Hurricane evacuation sign. Sign showing the route to take when evacuating to avoid a hurricane. This sign is in Pompano Beach, Florida, USA. Florida is one of several US states on the Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico where hurricanes may hit land. Hurricanes are large rotating tropical storms with high wind speeds that can cause immense damage and loss of life when they hit land. During hurricane season, forecasters track the path of hurricanes to predict when and where they may hit land. This allows authorities to issue an evacuation notice to reduce loss of life. People will leave the area or stay in hurricane shelters. Planned evacuation routes reduce traffic congestion.