Every year around this time, people in Florida start to breathe a little easier. The air feels cooler, the days are shorter, and someone always says it – “Hurricane season’s over.”
But here’s the truth: it’s not. Officially, hurricane season runs through the end of November. And some of the most powerful storms in Florida’s history have hit long after most people stopped paying attention.
The Late-Season Hurricanes Aren’t Uncommon
Let’s go back to October 2018. Hurricane Michael made landfall in the Florida Panhandle as a Category 5 hurricane – one of the strongest ever to hit the U.S. It happened on October 10, when most of us were already thinking about fall festivals and Halloween, not hurricanes. Michael flattened whole neighborhoods, snapped pine forests like matchsticks, and pushed walls of water miles inland. It proved that “late season” doesn’t mean “safe.”
Then there was Hurricane Wilma in 2005. Wilma spun up in mid-October, exploded in strength over the Caribbean, and roared across South Florida on October 24. Winds topped 120 miles an hour, knocking out power for weeks and flooding neighborhoods from Naples to Palm Beach. It was the last major hurricane to strike South Florida for more than a decade, but the damage it left behind was unforgettable.
Even Hurricane Irene, back in 1999, showed how dangerous late-season storms can be. Irene wasn’t the strongest storm, but it didn’t need to be. When it made landfall near Cape Sable on October 15, it dumped as much as 20 inches of rain in some areas. Streets turned to rivers, cars floated away, and whole neighborhoods were cut off for days.
These storms – Michael, Wilma, Irene – all share one message: October and November are still hurricane months. Warm water, light winds, and late-season systems can combine into a powerful recipe. The season doesn’t slam shut; it fades slowly. And that’s what makes it tricky.
Climate Change Doesn’t Help Us
Now, here’s where it gets more serious. The climate is warming, and so are our oceans. That extra heat acts like jet fuel for hurricanes. It gives them more energy, which means they can grow stronger – and do it faster.
Scientists are seeing a clear pattern: storms may not be more frequent, but the ones that form are getting more intense. Category 4s and 5s are showing up more often, and they’re carrying heavier rain, bigger surge, and staying powerful for longer.
We’re also seeing hurricanes move more slowly across land, dumping water in one place for hours or even days. That’s why flooding is now one of Florida’s biggest risks – even for homes far from the coast. In other words, you don’t have to be in a “flood zone” to get flooded.
Why Flood Insurance Isn’t Enough
Many homeowners think, “Well, I’ve got insurance – I’m covered.” But here’s what really happens.
After a flood, insurance claims can take months – sometimes even a year or more – to process. Meanwhile, you’re left cleaning up mold, replacing drywall, tossing out ruined furniture, and trying to find somewhere to live. A few inches of water inside your home can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage.
And if it’s your primary home – not a vacation house – that loss hits even harder. You can’t wait around for a payout while your kids sleep in a hotel room.
Sandbags? They can help in a small rain event, sure. But they’re heavy, messy, and nearly impossible to manage alone. If you’re older, live by yourself, or just don’t have the time or help – sandbags aren’t your plan. They’re your last resort.
The Smart Way to Protect Your Home
Real protection comes from layering your defenses. Flood insurance is essential if you’re in a high-risk zone. Good drainage and home elevation make a big difference too. But your front line of defense – the thing that actually keeps the water out – is a flood barrier.
The best systems use marine-grade 6063-T6 aluminum and stainless steel hardware – materials strong enough to handle storm surge, flying debris, and Florida’s salty air. A properly engineered aluminum plank system can last decades and pay for itself the first time it saves your home.
If you own a small business or have just a few openings to protect, the investment is even smarter. Instead of rebuilding every few years, you stay open, stay safe, and stay in business.
Why We Built Rubicon Flood Barrier
We didn’t get into this business from a distance – we live it. Every season, we’ve watched neighbors board up, sandbag, and hope for the best. We’ve felt that same fear ourselves: Will this be the storm that floods us out?
So we decided to build something better – an aluminum plank barrier system that is engineered specifically for Florida – strong, durable, and built for decades of use. Made from marine-grade 6063-T6 aluminum and stainless steel hardware, it’s built to resist surge, debris, and corrosion from salt air.
Right now, we’re clearing our warehouse before our next shipment arrives. That means current-season pricing – and the first five customers who call (239-330-8888) and mention code PROTECTION will get $200 off their installation.
If you live in West or Southwest Florida, don’t wait until the next storm forms. Schedule your measurement this week. Protect your home, your family, and your peace of mind. Because when the next storm comes – and it will – preparation is everything.
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