Short answer: no, not if you can help it. I wouldn’t leave any movable outdoor furniture outside when a hurricane or tropical storm is heading your way. In an urban environment, it’s often worse because buildings can funnel wind, so a chair, table, or planter that seems heavy can get pushed, flipped, or turned into a projectile. I’ve seen patio chairs become missiles, and it’s not worth the risk.
If it’s lightweight—resin chairs, folding tables, cushions, umbrellas, trash cans, small planters—bring it inside. A garage, storage room, hallway, or even a bathtub is better than outside. Cushions should definitely come in; they soak up water, grow mold fast, and can blow away. Umbrellas should be closed and stored, not just folded and left in the base. A closed umbrella can still catch wind and break.
What about heavy furniture, like cast aluminum, teak, concrete, or wrought iron? You might think it’ll stay, but hurricane-force winds can move surprisingly heavy objects. If you absolutely cannot move it, lower the risk: put it in a sheltered corner, stack chairs, lay tables on their sides, remove cushions, close umbrellas, and use straps or anchors. But be honest—straps help, they don’t make furniture hurricane-proof.
If you live in an apartment or condo, check your building rules. Many require balcony furniture to be removed before a storm. If it’s public urban furniture—benches, bollards, bike racks—that’s usually bolted down and maintained by the city. You still shouldn’t add your own loose chairs or tables to a public space during a storm.
Don’t put furniture in the pool. It can damage the pool, block drains, and become a hazard later. Also, don’t rely on a covered patio or pergola as full protection; wind-driven rain and debris can still get in.
After the storm, check furniture for cracks, rust, bent frames, waterlogged cushions, and mold. Clean and dry it before using it again. The safest approach is simple: if you can move it, move it inside. If you can’t, secure it as best you can and accept that it may still be damaged. No piece of outdoor furniture is worth a broken window—or worse.