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Hurricane Information
Storm Update
[UPDATE 08-28-2023 at 10:20 a.m.]
The Authority is currently tracking Tropical Storm Idalia. It’s projected that Palm Beach County will receive heavy rain and gusty winds throughout the day on Tuesday and Wednesday, but no tropical storm force winds are currently forecast for any SWA facilities. As of now, all facilities and the SWA Greenway Trail system will remain open and operational as normal. We’ll continue to monitor the storm and provide updates as warranted.
The PBC Emergency Operations Center is at Level IV - Normal Operations.
To keep up to date on Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County openings and actions related to this storm, visit the SWA’s:
- Website - SWA.org/Hurricane
- Facebook page - facebook.com/SolidWasteAuthority
- Twitter page - twitter.com/SWAPBC
The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 - Nov. 30. Read the current Atlantic 5-Day Graphical Tropical Outlook from the National Hurricane Center.
Below are commonly used terms during hurricane season as defined by the National Hurricane Center. A full list of their definitions is available online:
Hurricane Season:
The hurricane season in the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico runs from June 1 to November 30.
Hurricane Warning:
An announcement that sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots or 119 km/hr) or higher are expected within 36 hours.
Hurricane Watch:
An announcement that sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots or 119 km/hr) or higher are possible within 48 hours.
Major Hurricane:
A hurricane that is classified as Category 3 or higher.
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale:
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 categorization based on the hurricane's wind intensity at the indicated time. The following table shows the scale broken down by winds:
Category | Wind Speed |
1 | 74-95 mph |
2 | 96-110 mph |
3 | 111-129 mph |
4 | 130-156 mph |
5 | 157 mph or higher |
A detailed description of the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is available online.
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- When is hurricane season?
- I know the SWA wants all residents to do regular yard maintenance year round but what is the best time for me to do major cutting and/or tree removal?
- When preparing for hurricane season, is there a limit to the amount of vegetation I can place at the curb for collection?
- Why shouldn't I do major cutting in May when hurricane season doesn't officially begin until June 1?
- Does SWA collect my storm debris or is it FEMA that provides the service?
- I live in a gated community or on a private road. Will SWA collect my storm debris?