The 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Your West Palm Beach City staff trains and is prepared should a storm threaten or land in our community. The National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service are predicting an active, above-normal hurricane season in 2025. We recommend all residents plan and prepare for advancing storms; and, stay informed during a storm.
The City will have key personnel in place after a storm for your safety. West Palm Beach Public Works, Public Utilities, Police and Fire crews responded in 2022 when Hurricane Ian ravaged Southwest Florida communities. They experienced first-hand what it takes to help communities in the aftermath of a storm.
The City learned from that experience and began an annual simulation drill to give City crews hands-on training in dealing with massive amount of debris that could inundate the City in the aftermath of a hurricane. On Thursday, May 15, 2025, West Palm Beach held the simulation to test our team of professionals on clearing streets, rescuing trapped residents and handling irate residents (actors). This realistic drill involved West Palm Beach Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Public Utilities and Fire Rescue crews working in shifts to clear debris and check cars covered in rubble to see if anyone was trapped. These drills ensure City staff is ready to respond to the needs of our residents.
West Palm Beach Fire Assistant Chief Brent Bloomfield, the City's Emergency Operations Chief, commented:
“The hardest part is once the storm clears going out and seeing what the damage actually is. Our first mission is to help the citizens and life safety. Life safety is always number one, helping the citizens and property conservation comes in after that.”
Exercises like this, ensure the City is ready to provide the best, safest and quickest response in the aftermath of a natural disaster.
Road Closed As Hurricane Debris makes passage unsafe.jpg
Crews assess the debris field before removal can begin
Crews using a skid steer tractor remove debris to discover a vehicle
Public Works Director Leon Pinder delivers a pre-exercise briefing to observers who will rate the City's response
West Palm Beach Assistant Fire Chief Brent Bloomfield, center, meets with observers from the Coral Gables Fire Department
Going over final details with tractor operator before debris removal begins
Actor portraying resident refuses to get off the skid steer tractor until City removes debris from in front of his residence
A crew member had to create a barrier to prevent this woman (actor) from entering an unsafe area
"My dog, my dog," female actor wants help rescuing her dog from the devastation.