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Cars and driving

Florida traffic lights out after storms become a stop check

When Florida weather knocks out a traffic signal, the intersection turns into a careful four-way-stop or officer-direction check.

After a Florida storm, a traffic light can be the part of the road that suddenly feels uncertain.

If a law enforcement officer is directing traffic, follow that direction. If the signal is out and no officer is there, FLHSMV’s severe-weather guidance says to treat the intersection like a four-way stop. Flashing red also means a complete stop. Flashing yellow means proceed with caution.

That sounds basic until everyone reaches the intersection at once. Power may be out. Street signs may be hard to see. Other drivers may be tired, distracted, or trying to get home before more weather rolls in.

The better habit is to slow down early and make eye contact when you can. Check each lane before moving, then let the intersection sort itself out one turn at a time. Do not assume the bigger road, wider road, or more familiar road automatically gets to move first.

This is a small Florida storm-season skill. It keeps the drive boring at the exact moment when boring is what you want.

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Last checked against these sources: July 4, 2026.

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