What did the 2026 hurricane season bring to Florida?
For most of the summer the Atlantic stayed quiet. The first hurricane of the season, Isaias, did not form until early October, and on Friday, October 9 it made landfall near Destin, in the Florida Panhandle, as a Category 2 storm with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph, according to FOX Weather. Panama City Beach recorded its second highest storm surge on record, and power outages in Florida peaked at about 438,000 customers.
Isaias came ashore far from Lee and Collier counties. Southwest Florida still went through another rainy season of heavy afternoon storms, and that water is what tends to show up in pavers months later. As the season closes on November 30, WGCU notes that November hurricane strikes in Florida are uncommon, roughly one direct strike every 15 years on average, with Hurricane Nicole in 2022 as the most recent.
Why does a rainy season matter for pavers even without a direct hit?
Interlocking pavers rest on a compacted base and are locked together by sand in the joints. For pavers, the usual storm risk is water rather than wind. Fast runoff can carry joint sand away, and water that keeps soaking the same spot can soften the base until a section starts to dip. On sandy Southwest Florida lots, that often shows up first along driveway edges, near downspouts and around tree roots. Our guide on why pavers sink explains the causes in more detail.
What should you check on your driveway, patio and pool deck?
Walk the whole surface on a dry day, then again after the next good rain, and compare what you see with the table below.
| What you see | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| A dip or low spot | The base under that area has settled or washed out | Lift the area, correct the base and reset the pavers |
| Wide or empty joints | Joint sand washed out in heavy rain | Clean and refill the joints, then consider sealing |
| Water standing after rain | Slope or drainage is not carrying water away | Find where the water should go before adding anything new |
| Pavers lifting near a tree | Roots pushing up from below | Get an opinion before cutting roots or resetting |
| Loose border pavers | The edge restraint has moved | Reset the edge so the field does not spread |
| Green or dark stains | Mold and algae after months of humidity | Clean with a paver safe product, see our paver cleaning guide |
Are your pool cage and lanai screens ready for winter?
Summer storms are hard on screen. Look for torn or sagging panels, loose spline and gaps at the bottom of the enclosure where debris and bugs get in. A few damaged panels can be replaced on their own. If the screen is aging across the whole cage, a full re-screen gives a uniform look. See pool cage re-screening in Fort Myers for the service details.
Is your driveway draining the way it was designed to?
Many Southwest Florida streets rely on roadside swales to move stormwater. If water now sits at the end of your driveway or across the sidewalk, the swale or the driveway apron may have changed shape. In Cape Coral, driveway work inside the city right-of-way follows its own permit and inspection process, which we explain in Cape Coral driveway permits for pavers.
When should you call a pro instead of fixing it yourself?
Sweeping sand into a few open joints is a reasonable weekend job. A section that keeps sinking, pavers sloping toward the house, or a washout that returns after every storm point to a base or drainage problem, and resetting the top layer will not fix it. That is the time for an on-site look and a written estimate for paver repair in Fort Myers or your city.
What should you plan before the 2027 season starts?
The Atlantic season officially runs from June 1 to November 30. The months in between are the natural window for repairs, resealing and new installs, but this winter may be wetter than usual. NOAA's outlook favors wetter than average conditions across Florida from December through February, which we cover in what El Niño means for paver projects this winter. Booking the estimate early leaves room to work around rain days.
Lifetime Pavers is a paver installation company based in Cape Coral, Florida. It installs and repairs paver driveways, walkways, patios and pool decks across Southwest Florida. Request a free estimate or call (239) 297-0277.
Sources
- FOX Weather: Hurricane Isaias from start to finish (October 2026)
- WGCU: What's the latest hurricane ever to hit Florida? (October 25, 2026)
- NOAA: El Nino looms large over U.S. Winter Outlook (October 15, 2026)
Frequently asked questions
When does hurricane season end in Florida?
Can a hurricane still hit Florida in November?
Do pavers hold up in a hurricane?
Why are my pavers sinking after heavy rain?
Should I reseal pavers after hurricane season?
Can I replace just a few pool cage screen panels?
What should I document after a storm?
Who can look at storm wear on pavers in Fort Myers?
Get a free estimate in Southwest Florida
Tell us about your driveway, walkway, patio or pool deck. Lifetime Pavers serves Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero and Marco Island. Call (239) 297-0277.
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