Don't let hurricane Erin leave you in the dark Prepare with backup power

Updated: Aug 15, 2025
5 min

Tatiana IvanovaAuthor

As Tropical Storm Erin churns through the Atlantic with hurricane potential, South Florida residents have a critical window to prepare for power outages. While current National Hurricane Center forecasts show the storm tracking away from Florida, the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is just heating up.

Key takeaways

Hurricane Erin 2025 is expected to strengthen into the season's first major hurricane, though current models show it staying north of Florida
Portable generators offer affordable backup power but require strict safety protocols to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
Standby generators provide automatic protection but need permits in Miami-Dade and Broward counties

Hurricane Erin 2025: What Florida needs to know

The latest hurricane tracker maps show Tropical Storm Erin moving west at 20 mph, currently over cooler waters that are limiting its intensification. However, NOAA hurricane updates indicate the storm will encounter warmer waters by Friday, potentially becoming the first hurricane of 2025.

Current Erin forecast highlights:

Expected to reach major hurricane status by Sunday
Track between Bermuda and Hispaniola most likely
South Florida not currently under threat

While Hurricane Erin may spare Florida this time, the storm serves as a crucial reminder. Peak hurricane season runs through October, and power outages remain one of the most common consequences of tropical weather.

In stock

12% OFF

Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 13 kW Dual Fuel (Liquid Propane/Natural Gas) Home Standby Generator 200-Amp Automatic Transfer Switch Included, Symphony Choice Power Management

Fuel TechnologyDual Fuel
Fuel typeNatural Gas, Propane
Running Wattage13kW
Start TypeAutomatic

Pickup on Tue, Aug 19 from Auburn, AL

Delivery on Aug 22–27

Your backup power arsenal: Generators vs. modern alternatives

When hurricane winds knock down power lines, having backup electricity isn't just about comfort—it's about safety.

Portable generators: Your hurricane workhorse

Portable generators have powered Florida homes through countless storms. These fuel-burning units can keep your essentials running without breaking the bank.

Generator Size	Power Output	What It Can Run	Typical Cost
Small (1,000-3,000W)	Basic needs	Refrigerator, fans, lights	$300-$800
Medium (3,000-6,000W)	Multiple appliances	Above plus window AC, microwave	$800-$1,500
Large (6,000W+)	Whole house essentials	Most home circuits except central AC	$1,500-$3,000+

Why generators excel during storms:

Immediate power restoration when the grid fails
Can run for days with proper fuel supply
No dependence on sunlight or weather conditions
Proven technology that works in extreme conditions

For those looking to explore solar alternatives, consider checking out our best solar power generators in 2025, which offer portable and home-use options.

Standby generators: The ultimate storm insurance

For homeowners who want zero hassle during emergencies, standby generators are the gold standard. These permanently installed units automatically kick in within seconds of detecting a power outage.

Standby generator benefits:

Automatic operation—you don't even need to be home
Runs on natural gas or propane (no fuel storage needed)
Can power your entire home, including central air conditioning
Increases property value significantly

The Florida catch: Miami-Dade and Broward counties require permits for standby generator installation. Plan ahead—the permitting process can take weeks.

In stock

5% OFF

Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 18 kW Dual Fuel (Liquid Propane/Natural Gas) Home Standby Generator 200-Amp Automatic Transfer Switch Included, Symphony Choice Power Management

Fuel TechnologyDual Fuel
Fuel typeNatural Gas, Propane
Running Wattage18kW
Start TypeAutomatic

Pickup on Tue, Aug 19 from Auburn, AL

Delivery on Aug 22–27

Generator safety: Avoiding deadly mistakes

Every hurricane season, emergency rooms see preventable tragedies from improper generator use. Carbon monoxide poisoning kills more people during power outages than the storms themselves.

Critical safety rules:

Deadly statistic: Carbon monoxide from portable generators kills an average of 70 Americans annually during storm season.

Never run generators indoors or in garages—even with doors open
Keep generators at least 20 feet from windows and doors
Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords only
Never refuel while hot or running—wait 15-20 minutes for cooling

Start your hurricane preparedness now

Don't wait for the next hurricane threat to appear on your weather app.

In stock

Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 22 kW Dual Fuel (Liquid Propane/Natural Gas) Home Standby Generator 200-Amp Automatic Transfer Switch Included, Symphony Choice Power Management

Fuel TechnologyDual Fuel
Fuel typeNatural Gas, Propane
Running Wattage22kW
Start TypeAutomatic

Pickup on Tue, Aug 19 from Auburn, AL

Delivery on Aug 22–27

Remember Hurricane Erin's lesson: storms can strengthen rapidly, and supply shortages hit fast when threats emerge. Your backup power choice could mean the difference between riding out the next storm comfortably or joining the millions left in the dark.

Tatiana Ivanova

Author

With a degree in Linguistics, Tatiana uses her vast experience in technical translation to deliver complicated concepts in simple words. She joined the company in 2020 as a contributing writer to become the person to influence Blog’s development.