With Hurricane Milton on the horizon and memories of Helene still very fresh in our minds, I know many Jacksonville families are feeling the pressure to get ready again. While our friends along the Gulf are still cleaning up and debris is still lining our neighborhood streets, we’re now focusing on protecting our homes and families from what’s next.
Milton is expected to bring up to a foot of rain in parts of the First Coast with a possible 8+” in Duval County, with gusts over 60 mph and sustained winds up to 40 mph. The grounds are already saturated, so trees will be vulnerable, leading to possible power outages. The worst of the storm for the Jacksonville area will arrive by Wednesday night, lasting through mid-morning Thursday. That means preps need to be completed by lunchtime Wednesday at the very latest — secure your outdoor furniture, make sure you’ve stocked up on supplies, and get the kiddos involved in the process of battening down the hatches.
As a kid, my assignment during hurricane prep was to take pictures and videos of our home — back before smartphones made it easy. My parents would hand me a camera, and I’d document everything, not fully understanding how important it was at the time. Looking back, I guess it was a sign of my future career in broadcast meteorology! Now, I pass that same advice on to you: Take those photos for insurance purposes. It’s a small step that can make a big difference later.
READ: The Meteorologist Mom’s Guide to Hurricane Prep
We often think of hurricane prep as a logistical challenge — making sure we have enough food, water, and supplies. But the mental strain is just as real. The constant news updates — the National Weather Service JAX is an excellent resource — the worry about what’s to come, and the need to keep a brave face for our children can feel heavy. It’s important to recognize that this anxiety is valid. We’ve been through a lot in a short time, and back-to-back storms take a toll. Acknowledging these feelings can be the first step in coping with them. Stay strong, mamas!
A Steady, Prepared Approach
Having tracked tropical storms and hurricanes for over a decade, both professionally on television and personally growing up in the West Palm Beach area, I know how unsettling this time can be. But I’ve also learned that preparation is key. Focus on what you CAN control — get your home ready, check in with neighbors, and review your family’s emergency plan. And for goodness sake, don’t forget the snacks! With tropical storm-force winds arriving as early as dinner time on Wednesday, you’ll want to take advantage of the calm before the storm to finalize preparations.
If you’re in a flood-prone area, make sure you know your evacuation route. Stay informed by following reliable updates from local officials, and remember that the more we prepare now, the more at ease we’ll feel when the winds begin to pick up.

We’ve Been Here Before, and We’ll Get Through It Again
Facing another storm so soon can feel overwhelming, but as moms, we’ve proven time and time again that we are resilient. Whether it’s guiding our families through hurricane prep or simply finding ways to stay calm amid the uncertainty, we know how to handle what’s thrown our way. And this time is no different.
Take comfort in knowing that we’ve been through similar situations before, and we’ll get through this one, too. Lean on your community, check in with friends, and trust that your preparation will pay off. Together, we will weather the storm and emerge stronger on the other side.
Let’s prepare like pros — because by now, we’re basically experts.