The Meteorologist Mom’s Guide to Hurricane Prep

So, there’s another one brewing in the Caribbean Sea and headed into the Gulf of Mexico — Helene. Yep, everyone is in hurricane prep mode, breaking out the storm trackers, stockpiling snacks like we’re gearing up for a weeklong sleepover, and hoping for the best while preparing for the worst. But now, as I watch the computer models and make all the preparations, I’m not just thinking about me or my husband. Our two tiny humans pop right into the forefront of my mind when a storm is threatening.

As a meteorologist and a mom, my brain is constantly split in two during hurricane season. One part is focused on the science — the atmospheric variables, the potential landfall, the intensity. The other part? That’s all about making sure my kiddos are safe, entertained, and blissfully unaware of the looming storm.

While a little worry is totally normal, I remind myself that hurricane prep can actually be kind of fun… until it’s not, and I’m ready for another perfectly calm and sunny boat day. Ha!

But I’ll let you in on my process so we can all get through this storm with our sanity intact.

Getting the Forecast Right (While the Kids Run Wild)

As a meteorologist, my priority when a storm (this time around, Helene) begins to develop is staying on top of the data. In the early stages, much of the forecast relies on models and projections, which means every new update matters. We’ve known for more than a week now that something was expected to develop in the western Caribbean. But did we stop living our life? No. Did I grab a couple of extra BOGOs at the grocery store during our usual weekly run? Absolutely. Have I checked to make sure we have enough batteries to power not only the flashlights but also cover us for favorite toys? You bet.

I analyze the storm’s potential path, intensity, and possible impacts while still going about our daily routines. For me, it’s not just about knowing the forecast, it’s about understanding the “what ifs,” because when it comes to the tropics, we all know how quickly things can change.

READ: Hurricane Season: What You Need to Know

Preparing the Family (Without Starting a Panic)

Once the forecast becomes clearer, it’s time to hurricane prep the house — and I’m not just talking about the grownup things like stocking water or checking the generator. I’m talking about the essentials for surviving a hurricane with young kids because impacts are imminent.

For Jacksonville, “storm day” is Thursday. That means preps need to be wrapped up by Wednesday night, with any last-minute to-dos finished by Thursday morning. Here’s how I keep it light, even as the storm clouds brew:

1. Hurricane Kit (With Toddler Flair): Sure, we’ve got the basics: flashlights, batteries, and bottled water. But my “Mommy Kit” also includes endless snacks, backup chargers for the tablet (because we know we’ll have to resort to it at some point), and a few new coloring books for peacekeeping. Trust me, with kids, the snacks will disappear before the first wind gust hits, so stock up like it’s a road trip that never ends (and hide a secret stash for emergencies).
2. Power Outage Plan: Don’t let this scare you. Most kids don’t care if the power goes out. Make it fun! They’re perfectly content to take advantage of the darkness and turn it into a game of hide-and-seek. So, in our house, we make it an adventure. Shadow-making with flashlights? How about some “let’s-pretend-we’re-camping” storytelling? Dare I say… an early bedtime? If all else fails, have I mentioned the snacks?
3. Childproofing the Prep: Whether it’s tucking away outdoor toys or bringing in patio furniture, I make the kids part of the “giant storm cleaning party.” It’s a great way to get them involved, teach hurricane safety, and sneak in a meteorology lesson. Who doesn’t love hearing a 2- and 3-year-old say “cumulonimbus”?

The Balance of Worrying and Laughing It Off

Want to know a secret? I do worry even though I professionally preach to others to not worry. I’m a mom, it’s part of the gig. Add a tropical system to the mix, and yes, I’m keeping one eye on the kids and the other on the forecast. But worrying doesn’t solve anything. That’s where preparation — and a healthy dose of humor — comes in.

I’ve found that the more we prepare and talk about what’s to come, the less I stress when the storm is knocking at the door. If the kids see me cool, calm, and confident, they’ll feel that, too. I can still stress over track and intensity accuracy in my head, but on the outside, I’m putting on my best “hurricane survival show” for the kids — snack-stocking mom by day, data-analyzing meteorologist by night.

A Thoughtful Evacuation Plan (When You Might Want to Head to Grandma’s)

First and foremost, always follow local officials’ advice. If they tell you to evacuate, it’s time to pack up and go. But if no orders are in place and you’re uncomfortable or worried about managing without power, it’s okay to find somewhere else to stay for a bit. Whether it’s heading to a friend’s or a family member’s house (it doesn’t have to be a long trip!), sometimes being in a more comfortable spot makes all the difference.

In our house, we’re ready with a hurricane prep plan just in case. The kids don’t see it as a “scary storm evacuation,” but more of a “let’s-go-to-Grammy’s-and-raid-the-snacks” adventure. If we stay put, we stick to our storm prep routine — keeping the house secure, the kids occupied, and doing everything we can to ride out the storm safely.

Wrapping Up (and Battening Down the Hatches)

As we prepare for Helene, I’m embracing my dual role as meteorologist and mom — someone who understands the science of storms, but also knows that our little ones need reassurance more than anything. I have the forecast covered (even if I refresh it more than necessary), and I have my kids protected, too — with snacks, games, and calmness that I hope they can feel. It’s a calmness I hope everyone reading this can feel, too.

A little worry is normal, but at the end of the day, we’ve been through this before, we’re prepared, and we’re together. We’ve got this, friends.

Now, where’s that extra pack of cookies?