{"id":4272,"date":"2025-07-21T19:44:20","date_gmt":"2025-07-21T19:44:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wheels2025dev.wpenginepowered.com\/resource\/when-the-skies-change-a-new-normal-for-fleets-and-drivers\/"},"modified":"2026-06-17T19:10:12","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T19:10:12","slug":"when-the-skies-change-a-new-normal-for-fleets-and-drivers","status":"publish","type":"project","link":"https:\/\/www.wheels.com\/public\/resource\/when-the-skies-change-a-new-normal-for-fleets-and-drivers\/","title":{"rendered":"When the Skies Change: A New Normal for Fleets and Drivers"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Hurricane season may officially run from June 1 to November 30, but dangerous weather isn\u2019t confined to the calendar or to coastal storms. As climate change intensifies, we’re seeing more extreme weather events year-round and in many more locations: devastating hurricanes<\/a>, catastrophic flooding, and widespread wildfires. These natural threats pose serious risks to both drivers and fleet operations. Preparation can be the difference between disruption and disaster.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts a 60% chance of an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season, with 3\u20135 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). Meanwhile, flash flooding and wildfire risks are escalating nationwide due to extreme rainfall, drought conditions, and higher temperatures. As NOAA Director Ken Graham warns, \u201cThis outlook is a call to action: be prepared.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Time to panic? No. But is it time for a solid plan? Absolutely. Here\u2019s what fleet managers and drivers need to know to stay safe in any<\/em> severe weather scenario.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Understanding the threats<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Hurricanes <\/strong>are now forming outside of traditional seasons and intensifying faster due to warmer ocean waters. Stronger winds, heavier rain, and larger storm surges increase inland flooding and infrastructure strain. Storms like Hurricane Milton last fall demonstrated how rapidly intensification can leave little time to react.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Flooding<\/strong> is now more frequent and severe across the U.S., as we\u2019ve seen in recent disasters. Warmer air holds more moisture, creating more intense storms. Just 6 inches of water can stall a vehicle, and 12 inches can float most cars. Flash floods can occur with little warning, especially in urban areas with poor drainage.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Wildfires,<\/strong> once a primarily western concern, have become a broader threat across North America. Prolonged drought, rising temperatures, and high winds have caused fires to spread rapidly and often unpredictably, closing major roadways and forcing evacuations with little notice. In addition to the direct danger of flames, smoke significantly reduces visibility and air quality, creating hazardous driving conditions for miles beyond the fire zone. Fleet drivers operating near dry or fire-prone regions must now treat wildfires as a year-round risk rather than a seasonal one.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

One rulebook for all weather: driver safety essentials<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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No matter the type of disaster, there are some universal precautions that can help drivers stay safe, prepared, and responsive in any severe weather scenario.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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  1. Before You Drive<\/strong>\r\n