.
- You may talk things over with your dispatcher or make the call on your own, but soon as you’ve made the decision to stop, let your dispatcher know you’re pulling over.
- From a safe parking location, work together with your dispatcher to determine how long you’ll need to wait out the storm, or what alternative routes could be leveraged to help you avoid it.
- If you’re under a load or on the way to grab one, your dispatcher can call the customer on your behalf to update them.
- When it’s safe to move again, inform your dispatcher that you’re rolling.
In some cases, your dispatcher may be able to help you avoid taking loads into an area experiencing extreme weather. Explain any concerns you have, so your dispatcher can advocate for you effectively and get you off that load.
What to Do If a Hurricane Threatens Your Home While You’re On the Road
It’s a situation no driver wants to be in: Your home is under an evacuation order, and you’re on the road.
It’s completely understandable to feel helpless, and to have the impulse to get home to your family as quickly as possible. But it’s critical that you don’t decide your next move on impulse, as your safety hangs in the balance.
Take a moment to process the information you have, and to take a breath. Here’s what we suggest:
- Tune into what the authorities are saying. It’s important to have the facts of the situation before making any decisions.
- If an evacuation order is in place, talk to your family to confirm they are evacuating and where they will be relocating to for the time being, but resist the urge to go home. If the authorities are calling for an evacuation, it means no one should be going into that area.
- If authorities are saying it’s okay to shelter in place, think about the value of you being at home. Ask yourself questions like:
- Is someone there to board up your home, or do you need to be there to do it yourself?
- Does your family have a safe sheltering place? If not, do they have transportation to a safer area or shelter?
- Do they have emergency supplies like food, water, and medical kits?
- Communicate with both your family and dispatcher to make the best decision for your unique circumstances.
If your family is in a safe, prepared sheltering location with ample supplies, it may be safer for everyone if you don’t return home while the storm is imminent or actively moving through your region.
Remember: You’re incapable of helping anyone else if you’re incapacitated yourself. Even while your heart is screaming at you to get home, you can make the most difference in the clean-up afterward.
If you do decide to go home before or after the storm, take as many safety precautions as you can. Keep in mind that supplies may be sparse and roads may be closed due to damage. Trip plan before you go home to avoid driving through dangerous areas.
Final Hurricane Safety Reminders for Truck Drivers
The key to staying safe is staying informed. Watch the weather, stay sky-aware, keep your truck full of supplies, and make sure your truck is in good working order. Don’t be afraid to pull over and tell your dispatcher you need to stop to keep yourself safe.
Armed with these tips, you’ll be able to safely navigate any weather you encounter because of a hurricane.
Remember to follow these five safety tips to avoid accidents — no matter what time of year it is.