Hurricane Prep Month-by-Month: South Florida Propane Timeline
Hurricane season officially runs June 1 to November 30 in the Atlantic, with the peak in mid-August through October. Here's a month-by-month propane-focused prep timeline for South Florida.
Address: 7214 Taft St, Hollywood, FL 33024
Key Takeaway
Top off propane at the start of June (season opens), again in mid-August (seasonal peak), and immediately before any named storm enters the cone. Don't wait until a storm is named — lines stretch hours and exchange cages run out. Propane Refill Station in Hollywood, FL is open for hurricane prep. Call (954) 966-1763.
May: Pre-season inspection
Get ahead of the rush. Inspect all your existing propane cylinders for rust, valve condition, and DOT recertification dates. Any cylinder more than 10–12 years old needs recertification before refill. Replace or recertify now so you're not scrambling in June.
June 1–15: Initial top-off
Hurricane season is open. Lines at refill stations are still short. Top off everything: BBQ tanks, generator cylinders, RV propane, patio heaters. If you have a propane-fired tar kettle or commercial equipment, this is also the time to refill the larger 40 lb or 100 lb cylinders.
This is when most early-season storms are weak Atlantic systems, but tropical waves can still spin up close to home.
July: Equipment check
Run your propane generator under load for 15–30 minutes. Make sure it starts on the first or second pull, the regulator is clean, and the cylinder connections are tight. Check the BBQ regulator for cracks. Replace any worn hoses.
If a piece of equipment is going to fail, you want to find out in July, not in the dark on day 3 of an outage.
August: Seasonal peak top-off
Mid-August is the climatological peak of Atlantic hurricane season. Top off propane again — even if you topped off in June, your active-use cylinders (BBQ) have probably been used down. Take advantage of the still-relatively-short lines.
September: Be ready to refill on short notice
Peak month. Major storms (Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Wilma) have historically hit South Florida in September. Watch the tropics daily. The moment a system enters the National Hurricane Center's 5-day cone, refill any cylinder that's below half. Don't wait for the cone to tighten — by then, lines are hours long.
October: Late-season vigilance
Late-season Florida hurricanes still happen (Hurricane Wilma was October 24). Keep cylinders topped off. Now is also the time to schedule any recertification or tank replacement for next year — cheaper to do off-season than under storm-week pressure.
November: Season ends, post-season inventory
Atlantic hurricane season officially ends November 30. Take inventory: how much propane did you actually use? Were 2 BBQ tanks enough? Did the generator have enough fuel runway? Adjust your next-season stock plan based on what you learned.
When a storm enters the cone: emergency refill timing
If a system enters the 5-day cone and you didn't pre-stock:
- Day 5 from forecast landfall: Refill cylinders. Lines manageable.
- Day 3 from landfall: Lines start getting long. Go now.
- Day 1–2: Lines hours long. Many cages out. Call ahead.
- Hours before landfall: Most stations closed for safety. Don't drive in the wind.
Bottom line: pre-stock in June and August. You won't regret it.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does hurricane season start in Florida?
Atlantic hurricane season officially starts June 1 and ends November 30. Peak activity is mid-August through October.
When should I refill propane for hurricane prep?
At the start of June (season opens), again in mid-August (seasonal peak), and immediately when a system enters the 5-day forecast cone if you didn't pre-stock.
Can I refill propane the day before a hurricane?
Yes but expect hours-long lines and many exchange cages running out. Much better strategy: top off in June and August.
When should I inspect my propane tanks for hurricane season?
In May, before season starts. Check for rust, valve condition, and DOT recertification dates. Any cylinder over 10–12 years old needs recertification.
Should I test-run my propane generator before hurricane season?
Yes, every July at minimum. Run it under load for 15–30 minutes. Find any issues now, not on day 3 of an outage.
How early before a storm should I refill propane?
Refill the moment a system enters the 5-day cone if you didn't pre-stock. Within 1–2 days of forecast landfall, lines are hours long.
Stop by Propane Refill Station
7214 Taft St, Hollywood, FL 33024 · Drive up — no appointment needed.
Last updated: May 19, 2026