Hurricane season gate checklist for Miami

Short answer

The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, peaking mid-August to mid-October. Before the season, check your gate's battery, hardware and release key. When a storm is forecast, learn how to release the operator so you can move the gate by hand if the power goes out. After the storm, look before you run it. Sources: FOX Weather, Apollo.

The season in South Florida

Hurricane season: June 1 to November 30; peak mid-August to mid-October, official peak date September 10 (FOX Weather).
Wet season: May 15 to October 15, when 60 to 70% of the yearly rain falls; thunderstorms, "excessive lightning", damaging winds and hail are most likely mid-May to early July (NWS Miami).
NWS Miami calls Florida the US "lightning capital" (NWS Miami).

Before the season (May)

Replace a battery that is 2 to 3 years old (Mighty Mule gate opener maintenance guide).
Lubricate moving parts and check bolts and hinges (Mighty Mule gate opener maintenance guide).
Find the release key and practice the manual release once, with the power off (LiftMaster LA400DC owner's manual).
Trim plants and clear anything that could blow into the gate path.

When a storm is forecast

Know how to turn the operator power off and release it. Turn the power off first, release the operator with its key or lever, move the gate by hand, then re-engage the operator and restore power afterwards. Follow the manual for your model (Apollo, LiftMaster LA400DC owner's manual).
Decide whether the gate should be left open or closed, and keep cars out of its path.
Keep the release key indoors where you can find it.

After the storm

Look before you run it: bent panels, a moved post, or debris on the track or in front of the sensors.
With the power off and the operator released, check the gate moves freely by hand (DASMA gate systems safety brochure (Nov 24).
Wipe the photo eyes and clear the loop area.

Call a gate company when

The gate or post is bent or has moved.
The operator does not run after power returns.
Water reached the operator or control box.

What it may cost

Weather damage	$100 to $2,500
Broken motor	$550 to $2,200
Track and roller repair	$200 to $700

National ranges from Angi, not quotes. See the full cost guide.

Questions people ask

Quick answers

When is hurricane season in Miami?

June 1 to November 30, with the peak from mid-August to mid-October (FOX Weather).

How do I open my electric gate if the power goes out in a storm?

Turn the power off, release the operator with its key or lever, and move the gate by hand. Re-engage and restore power afterwards (Apollo, LiftMaster).

How much does storm damage to a gate cost?

Angi lists weather damage at $100 to $2,500 nationally (Feb 20, 2024).

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Gate companies in Miami, FL

Gate Repair USA is not a gate company. These guides are general information from the sources listed below. Stop at the safe checks: anything inside the control box, wiring, force or limit settings is a job for a gate technician. Costs are national ranges, not quotes.

Sources for this page

Last checked: November 2, 2026.