Caught Driving in a Hurricane? Here’s What to Do

Picture yourself on I-95 as sheets of rain hammer your windshield, the wipers barely making a dent, and sudden gusts push your car toward the next lane. With forecasters now watching two potential systems in the Atlantic that could bring heavy rain to Florida, it’s a reminder that hurricanes and tropical storms here don’t just soak the roads, but turn them into some of the most dangerous places you can be. So the real question is: is it ever safe to drive in a hurricane, and what should you do if you’re caught on the road when one hits?

Is It Safe to Drive in a Hurricane?

The truth is, no, driving in a hurricane is one of the most dangerous choices you can make.

Heavy rain creates instant flooding on highways like I-95 and I-75, and hydroplaning accidents spike when water covers the pavement. Visibility often drops to just a few feet, leaving drivers blind to brake lights, stalled cars, or debris in the road. High winds topple trees and power lines, sending them across travel lanes, and emergency crews may not be able to reach you if you get trapped.

Even lifelong Floridians who’ve weathered countless storms avoid the roads during a hurricane unless they have no other option. In 2023 alone, Florida reported over 71,000 weather-related crashes caused by rain, many during tropical systems that brought just a fraction of hurricane conditions.

Even more, the risks don’t stop with the storm itself. What many drivers don’t realize is that liability doesn’t vanish in a hurricane. Florida law still requires every driver to adjust to conditions, slowing down, using headlights, and avoiding flooded areas. When someone ignores those duties and causes a wreck, negligence applies, even during extreme weather. That means accidents in hurricanes aren’t just tragic; they often lead to legal battles about who acted responsibly and who didn’t.

Next, let’s look at the specific dangers hurricanes bring to Florida roads and why they make driving so unpredictable.

Dangers on Florida Highways During Hurricanes

Hurricanes turn Florida’s highways into hazard zones, and four dangers stand out the most:

• Flooding on I-95 and I-75. Water covers lanes, hides washed-out pavement, and leaves cars stranded. Many drivers think they can make it through, only to find themselves hydroplaning or stuck.
• Flying debris and downed trees. Strong winds bring down power lines, signs, and trees, blocking lanes or crashing directly into vehicles.
• Gas shortages and power outages. With stations closed or empty, drivers face long stretches without fuel. Carrying extra gas is often the only safeguard.
• Emergency response delays. Crews may be unable to reach stranded drivers for hours because roads are blocked or resources are overwhelmed.

For anyone caught in a storm, these risks don’t just threaten travel; they put lives on the line. That’s why it’s crucial for both Floridians and visitors to know what to do if a hurricane approaches while you’re already driving. Still, the safest choice is to monitor the weather closely and avoid driving during the storm whenever possible.

What to Do If You’re Caught Driving When a Hurricane Approaches

If a hurricane closes in while you’re already on the road, quick decisions can protect you and your family. Here are the most important steps to take:

Find a safe shelter quickly.

Look for a motel, rest stop, or parking garage. A sturdy building is always safer than trying to “outrun” a storm in your car. Pull in as soon as you can, before conditions get worse.

Never drive through floodwater.

Just a few inches of moving water can sweep your car away. Roads may also be washed out under the surface. Turn around, don’t drown, even if it adds hours to your trip.

Pull over safely if visibility disappears.

If rain is blinding or winds are tossing your car around, stop in a safe spot far from trees, power poles, or signs that could fall. Stay inside your car until it’s safe to move.

Keep your lights and wipers on.

Florida law requires headlights whenever wipers are in use. Beyond the legal requirement, lights make you visible to other drivers who may be struggling to stay in their lane.

Keep your gas tank full and supplies handy.

Fill up early since stations may close or run out of fuel. Store water, snacks, cash, a first-aid kit, and even a fuel can in your trunk. That way, if you’re stuck, you can wait safely until conditions improve.

Watch for failing traffic signals.

After hurricanes, intersections often lose power. If lights are out, treat it as a four-way stop. If they’re flashing, follow the rules: red means stop completely, yellow means proceed with caution.

Stay off bridges and open highways when winds pick up.

Gusts can push vehicles, especially SUVs, trucks, and minivans, out of their lanes. If you must stop, avoid bridges, overpasses, and wide-open stretches.

Have a communication plan.

Cell service often fails during hurricanes, but text messages usually go through when calls don’t. Let someone know where you are, when you expect to arrive, and what route you’re taking. Keep a list of important numbers saved in your phone and written on paper in case batteries die. In Florida, you can dial 511 for real-time traffic and road conditions, 911 for emergencies, and check the National Hurricane Center hurricane tracker or the Florida Division of Emergency Management for up-to-date storm tracking. These simple steps can keep you connected when every minute matters.

Expect longer emergency response times.

Ambulances and rescue crews may not reach you right away if roads are blocked. This is why stopping in a safe, sturdy place before things get worse can be life-saving.

These steps won’t make driving in a hurricane safe, but they give you the best chance to avoid tragedy if you’re caught in one.
Even if you’re not on the road, there are steps you can take to protect your car before and during a hurricane.

Protecting Your Car During and Before a Hurricane

Hurricanes don’t just put drivers at risk, but the car itself. Where and how you park can mean the difference between minor damage and a total loss.

Whenever possible, park in a garage or covered structure. Solid shelter shields your car from flying debris, broken tree branches, and wind-driven rain. If a garage isn’t an option, choose a spot away from trees, low-lying areas, and power lines. Floodwater can rise faster than you expect, and downed wires make parking under poles dangerous.

Before the storm, fill your gas tank and secure everything inside your car. Empty bottles, tools, or loose items can turn into projectiles in high winds. Keep insurance papers, registration, and any valuables out of the vehicle, just in case the worst happens. Many Floridians also move their cars to higher ground if flooding is likely; better to walk a little farther later than to come back to a submerged vehicle.
These steps won’t guarantee your car escapes a hurricane untouched, but they reduce the chances of catastrophic loss. Once the storm passes, the next challenge is navigating Florida’s roads safely in the aftermath.

Driving After the Hurricane Passes

Even the aftermath of a hurricane leaves Florida roads just as treacherous. Flooded lanes and washed-out pavement may still block your path, and what looks like a shallow puddle can hide deep sinkholes or sharp debris. Traffic lights often stop working, and every dark intersection should be treated as a four-way stop. That alone creates confusion and raises the risk of fender-benders.

You’ll also see a heavy presence of emergency and utility crews clearing trees, fixing power lines, and restoring services. Give them space and expect slowdowns. Before heading out, plan alternate routes and check updates from the Florida Department of Transportation or local news for closures. Driving too soon after a storm often means long detours and unexpected hazards, and even crashes. That’s when the storm damage turns into an insurance fight, and knowing your rights matters as much as knowing how to drive.

Hurricane Accidents: What Insurance Won’t Tell You

After a hurricane, the damage isn’t limited to roads and vehicles, and insurance battles almost always follow. In Florida, every driver is required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which covers up to $10,000 in medical expenses and lost wages no matter who caused the crash. But for anyone with serious injuries, that money disappears quickly. That’s when you have to rely on the at-fault driver’s insurance.

Here’s where many families run into frustration. Insurance companies often argue that a wreck was caused by the storm itself and label it an “act of God.” They use this as a reason to minimize or even deny claims. But Florida law doesn’t give drivers a free pass because of bad weather. If someone was speeding in heavy rain, ignored the rule to turn headlights on with wipers, or drove too close on slick roads, they can still be held liable. Negligence doesn’t vanish just because a hurricane hits.

This is where having a lawyer on your side matters. At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, our team of accident attorneys has spent decades fighting for Floridians and standing up to insurance companies when they try to avoid responsibility. From West Palm Beach, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Fort Myers, Orlando, Port St. Lucie, and more, our offices are part of the very cities hit hardest when storms roll through. When hurricanes leave our neighbors injured and overwhelmed, we step in to make sure they aren’t left alone to face mounting bills and endless red tape.

Key Takeaways for Florida Drivers

The single best way to stay safe during a hurricane is to stay off the road. Avoid driving whenever possible until conditions improve. If you have no choice but to be out, slow down, keep both hands on the wheel, and be prepared to stop at any moment. Even after the skies clear, expect debris in the lanes, traffic lights that don’t work, and long delays as emergency crews move through.

And if the accident happened, protect yourself by documenting the conditions around your crash, including photos of flooding, broken signals, or debris. If the insurance company denies your claim or tries to blame the storm alone, don’t take their word for it. An attorney can step in and prove when another driver’s choices, not just the weather, caused your injuries.

At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, we know how hard hurricane season is on Florida families. If you’ve been hurt in a storm-related crash, we’re here to take on the fight so you can focus on recovery.