Atlantic hurricane season runs June through November, with peak activity August through October. While Atlanta is 250+ miles inland and rarely experiences direct hurricane strikes, remnants of tropical systems can bring significant wind, rain, and flooding to the Metro area. Understanding the actual risks helps you prepare appropriately without overreacting.

Reality: Extremely rare. Atlanta's inland location means hurricanes weaken significantly before reaching the city. Full-strength hurricane conditions in Atlanta are essentially not a realistic concern.

Reality: Happen every few years. Weakened systems can bring:

• 40-60 mph sustained winds (rarely higher)
• 3-8+ inches of rain in 24-48 hours
• Flooding in vulnerable areas
• Power outages

Recent examples:

• Hurricane Irma remnants (2017): Widespread wind damage, extended power outages
• Tropical Storm Alberto (2018): Significant flooding in some areas

Reality: The most common impact. Tropical moisture can stall over the region, producing:

• Multiple inches of rain over several days
• Flash flooding
• Ground saturation (affects drainage for days)

The primary threat from tropical systems in Atlanta.

Risk factors:

• Low-lying storage facilities
• Poor drainage
• Creeks/streams nearby
• Areas that flood during regular heavy rain

Mitigation:

• Choose facilities with good drainage
• Ask about flood history
• Avoid lowest areas of the lot
• Indoor storage on elevated ground floor

Less severe than coastal areas, but 40-60 mph winds can still:

• Blow debris
• Topple trees and branches
• Damage poorly maintained structures

Mitigation:

• Covered or indoor storage
• Avoid spaces under/near large trees
• Choose well-maintained facilities

Impact on storage:

• Battery maintainers stop working
• Gate access may fail (manual override needed)
• No lighting at facility

Mitigation:

• Battery maintainer with battery backup
• Know manual gate access procedure
• Flashlight for facility visits

Questions to ask:

• Has this facility flooded during past tropical weather?
• What's the drainage like during heavy rain?
• How are trees around the property maintained?
• What's the backup plan for gate access during power outages?

Verify:

• Comprehensive coverage includes flood damage
• Coverage limits are appropriate
• You understand the claims process
• Deductibles are acceptable

Consider:

• Separate flood insurance if comprehensive doesn't fully cover
• Whether coverage is adequate for worst-case scenarios

If tropical system is forecast:

• Remove valuables from the vehicle
• Check that the car is locked
• Take photos documenting current condition
• Ensure battery maintainer is functioning (or disconnect battery)
• Top off fuel tank (in case you need to evacuate the car quickly)

Tropical risk level: Highest

Concerns:

• Full flood exposure
• Wind debris damage
• No structural protection

Appropriate when:

• Facility has proven excellent drainage
• Vehicle is insured and owner accepts risk
• Cost is primary concern

Tropical risk level: Moderate

Benefits:

• Protection from debris falling from above
• Some rain protection

Limitations:

• Still exposed to flooding
• Wind-driven rain reaches vehicle
• Wind can blow debris under cover

Appropriate when:

• Facility is in a non-flood area
• Primary concern is debris, not flooding

Tropical risk level: Lower

Benefits:

• Complete rain/debris protection
• Better flood resistance (depending on building)
• Wind protection

Limitations:

• Ground floor can still flood in extreme events
• Building damage possible in severe storms

Appropriate when:

• Maximum protection is priority
• Building is in appropriate location

Monitor:

• Forecast track and intensity
• Predicted rainfall amounts
• Expected wind speeds

Consider:

• Moving vehicle from outdoor to covered/indoor if possible
• Retrieving vehicle if it's essential and you can park it somewhere safer

Finalize:

• Ensure vehicle is secured
• Remove any items that could become projectiles
• Document vehicle condition with photos

Don't:

• Try to move vehicles at the last minute
• Panic about Atlanta hurricane damage (inland weakening is real)

Stay safe:

• Don't visit the storage facility during the storm
• Wait for conditions to improve before assessing

Assessment:

• Wait for facility to confirm access is safe
• Document any damage immediately
• Contact insurance promptly if needed
• Check for hidden water damage

Atlanta's hurricane risk is real but modest. In decades of tropical weather history:

• Significant wind damage is rare
• Flooding is the consistent threat
• Multi-day power outages are the main disruption

Choose storage with good drainage, maintain appropriate insurance, and you're well-prepared for Georgia's hurricane season.

Oxford RV Storage is located inland along I-20—similar hurricane risk profile to the rest of the Atlanta Metro. The facility offers both outdoor and covered storage; covered spaces provide debris protection while drainage determines flood vulnerability.

For tropical season, covered storage at a well-drained facility like Oxford represents a reasonable balance of protection and cost for most vehicles.