How to Deal With an Approaching Hurricane
Hurricanes mean widespread flooding, intense winds, and downed power lines. Follow these 11 tips to prepare yourself if you manage fleets in the path of a coming storm.

Fleets with vehicles in Florida can take precautions to minimize the impact of a hurricane on their personnel and vehicles.
Screenshot via ABC News.
As Hurricane Dorian moved toward the central Florida Atlantic coast, the tropical cyclone is was expected to unleash torrential rain and raise the risk of flooding after landfall, according to AccuWeather.
On Aug. 30, AccuWeather meteorologists projected that Dorian would make landfall as a major hurricane with the intensity of a Category 4 and maximum sustained winds of 130 mph or greater along the middle of Florida's east coast.
For commercial fleets, hurricanes mean widespread flooding, intense winds, and downed power lines — all of which are major roadway hazards.
Now is a good time for fleet managers to take precautions. ARI has offered several steps fleets can take to protect vehicles and drivers in advance. Here are 11 tips:
Fuel Up
Ensure all of your fleet vehicles have a full tank of gas ready to go.
Find High Ground
Move parked vehicles from flood-prone and low-lying areas to mitigate exposure.
Supply Roadside Kits
Provide your drivers with packed resources in case they get stranded. Kits should include water, batteries, a flashlight, first aid supplies, and healthy snacks, for example.
Protect Documents
Make copies of all registration and insurance cards. Store originals in a waterproof bag.
Take Photographs
Be proactive and make sure you have proof of vehicle interiors and exteriors for potential insurance claims.
In addition, now is a good time to remind drivers how to stay safe if they find themselves behind the wheel during a tropical storm or hurricane. Experts offer the following tips:
Slow Down
It's the best way to keep control on wet, slippery roads and with limited visibility.
Avoid Flooded Roads or Moving Water
Don't underestimate just how deep the water is and attempt to drive through it. In fact, in one foot of water, some vehicles will float. Two feet of water can sweep vehicles away, including SUVs and pickups.
Avoid Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is when your vehicle loses contact with the road and feels like it is floating on water. It's a dangerous situation and can happen during any storm. To avoid hydroplaning, slow down, turn off cruise control, and avoid sudden braking and turns.
Turn on Your Headlights
To increase visibility use your headlights, but not the high beams, which can distract you and other drivers.
Increase Following Distance
While driving in a hurricane, it is best to keep ample distance between your vehicle and the one ahead. This way you have more time to react to any sudden moves or stalls by other vehicles.
Get to Higher Ground
It's always best not to drive at all in extreme weather. So if possible, find a safe place on higher ground and pull over until the downpour passes.
More Safety

Managing Road Risk at Scale: Why Fleet Safety Needs a Data-Driven Framework
Insights from the FIA Road and Driver Safety Indexes reveal how to manage road risk on a larger scale.
Read More →
Stellantis Recalls 1.3 Million Jeep Vehicles Worldwide Over Fire Risk
Stellantis is recalling more than 1.3 million Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models worldwide over a fire risk linked to power steering pump wiring.
Read More →
Coaching Is Not Training, Even When AI Is Doing It
AI-powered safety platforms can detect risky behaviors and deliver immediate feedback. But effective driver development still requires a foundation of training followed by coaching that reinforces those skills.
Read More →
How Emotions Behind the Wheel Can Affect Fleet Safety
During National Safety Month, fleets are encouraged to look beyond distracted driving and recognize how stress, fatigue, and emotional well-being influence driver performance and crash risk.
Read More →
Nominations Open for 2026 Fleet Safety Award
Nominations have officially opened for the 2026 Fleet Safety Award Winner.
Read More →
Turning Connected Vehicle Data Into Decisions That Matter
Fleet leaders have more data than ever, but turning that data into clear, actionable decisions remains a challenge. This white paper shows how leading organizations are using connected vehicle data to improve safety, reduce costs, and optimize fleet performance. Learn how to turn insight into action across your fleet.
Read More →
Cameras, Safety and Insurance: From Reactive Claims to Real-time Prevention
Commercial auto remains one of the most challenging and costly lines of coverage for fleet operators and insurers alike. Learn more about how to effectively address these issues from Onur Aksan, Enterprise Business Development Executive, Geotab.
Read More →
NAFA Fleet Safety Symposium to Collocate With 2026 Fleet Forward Conference
The daylong certificate program will precede the Fleet Forward Conference at the Gaylord National Harbor in Maryland.
Read More →
The Distractions You Can’t Turn Off: What Drivers Face Outside the Vehicle
Fleet drivers face constant visual, cognitive, and environmental interruptions the moment they hit the road. From roadside chaos to mental fatigue and digital overload, today’s biggest driving risks often come from outside the vehicle itself.
Read More →
FLASH Weather AI Launches First Deep-Learning Hail Prediction Model With High-Resolution Forecasting
FLASH Weather AI has launched a first-of-its-kind hail prediction model capable of forecasting hail size and arrival time at 1-kilometer resolution up to 55 minutes ahead, giving fleets and insurers critical time to prepare for severe storms.
Read More →
