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Hurricane countdown: what to do 5 days to 1 day out

This page is a day by day hurricane countdown. Find the number of days until the storm is expected to reach you, start at that heading, and work down the list.

Forecasts shift, so a storm can speed up or slow down. Check the timing at least twice a day and move to the next step early if the forecast moves up.

If you only do three things

  1. Decide now whether you will evacuate or stay, and follow any order from local officials.
  2. Fill your gas tank and refill prescriptions today, while stores and stations are calm.
  3. Be in your safe place before the first tropical storm force winds arrive, not before the eye.

5 days out: get ready while it is easy

The storm is still far away and the forecast cone is wide. This is the cheapest and calmest time to act, because stores are stocked and roads are clear.

  • Check the National Hurricane Center forecast twice a day and note when tropical storm winds could reach your area.
  • Fill every vehicle with fuel. Fill a spare can if you have one and can store it safely outside the house.
  • Refill prescriptions and pick up any medical supplies you would need for two weeks. Ask your pharmacy about an early refill for a storm.
  • Reread your family plan and confirm your out of area contact.
  • Look up your evacuation zone so you already know it when orders come.
  • Check your supply kit and buy what is missing.
  • Withdraw some cash. Card readers and ATMs stop working when the power goes out.
  • Start the laundry and dishes so you are not doing them by hand later.

Why five days

The forecast cone shows where the center of the storm might go, not how wide the storm is. Wind, rain, and surge reach far outside the line, so prepare even if the line is not on top of you.

3 days out: a watch may be issued

In the United States, a hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possible in your area within 48 hours. Warning systems differ by country, so check the alerts used where you live on your local page. This is your last comfortable window for heavy work outside.

  • Put up shutters or plywood on windows and doors. Do it now while the wind is calm and neighbors can help.
  • Secure the yard. Bring in patio furniture, grills, trash cans, toys, and anything that can fly. Tie down what you cannot move.
  • Charge phones, laptops, power banks, and rechargeable lights. Keep them plugged in until the power fails.
  • Fill water containers, clean tubs, and empty bottles. See water and food for how much you need.
  • Get more cash if you did not already.
  • Make your decision: evacuate or stay. If you will leave, pack the car tonight.
  • If you have pets, read evacuating with pets and find a place that will take them.
  • Take your boat out of the water or secure it as described in boats.

Leave before the order if you can

If you already know you will evacuate, going now beats going tomorrow. Traffic and fuel shortages get worse every hour once orders are issued.

2 days out: a warning is likely

In the United States, a hurricane warning means hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. Officials often issue evacuation orders around this time.

  • If your zone is ordered to evacuate, go. Follow the steps in evacuating safely.
  • If you are heading to a shelter, read what to expect at a hurricane shelter and pack for it.
  • Finish home prep. Close every shutter, clear gutters and drains, and move valuables off the floor and away from windows.
  • Set the refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings.
  • Freeze water in bottles and containers to keep food cold longer and to drink later.
  • Fill the bathtub for flushing and washing, not for drinking.
  • Turn off automatic irrigation and pool pumps if told to by your utility.
  • Photograph every room, the outside of the home, and your vehicles for insurance.
  • Call family and tell them where you will be and how to reach you.

Do not wait for the last forecast

Evacuation routes take hours to clear and then close when winds get strong. Do not plan to leave on the last day.

1 day out: final checks and get in place

Conditions worsen fast on the last day. Bands of rain and gusty wind often arrive well before the center of the storm.

  • Work through the final checklist if you are staying.
  • Park cars in the garage or on high ground, away from trees and power lines.
  • Put shoes, a flashlight, and your phone by the bed.
  • Download offline maps and save this site for offline use.
  • Move to your safe room or shelter before tropical storm force winds arrive in your area.
  • If you are evacuating and have not left yet, leave right now or go to the nearest open shelter.

Be in your safe place before the winds, not before the eye

Tropical storm force winds can reach you many hours before the eye does. Once they arrive, driving and walking outside become dangerous. Do not time your move to the center of the storm.

The last 12 hours: stay inside and stay informed

At this point the work is done. Your job is to stay put, stay calm, and keep listening.

  • Stay inside, away from windows and doors, in your safe room.
  • Keep a battery or hand crank radio on for updates from your national weather service and local officials.
  • Keep phones charged and screens dim. Text instead of calling to save battery and network capacity.
  • Do not go outside during the eye. Winds return from the other direction in minutes. See the eye.
  • Watch for tornado warnings and move to the lowest interior spot if one is issued. See tornadoes.
  • If water enters the home, move up, not out. See flooding.

For everything that happens once the storm is on top of you, go to during the storm.