Hurricane Archives - WMNF 88.5 FM

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Listen:One of the rarest butterflies in the country, the Schaus’ Swallowtail Butterfly, is benefitting from an event many people dread.

A new study from the Florida Museum of Natural History shows hurricanes have positive impacts on the butterflies.

Jaret Daniels is a curator at the Florida Museum of Natural History. He said the Schaus’ Swallowtail butterfly benefits because storms open up the canopy in the butterfly’s habitat.

“That allows sun to penetrate to the forest floor, creates sort of an abundance of new growth of the host plants of the butterfly, and also enables , sort of nectar, resources to sort of proliferate,” Daniels told WMNF.

That’s good news for the endangered butterfly. It’s native to South Florida and occurs exclusively on conservation lands.

Sarah Steele Cabrera is a PhD Candidate at the University of Florida.

“We had noticed, noticed this trend that a few years after a hurricane, even a very severe storm like Hurricane Andrew in 1992, there were lots of butterflies a few years later. And so it was exciting and rewarding to see those anecdotal observations born out in the data,” Cabrera said.

She and others made the discovery after combing through 35 years of data.

Cabrera called the findings exciting.

“This is perhaps a call to look at it from a slightly, from a non-human centered perspective that you know, the plants, other animals, everything in this system is really adapted for hurricanes,” Cabrera said.

Cabrera and Daniels say their goal is to protect and grow the endangered butterfly.

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Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) Storm Center | By Irene Sans

When it comes to hurricanes, Florida stands out like a sore thumb. In 2024, three hurricanes landed in Florida: two in the Big Bend and one on the West Coast. Florida’s narrow width allows it to feel the impacts over extensive and populous areas, and effects can vary significantly within a short distance. Its flat terrain also enables hurricanes to maintain their structure and strength more effectively than if a cyclone were to cross mountainous terrain.

No other state in the country has more hurricane landfalls per year on average than Florida. Nearly 40% of all hurricanes that strike the United States make landfall in Florida.

Hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through November 30. At the beginning of the season, more disorganized storms often impact the state, mainly coming from the west. This means that Florida is on the messy side of the storm, the most active side. These storms, either forming in June or preseason, can cause significant rain events and tornadoes as the rainbands travel over the region.

Later in the season, storms tend to brew in the Caribbean, and toward the peak of the season, between August and October, there tends to be more activity from African waves. These storms are often monitored for several days, if not weeks, contributing to the public’s tropical activity fatigue.

Not all storms make it to Florida or even the United States; many curve northward before coming close to the Americas. Toward the end of the season, the formation areas retract again, and storms tend to be born “closer to home,” usually from a lingering front or low-pressure system. These kinds of storms need to be closely monitored, like the ones at the beginning of the season. They can be named one moment and then make landfall the next day.

Average Tropical Activity by monthRemember that a storm doesn’t have to be officially named to impact an area significantly. If an area is already vulnerable and, for example, a disorganized system is moving slowly, this can wreak havoc and cause lots of water damage, flooding, and even deaths. It is often the misconception that wind is the most dangerous part of a hurricane, but water is the factor that causes the most fatalities.

Freshwater flooding, meaning flooding due to rain, has caused 57% of the deaths between 2013 and 2022. Surf and rip currents account for 15%, wind 12%, and storm surge 11%. Before the recent decade, between 1963 and 2012, storm surges accounted for 49% of the deaths, freshwater flooding took 27%, and wind was 8%. The atmosphere is holding more water vapor with the increased global temperatures; therefore, anything that goes up must come down, often in the form of heavier downpours, in this case, in tropical systems.

You can hide from the wind but must run from the water.

Direct deaths from U.S. tropical cyclonesFlooding tips* If you come to an area covered with water, it can be more profound than expected: Turn Around Don’t Drown®. * Six inches of fast-moving water can knock adults off their feet and sweep them away. * Twelve inches of moving water can carry off a small car. * 18 to 24 inches of moving water can carry away larger vehicles, including * Get to higher ground if you are in an area subject to flooding. * Follow evacuation orders and heed warning signs. * If you have time before you evacuate, disconnect utilities and appliances. * Avoid floodwaters: It is NEVER safe to drive or walk through them. Live wires, sharp objects, and animals can be in the water. Floodwaters could be contaminated, exposing you to harmful or even deadly bacteria.

Flooding in Tampa after Hurricane Debby.While there is a wide range of impacts during the storm’s passage, such as lightning, wind damage, tornadoes, flooding, erosion, and high surf — the latter could last even after its passage— there are also many deaths, indirectly, after a storm passes, often due to carbon monoxide poisoning, and performing unsafe cleanup duties (including electrocution), and car accidents. So be careful when you keep up after a hurricane or tropical storm; there could be latent threats.

Hurricane season preparedness tips* Have a plan ready for you and your family. * Know your evacuation zone or a federal flood zone. * Have a hurricane kit with all necessary supplies (water, nonperishable foods, batteries, and flashlight). * Prepare your home by securing loose gutters and cutting down loose branches. * Retrofit your home to secure and reinforce the roof, windows, and doors, including the garage doors—this could reduce damage.

Know the terminology Hurricane (or tropical storm) watch means hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified area. A hurricane watch is issued 48 hours before an area’s anticipated onset of tropical storm-force winds. * Hurricane (or tropical storm) warnings indicate that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified area. Because hurricane-preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph), the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours before the anticipated onset of tropical storm-force winds. * Storm surge: The abnormal rise in seawater level during a storm, measured as the height of the water above the normal predicted astronomical tide. The surge is caused primarily by a storm’s winds pushing water onshore. * Tropical disturbance: An area of organized thunderstorm activity 100 – 300 miles in diameter that maintains its identity for 24 hours or more and is in the lower levels of the atmosphere (surface). If the disturbance acquires a spin and winds at least 30 mph, It is now called a tropical depression. It forms over waters of at least 80F. * Tropical depression: A cluster of storms trying to organize and produce maximum winds below 39 mph. * Tropical storm: When the cluster of storms has acquired better organization, there is some circulation near the center, and the winds reach between 39 and 73 mph. At this point, the storm also receives a name. Water temperatures under the system are usually above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. * Subtropical storms develop the same way as tropical storms over waters with a temperature of at least 70 degrees. They also tend to have a closed circulation, but their organization differs. Usually, their maximum winds occur far from their center (at more than 60 nautical miles) and are messy, meaning they are not symmetric. Their rains are usually shifted to the side. * Hurricane: Once a tropical storm strengthens and its maximum sustained winds reach at least 74 mph, it becomes a hurricane. Based on wind speeds, hurricanes are further divided into categories. + Category 1: 74-95 mph + Category 2: 96-110 mph + Category 3: 111-129 mph + Category 4: 130-156 mph + Category 5: over 157 mph* * Major hurricane: any hurricane category 3, 4 or 5.

How do storms get named?A tropical low-pressure system must be at least a tropical storm (or subtropical) to receive an official name. The names come from a list that rotates every six years. They could be Spanish, French, or American. This is done intentionally to serve better this region, which hurricanes impact.

Even-number years start with male names, while uneven years start with female names. However, it wasn’t always like this. Before satellites existed, storms usually received their names depending on the regions they impacted, saints, or holidays. The names were generally given after the event. Storms started getting official names in 1953, but only female names. By 1979, the lists were updated, and alternating male names were added. The six lists of names were officially implemented.

You will no longer see Greek letters if we use all the names on the list in a season. The National Hurricane Center, along with the World Meteorological Organization, which handles the adding and retiring of names, has a supplemental list of names that will kick in any year all names are used. This supplemental list of names will be used every year. If one name is retired from the list due to the storm being catastrophic and costly and meeting the retirement criteria, it would be replaced like any other storm retired from the rotating lists.

NOAA’s GOES satellite captures Hurricane Ian as it made landfall in Southwest Florida in 2022.The post Severe Weather Awareness Week: Hurricanes & water appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

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TALLAHASSEE — While trying to cushion the blow for Tampa Electric Co. customers, state regulators Tuesday approved proposals by Tampa Electric and Duke Energy Florida to collect more than $1.55 billion to cover hurricane-related costs and replenish storm reserves.

Customers of both utilities will start to see higher bills in March as Tampa Electric and Duke primarily recover money they spent to amass crews and restore power when three hurricanes hit the state in 2024.

While Tampa Electric proposed collecting $463.6 million from customers over a 12-month period, the Florida Public Service Commission on Tuesday decided to spread those costs over an 18-month period. That effectively will reduce the sticker shock, though customers will still see hefty increases.

Utilities typically cite a benchmark of residential customers who use 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity a month. Under the approved 18-month plan, such Tampa Electric customers are expected to pay an additional $19.95 a month; under the 12-month proposal, they would have paid an additional $30.04.

The commission grappled with the decision because lengthening the time period will lead to increased interest costs that will be passed on to customers. Also, commission members cited a risk of the state getting hit with additional hurricanes, which could lead to more storm-related costs for Tampa Electric customers during the 18-month period — what is known as a “pancaking” effect of extra costs.

Chairman Mike La Rosa said it was a tough decision that involved looking at “what’s in the best interest of the customer. And although I hate to push off costs, we’ve got to consider how impactful this is to the customer.”

Commissioners approved Duke’s plan to recover $1.09 billion over a 12-month period, but they pointed to different circumstances with Duke.

For Duke residential customers who use 1,000 kilowatt hours, the storm costs represent a $32.40 increase on monthly bills, according to a commission staff recommendation. But commissioners pointed to other upcoming changes in Duke bills, with the utility saying the net increase in March on a 1,000 kilowatt-hour residential bill will be $22.62. Also, commissioners said a Duke base-rate settlement constrained their ability to change the 12-month timeframe.

The utilities will recoup money they spent to prepare for hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton last year and to restore power after the storms passed. Both also will collect money to replenish storm reserve funds and pay interest costs, while Tampa Electric also will collect money for costs related to 2023’s Hurricane Idalia.

The commission in the past has routinely approved utility requests to recover storm costs, with the issue also included in overall rate agreements. On Dec. 3, the commission approved a proposal by Florida Power & Light to recover about $1.2 billion from customers for costs related to last year’s hurricanes and to replenish a reserve fund.

While commissioners supported Tampa Electric being able to recover its costs, they grappled Tuesday with the length of time to collect the money. Commissioners raised possible timeframes of 12 months, 15 months, 18 months and 22 months.

“I just don’t think there is a magic number,” Commissioner Gary Clark said.

Bradley Marshall, an attorney for the groups Florida Rising and the League of United Latin American Citizens, or LULAC, urged a 22-month period. The commission’s staff recommended a 12-month period.

“Simply put, this (a 12-month period) is unaffordable to many hard-working Floridians,” said Marshall, an attorney with the Earthjustice legal organization.

Malcolm Means, an attorney for Tampa Electric, said the company supported the commission staff’s recommendation.

“Tampa Electric understands that an additional charge is always difficult for customers,” Means said.

Commissioner Andrew Fay said moving to an 18-month period would lead to a more “manageable impact” for customers.

“None of us want to be up here doing this,” Fay said. “It’s part of storms, and it’s part of the impact that we have in our state.”

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Former Hillsborough County Commissioner and longtime environmental activist Mariella Smith and Assistant County Administrator and environmental engineer George Cassady joined MidPoint to discuss how to address the problems of poop, fecal matter, and sewage. It’s a dirty subject, but someone has to talk about it! We covered sewage spills, septic tanks & stinky beaches, along with the difficulties from the remaining leaky legacy septic tanks in our urban communities like Seminole Heights and Carrollwood, and the problems associated with development sprawl and expanding the county’s Urban Service Area beyond its water and sewer infrastructure capacity. Also, we noted that President Trump’s recently rescinded Executive Order to pause or cancel all Federal funding grants would have caused the interruption or cancelation of numerous sewage management projects already in process.

Find the entire show here, or as a WMNF MidPoint podcast from your favorite podcast purveyor.

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TALLAHASSEE — Florida utility regulators next week could approve proposals by Duke Energy Florida and Tampa Electric Co. to collect more than $1.55 billion from customers to cover hurricane-related costs and replenish storm reserves.

Staff members of the Florida Public Service Commission on Friday recommended that the regulatory panel approve the proposals, which would lead to increased customer bills starting in March and lasting for a year. The commission is scheduled to vote on the proposals on Feb. 4.

The utilities are seeking to recoup money they spent to prepare for hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton last year and to restore power after the storms passed. Both also are seeking to collect money for storm reserve funds and to cover interest costs; Tampa Electric also would collect money for costs related to 2023’s Hurricane Idalia.

In all, Duke would collect about $1.09 billion, while Tampa Electric is seeking to recover $463.6 million, according to the commission staff recommendations.

Utilities typically cite a benchmark of residential customers who use 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity a month, though actual use varies widely.

The storm-related costs would add $31.18 to the monthly bills of such Duke customers — though Duke said last month it expects the customers would see an actual increase of about $21 a month because of decreases in other costs. The storm-related costs would add $30.04 to the bills of Tampa Electric residential customers who use 1,000 kilowatt hours a month, according to the PSC staff members.

In making the recommendations, the PSC staff members also looked at the possibility of spreading out the recovery of costs over 22 months instead of 12 months. For example, spreading out the Tampa Electric costs would lead to customers facing a $16.33 increase on their monthly bills if they use 1,000 kilowatt hours.

But the recommendations said a longer time period would also lead to higher overall costs because of additional expenses such as interest.

The commission has routinely approved utility requests to recover storm costs, with the issue also included in overall rate agreements. On Dec. 3, the commission approved a proposal by Florida Power & Light to recover about $1.2 billion from customers for costs related to last year’s hurricanes and to replenish a reserve fund.

While Duke and Tampa Electric would start collecting the money in March, they would ultimately have to justify all of the storm-related expenses and refund any excess amounts of money they collect.

PCS Phosphate and Nucor Steel Florida, two major Duke customers, filed petitions this month to intervene in the Duke case. The PCS Phosphate petition, filed Friday, said Duke “has the burden to prove that all costs for which it seeks recovery were prudently incurred and of the type appropriate to be recovered through this proceeding.”

Duke and Tampa Electric said they faced the largest costs from Hurricane Milton, which made landfall in October in Sarasota County before crossing the state. Duke pinned $769,7 million of its costs to Milton, while Tampa Electric’s proposal included $358.9 million for Milton.

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The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is hosting a forum on disaster legal services on Monday Jan. 27. The event will also be streaming on their YouTube Channel.

According to a media release from The Legal Services Corporation, “The discussion will shed light on the critical role of civil legal services in disaster response and preparedness, as well as lessons learned from hurricane recovery efforts and key collaborations between service providers.”

Service providers that will be at the forum:

Peter Dennis, Regional Managing Attorney, Florida Rural Legal Services
Kathy Grunewald, Disaster Coordinator Attorney, Legal Services of North Florida
John Martino, Director of Litigation, Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida
Jason Susalla, Managing Attorney – Disaster Relief Team, Bay Area Legal Services
Moderator: Ron Flagg, President, Legal Services Corporation

There will also be rapid-fire presentations on first-hand experiences as disaster recovery service providers. Presenters will also include legal aid attorneys and disaster response experts.

It will be held at the Embassy Suites Tampa Downtown Convention Center from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

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Pointing to a need to prepare for this year’s hurricane season, the Southwest Florida Water Management District next week could free up $4.34 million to clear debris and repair damage caused by the three hurricanes that hit the state in 2024.

The district’s Board of Governors on Tuesday will consider taking the money out of reserves to help remove debris from Flint Creek in Hillsborough County and the Peace Creek Canal in Polk County and to repair other damage.

“The budget amendment will allow the district to ensure it can restore the integrity of its flood control infrastructure before the next hurricane season and regain critical access to district lands,” said material posted on the district’s website for Tuesday’s meeting.

Florida was hit in 2024 by hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton.

The 2025 hurricane season will start June 1.

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The 2024 hurricane season in Florida is a story about anxiety and destruction.

“You’re trying to get water out of your house, you’re trying to file your insurance work, you’re doing all of those things. But at the same time, you have really been emotionally impacted. You are feeling it.”

But it’s also about resilience and community.

Cars are lined up for gas near Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL after Hurricane Milton tore the roof off the Rays’ stadium. By Seán Kinane/WMNF News,13 Oct 2024.“We have great, great volunteers here. It’s amazing how everyone’s helping and stopping by for food and supplies and giving donations.”

Meteorologists predicted we would see an active season.

Three named storms hit Tampa Bay in 2024.

In early August, Debby blasted through before it made landfall in the Big Bend area of Florida as a Category 1 Hurricane.

The following month, Hurricane Helene – and two weeks later Hurricane Milton – devastated neighborhoods.

“Well, this is gonna be potentially a once-in-a-lifetime storm for us here in the Tampa Bay area.”

The WMNF special Storm Surge: Impacts of the 2024 hurricane season on the Tampa Bay community tells of loss, recovery and healing.

Listen to Storm Surge here:The Tiki Bar and Grill in Gulfport, Florida was damaged by storm surge from Hurricane Helene. By Seán Kinane/WMNF News 3 Oct 2024.Storm surge flooding of downtown Gulfport, Florida, during Hurricane Helene. Screenshot from The Gabber web cam 2024.Gulfport, Florida hours after Hurricane Milton. By Seán Kinane/WMNF News (10 Oct 2024).Residents are still clearing out their homes after storm surge damage. By Leah Burdick WMNF News Oct. 2ndFlooding of downtown Gulfport, Florida, during Hurricane Helene. Screenshot from The Gabber web cam 2024.Flooding in Hernando Beach after Hurricane Helene // Meghan Bowman, WMNF News. 9/27/24Also on Tuesday Café (Dec. 31) – a 1993 interview with Jimmy CarterWMNF’s Tuesday CaféTuesday Café hosted by WMNF news director Seán Kinane airs live weekly on WMNF beginning at 10:06 a.m. ET.

You can listen live on 88.5 FM in Tampa Bay, on wmnf.org or on the WMNF Community Radio app.

You can watch replays on TBAE Network channels at 8:00 a.m and 2:00 p.m Tuesdays on Spectrum 636, Frontier 34 and watch.tbae.net. Or on demand.

You can listen anytime on demand on wmnf.org or by subscribing to the Tuesday Café podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

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TALLAHASSEE — After facing a barrage of hurricanes, Duke Energy Florida and Tampa Electric Co. on Friday filed proposals to collect about $1.55 billion from customers to cover the costs of restoring power and replenishing storm reserves.

The proposals, if approved by the Florida Public Service Commission, would lead to customers seeing increases in their monthly bills starting in March and continuing for a year.

Most of the money would pay for the costs of restoring power after hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton this year, though Tampa Electric is also seeking to recover costs related to 2023’s Hurricane Idalia.

In all, Duke wants to recoup about $1.09 billion, while Tampa Electric is seeking nearly $464 million, according to the utilities and filings at the Public Service Commission.

“These storms have left an undeniable mark on our region,” Archie Collins, president and chief executive officer of Tampa Electric, said in a prepared statement. “We understand the hardship these storms have caused in our community and recognize that this cost increase will be challenging for some customers. We are ready to help where we can.”

The Public Service Commission has regularly approved utilities recouping such costs, including approving Dec. 3 to a proposal by Florida Power & Light to recover about $1.2 billion from customers for costs related to Debby, Helene, and Milton and to replenish a reserve fund.

In addressing rates, utilities typically point to a benchmark of residential customers who use 1,000-kilowatt hours of electricity a month. Such Tampa Electric customers would see their monthly bills increase by $30.81 because of the proposed storm costs, while such Duke customers would see about a $21 monthly increase, according to the utilities.

“Quickly and safely getting the lights back on for our customers was our highest priority after each of these brutal storms,” Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president, said in a prepared statement. “While today’s filing reflects the costs of those efforts, we want to assure our customers that, as part of our overall commitment to affordability, we strived to minimize the impact on their bills as much as possible, and moving forward, we will keep making strategic investments to strengthen the electric grid and help ensure they have the reliable power they need.”

Large chunks of the costs stem from assembling thousands of workers, including crews from other states, to restore power after the storms passed.

For example, Milton, which made landfall Oct. 9 in Sarasota County and caused damage across the state, affected about 1 million Duke customers, the utility said in its filing Friday. Duke said it has recoverable costs from Milton of $732.1 million.

Similarly, Tampa Electric said Milton affected about 600,000 of its customers, with the utility seeking to recover about $358.9 million from the storm.

Helene hit the state in September, while Debby hit in August. Both made landfall in rural Taylor County, but they also caused damage as they moved up the Gulf of Mexico, including in the Tampa Bay area.

Duke said it has more than 2 customers, including in Pinellas and Pasco counties and the Orlando area. Tampa Electric has more than 850,000 customers in Hillsborough, Polk, Pasco, and Pinellas counties.

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Listen:One thing is for certain each year in Florida: hurricanes.

And with widespread power outages from Helene and Milton, many Floridians turned to their radios for the latest updates. Now, a new technology officials will use to help share emergency information with those who need it most.

During the state’s next emergency, you may hear an artifical intellegence generated voice on the airwaves.

The program is called BEACON, for “Broadcast Emergency Alerts and Communications Operations Network.”

It’s a text-to-speech system that will read official alerts and advisories from local, county, state, and federal agencies like the National Weather Service and Florida Department of Emergency Management.

AI media company Futuri CEO and Founder Daniel Anstandig said BEACON will help rural counties.

“Newsroom budgets are shrinking, journalists are being asked to cover more territory with less resources, and some newsrooms, particularly in rural areas, are shutting down altogether.” Anstandig said.

Florida’s Director of Emergency Management Kevin Guthrie said the program will be used on the radio due to its reliability.

“In the state of Florida, we have never lost a radio broadcast tower with all of the storms that have hit here. It’s always been on. It’s always been there,” Guthrie said.

The system launched this week in Gainesville and surrounding areas. They plan on extending it across Florida in 2025, but said funding depends on legislative decisions.

Officials plan on implementing BEACON in 13 radio stations across the state.

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Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) Storm Center | By Irene Sans

(Versión en español abajo)Invest 99L has officially been labeled Potential Tropical Cyclone 19. It will be a slow-moving storm through the weekend, remaining in the same general area in the western Caribbean. Torrential rains are forecast for northern Honduras, where some areas could receive over 20 inches of rain. PTC 19 is forecast to become Tropical Storm Sara, possibly reaching hurricane status just before Monday’s landfall in Belize or the Quintana Roo state of Mexico. Although its speed is expected to remain very slow, whatever emerges over the Gulf of Mexico will swing much faster to the north and then to the east-northeast next week.

How will Sara impact Florida?It is too soon to discuss any impacts that Florida could experience since this system, apart from moving slowly, will also have to move over the thick Yucatan Peninsula. We must closely monitor what will happen to ¨future Sara¨ as it meanders over the western Caribbean. This system could emerge over the Gulf of Mexico battered. If this happens, it will struggle to take shape again as the wind shear could increase. Of course, its moisture is slated to swing toward the east next week, so we can expect it to arrive in Florida, but the great unknown is exactly how much and where. Keep in mind that although water temps across parts of the Gulf of Mexico are still warm, there will be increasing wind shear, and the temperatures are cooling fast and can´t sustain tropical storm formation as it moves closer to the coast due to rapid cooling.

Florida will get a weekend cold front First, Florida must monitor a cold front moving over the state on Friday. This is the second cold front of the week and promises to bring a stronger punch of cooler and drier air. We are not talking about thick coats; the drier air will make it much cooler. Lows over the weekend across South Florida will be in the upper 60s. Central Florida will have lows in the low to mid-60s, and northern Florida could have lows as cold as in the upper 40s.

Take the time to enjoy the weekend and the cooler weather. Be cautious if you are going boating, as the seas will be increasing and could be dangerous for boaters and swimmers. We will continue to bring you updates throughout the weekend.

What is a “potential tropical cyclone?”The storm is now called Potential Tropical Cyclone 19. The National Hurricane Center gives this label to systems that are still disorganized but close enough to land to bring impacts and have the potential to become more organized in the coming hours or days. This allows the NHC to issue watches and warnings.

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Se forma el posible ciclón tropical 19, se mueve lento, primero llega el fríoEl Invest 99L ha sido oficialmente etiquetado como el Ciclón Tropical Potencial 19. El Centro Nacional de Huracanes le da esta etiqueta a los sistemas que aún están desorganizados pero lo suficientemente cerca de la tierra para causar impactos y tienen el potencial de volverse más organizados en las próximas horas o días. Esto le permite al NHC emitir alertas y advertencias.

El Ciclón Tropical Potencial será una tormenta de movimiento lento desde el jueves hasta el fin de semana, permaneciendo en la misma área general en el Caribe occidental. Se pronostican lluvias torrenciales para el norte de Honduras, donde algunas áreas podrían recibir más de 20 pulgadas de lluvia. Se pronostica que el PTC 19 se convertirá en la tormenta tropical Sara, posiblemente alcanzando el estado de huracán justo antes de tocar tierra el lunes en Belice o el estado de Quintana Roo en México. Aunque se espera que su velocidad siga siendo muy lenta, lo que surja sobre el Golfo de México se moverá mucho más rápido hacia el norte y luego al este-noreste la próxima semana.

¿Qué significa esto para Florida?Primero, Florida debe monitorear un frente frío que se mueve sobre el estado el viernes. Este es el segundo frente frío de la semana y promete traer un golpe más fuerte de aire más frío y seco. No estamos hablando de capas gruesas; el aire más seco hará que sea mucho más fresco. Las temperaturas mínimas durante el fin de semana en el sur de Florida estarán en los 60 grados superiores. En Florida central, las temperaturas mínimas estarán entre los 60 y 65 grados, y en el norte de Florida podrían llegar a los 40 grados superiores.

Debemos seguir de cerca lo que le sucederá a la “futura Sara” a medida que serpentea sobre el Caribe occidental. Es demasiado pronto para hablar de los impactos que podría experimentar Florida, ya que este sistema, además de moverse lentamente, también tendrá que moverse sobre la espesa península de Yucatán. Este sistema podría emerger sobre el Golfo de México golpeado. Si esto sucede, tendrá dificultades para tomar forma nuevamente ya que la cizalladura del viento podría aumentar. Por supuesto, está previsto que su humedad se desplace hacia el este la próxima semana, por lo que podemos esperar que llegue a Florida, pero la gran incógnita es exactamente cuánto y dónde. Tenga en cuenta que, aunque las temperaturas del agua en algunas partes del Golfo de México siguen siendo cálidas, habrá un aumento de la cizalladura del viento y las temperaturas se están enfriando rápidamente y no pueden sostener la formación de una tormenta tropical a medida que se acerca a la costa debido al enfriamiento rápido.

Tómese el tiempo para disfrutar del fin de semana y de condiciones más frescas. Tenga cuidado si va a navegar, ya que el nivel del mar aumentará y podría ser peligroso para los navegantes y los bañistas. Continuaremos brindándole actualizaciones durante todo el fin de semana.

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An appeals court will hear a case about restrictions on medical treatment for transgender Floridians A federal appeals court will hear arguments in January in a battle over Florida’s restrictions on treatments such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy for people with gender dysphoria.

2024 Hurricanes impacted sea turtle nesting in PinellasAfter a series of hurricanes left beaches and dunes flooded, sea turtle nesting season was cut short, but conservationists still documented more nests in Pinellas County than last year.

$51 million park and stormwater project opens in Tampa The City of Tampa cut the ribbon on a new 48-acre park in South Tampa. The $51-million project is more than a park, it also provides flood relief.

Groundbreaking on new USF stadiumThe University of South Florida Tampa campus broke ground recently on its new football stadium. The 35-thousand-seat stadium is scheduled to open in Fall of 2027.

Environmental Protection Agency seeks comments on fish farm offshore of SarasotaThe Environmental Protection Agency is asking people to comment on modifications to the permit for an aquaculture project planned for the Gulf of Mexico off of Sarasota County. The deadline to comment to the EPA is November 25th.

The Scoop: Tampa Bay & Florida headlines by WMNFThe Scoop producer Kiley Petracek

WMNF anchors Chris Young, Lisa Marzilli, Josh Holton, Seán Kinane
WMNF News Director Seán Kinane
WMNF reporters Chris Young, Lisa Marzilli, Josh Holton, Seán Kinane, Colleen Cole
Special thanks to Taylor Lovejoy and Corey Beltran.

Theme music, Fresh06, by Stian via archive.org – CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5
The Scoop logo by Robin Milcowitz / Greener Pixels / greenerpixels.com /

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Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) Storm Center | By Irene Sans

Versión en español abajoHurricane Rafael meanders over the Gulf of Mexico, traveling to the west. Rafael landed in western Cuba on Wednesday afternoon as a category 3 hurricane. At landfall, the hurricane has maximum sustained winds of at least 115 mph, leaving the island without power again. Once it entered the Gulf of Mexico, Rafael made a westward turn, and it is not expected to land in the U.S.

This west turn has taken the deeper moisture with it, so the rain forecast did not materialize, at least for the west-central region of Florida. Some rain showers were still moving through the Keys and Southwest Florida late Wednesday and early Thursday. Across the peninsula, moisture is still traveling over, and the day has remained mostly cloudy with some light passing showers.

What´s the forecast for Florida?Moisture will continue to stream through the Panhandle and north Florida, with winds coming from the east. A stationary front is located just to the north. This front will slowly retract northward; better conditions are expected on Friday and through the weekend. There will be sunshine, clouds, and warm temperatures, and many cities will stay in the mid to upper 80s.

For the southern half of the Peninsula, the winds will shift mainly from the east, and there will be more periods of sunshine as drier air moves in. The drier air will not allow thunderstorms to form, but pockets of low-level moisture will move through with the east winds, which could develop a few very isolated passing showers. It is not recommended that swimmers enter the water along the eastern coastline. There is a high risk of rip currents that will likely persist through the weekend. The winds could be strong at times, which will also increase the seas and make them dangerous, especially for those with smaller boats. Temperatures will be in the mid to upper 80s throughout the weekend, and there will be very warm and muggy nights, too.

Another tropical wave is on the moveA tropical wave is moving over the northern Leeward Islands; this wave could develop as it moves west-northwest to the north of the Hispaniola and Turk and Caicos during the next couple of days. The chance for this system is low within the next 7 days, as there will be front and strong wind shear arriving from the north, likely not allowing this system to develop into a tropical system. Regardless, another plume of moisture will arrive in Florida late this weekend, and this will continue to increase the shower and thunderstorm activity next week. Please stay vigilant and plan carefully.

We will continue to monitor the tropics and the weather forecast across Florida and bring you updates often.

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El huracán Rafael, otra zona con posibilidades de desarrolloEl huracán Rafael serpentea sobre el Golfo de México, viajando hacia el oeste. Rafael tocó tierra en el oeste de Cuba el miércoles por la tarde como un huracán de categoría 3. Al tocar tierra, el huracán tiene vientos máximos sostenidos de al menos 115 mph, dejando a la isla nuevamente sin energía. Una vez que entró en el Golfo de México, Rafael hizo un giro hacia el oeste, y no se espera que toque tierra en los EE. UU.

Este giro hacia el oeste se llevó consigo la humedad más profunda, por lo que el pronóstico de lluvia no se materializó, al menos para la región centro-oeste de Florida. Algunas lluvias todavía se movían a través de los Cayos y el suroeste de Florida a última hora del miércoles y a primera hora del jueves. A lo largo de la península, la humedad sigue viajando y el día ha permanecido mayormente nublado con algunas lluvias ligeras pasajeras.

¿Cuál es el pronóstico para Florida?La humedad continuará fluyendo a través del Panhandle y el norte de Florida, con vientos provenientes del este. Un frente estacionario se encuentra justo al norte. Este frente se retraerá lentamente hacia el norte; se esperan mejores condiciones el viernes y durante el fin de semana. Habrá sol, nubes y temperaturas cálidas, y muchas ciudades permanecerán entre 80 y 85 grados.

Para la mitad sur de la península, los vientos cambiarán principalmente del este, y habrá más períodos de sol a medida que ingrese aire más seco. El aire más seco no permitirá que se formen tormentas eléctricas, pero los vientos del este moverán bolsas de humedad de bajo nivel, lo que podría generar algunas lluvias pasajeras muy aisladas.

No se recomienda que los nadadores entren al agua a lo largo de la costa este. Existe un alto riesgo de corrientes de resaca que probablemente persistirán durante el fin de semana. Los vientos podrían ser fuertes a veces, lo que también aumentará los mares y los hará peligrosos, especialmente para aquellos con embarcaciones más pequeñas. Las temperaturas estarán entre 80 y 85 grados durante todo el fin de semana, y también habrá noches muy cálidas y húmedas.

Otra onda tropical está en movimientoUna onda tropical se está moviendo sobre las Islas de Sotavento del norte; Esta ola podría desarrollarse a medida que se desplaza hacia el oeste-noroeste al norte de la isla Española y las Islas Turcas y Caicos durante los próximos días. La probabilidad de que se forme este sistema es baja en los próximos 7 días, ya que habrá un frente y una fuerte cizalladura del viento que llegará desde el norte, lo que probablemente no permitirá que este sistema se convierta en un sistema tropical. De todas formas, otra columna de humedad llegará a Florida a finales de este fin de semana, y esto seguirá aumentando la actividad de lluvias y tormentas eléctricas la próxima semana. Manténgase alerta y planifique con cuidado.

Seguiremos monitoreando los trópicos y el pronóstico del tiempo en toda Florida y le brindaremos actualizaciones con frecuencia.

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TALLAHASSEE — Duke Energy Florida’s costs of restoring power after three hurricanes this year could total about $1.1 billion to $1.3 billion, with the utility planning to seek state approval to recoup money from customers.

The utility’s parent company, Duke Energy, outlined the estimate Thursday in a quarterly financial report filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Also, the utility said in a news release Tuesday that it anticipates making a filing in December at the Florida Public Service Commission that could lead to passing along storm-related costs to customers as soon as March.

The costs stem from efforts to restore power after hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton — all of which slammed areas served by Duke. The largest amount of costs, expected to total $700 million to $850 million, stems from Hurricane Milton, which made landfall Oct. 9 in Sarasota County as a Category 3 storm and caused extensive damage in other areas of Florida, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission filing.

Florida Power & Light on Oct. 29 requested approval from the Public Service Commission to collect nearly $1.2 billion to cover the costs of restoring power after the hurricanes and to replenish a storm reserve fund. That request is pending.

Utilities have long been allowed to recover storm-related costs from customers, and such recoveries have been contemplated in broader rate agreements.

Duke Energy, the Florida utility’s parent, also faced restoring power after Debby and Helene in areas it serves in North Carolina and South Carolina. Thursday’s quarterly report said Duke estimates overall costs from the three storms of $2.4 billion to $2.9 billion.

“In such extreme circumstances, our immediate priority is, and always will be, executing the extensive storm preparation and response work to ensure the safe, timely and efficient restoration of service to impacted customers as quickly as possible,” Duke said in the report. “Round-the-clock power restoration efforts continued following the historic damage inflicted by these storms with lineworkers, tree trimmers and removal experts, state department of transportation workers and countless others, working to repair and, in certain areas, completely rebuild, the critical electricity infrastructure that powers and supports the communities we serve.”

The report also indicated Duke is looking to hold down costs on customers’ monthly bills, including through a financing mechanism known as securitization.

“We will continue the important work of rebuilding our communities in the weeks and months ahead, including power infrastructure in the hardest-hit areas of our service territories,” the report said. “We also plan to work with our state commissions to appropriately track and recover storm costs under approved regulatory frameworks on a timely basis. We will also remain focused on balancing the bill impacts on our customers from such catastrophic events, including seeking insurance recovery and exploring the potential securitization of related costs in certain jurisdictions, as appropriate.”

In addition to the Milton costs, the report estimated Duke Energy Florida had restoration costs of $300 million to $400 million from Helene and $60 million from Debby. Helene made landfall Sept. 26 in Taylor County after causing damage in other coastal communities as it moved up the Gulf of Mexico; Debby made landfall in early August in Taylor County before hitting other parts of North Florida.

The quarterly report and Tuesday’s news release did not detail an exact amount that Duke’s Florida customers could be required to pay. The report said, for example, the Florida utility had a storm reserve of about $100 million that could be applied to costs.

The news release was issued after the Public Service Commission approved other costs, such as for power-plant fuel, that will be applied to customers’ bills in 2025. The net effect of those approvals will be to lower Duke monthly bills starting in January, according to the utility.

But the news release noted that the expected storm-cost recovery will “impact rates as early as March 2025.”

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Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) Storm Center | By Irene Sans

Versión es español abajoHurricane Rafael continues to gain strength and became a category two hurricane Wednesday morning with 100 mph winds. It is possible that Rafael will undergo rapid intensification by Wednesday evening, as it approachs the Isle of Youth in Cuba and the western portion of Cuba.

Rafael will be passing over Western Cuba on Wednesday afternoon. Friction with the terrain will likely weaken the hurricane, but it is still likely that the storm will remain a hurricane as it enters the eastern Gulf of Mexico. The hurricane is currently moving at 15 mph. By Wednesday night, Rafael will start to slow down as it temporarily shifts to the west around the southwestern periphery of the high-pressure system that will keep the center of Rafael well away from Florida. The relatively slow movement will allow Rafael to travel over the small spot of the Gulf current. This area of warm temperatures will allow Rafael to remain as a hurricane at least until Friday afternoon. By Friday evening, Rafael will likely start making a northward and weaken rapidly. The system will move over much colder waters and toward strong wind shear as it approaches the central Gulf coast. This will choke Rafael’s convection, but there will still be some winds. Rafael will likely land in southern Louisiana on Sunday afternoon as a tropical storm with little rain and some wind gusts.

A tropical storm warning affects the middle and lower keys of Florida.Rafael rain bands will arrive in the Lower and Middle Keys on Wednesday. The rain bands could contain embedded storms, some of which could rotate, posing a risk of tornados.

For Florida, the good news is that Rafael will be turning Westward — away from Florida. Still, plenty of moisture will arrive on the peninsula between Wednesday and Thursday, bringing periods of heavy rains affecting much of Florida. These showers and storms could create some flooding, mainly across the Keys, Southwest Florida, and to a lesser but still present extent, across west central Florida through the Panhandle. We will have rainfall approximates on Wednesday. Winds will remain gusty across much of Florida, mainly coming from the southeast and then from the South once Rafael enters the Gulf.

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Rafael se fortalece rápidamente, estos son los impactos en FloridaRafael podría convertirse en un huracán de categoría 2 a medida que se acerca a Cuba; es probable que pierda velocidad una vez que cruce el Golfo de México.

La tormenta tropical Rafael sigue ganando fuerza y está a punto de convertirse en un huracán de categoría uno a medida que se acerca a las Islas Caimán. Es posible que Rafael se certifique rápidamente entre la noche del martes y la noche del miércoles, y podría convertirse en un huracán de categoría 2 a medida que se acerca a la Isla de la Juventud en Cuba y a la parte occidental de Cuba el miércoles.

Rafael pasará por el oeste de Cuba el miércoles por la tarde. La fricción con el terreno probablemente frenará al huracán, pero aún es probable que la tormenta siga siendo un huracán a medida que ingrese al este del Golfo de México. El huracán se mueve actualmente a 15 mph. Para la noche del miércoles, Rafael comenzará a disminuir su velocidad a medida que se desplace temporalmente hacia el oeste alrededor de la periferia suroeste del sistema de alta presión que mantendrá el centro de Rafael lejos de Florida. El movimiento relativamente lento permitirá que Rafael viaje sobre el pequeño punto de la corriente del Golfo. Esta área de temperaturas cálidas permitirá que Rafael permanezca como huracán al menos hasta la tarde del viernes. El viernes por la tarde, Rafael probablemente comenzará a moverse hacia el norte y se debilitará rápidamente. El sistema se moverá sobre aguas mucho más frías y hacia una fuerte cizalladura del viento a medida que se acerca a la costa central del Golfo. Esto ahogará la convección de Rafael, pero aún habrá algunos vientos. Es probable que Rafael toque tierra en el sur de Luisiana el domingo por la tarde como una tormenta tropical con poca lluvia y algunas ráfagas de viento.

Un aviso de tormenta tropical afecta a los cayos medios e inferiores de Florida.Las bandas de lluvia de Rafael llegarán a los cayos medios e inferiores el miércoles. Las bandas de lluvia podrían contener tormentas incrustadas, algunas de las cuales podrían rotar, lo que representa un riesgo de tornados.

Para Florida, la buena noticia es que Rafael girará hacia el oeste, alejándose de Florida. Aún así, llegará mucha humedad a la península entre el miércoles y el jueves, lo que traerá períodos de fuertes lluvias que afectarán gran parte de Florida. Estas lluvias y tormentas podrían crear algunas inundaciones, principalmente en los cayos, el suroeste de Florida y, en menor medida, pero aún presente, en el centro oeste de Florida hasta el Panhandle. Tendremos precipitaciones aproximadas el miércoles. Los vientos permanecerán racheados en gran parte de Florida, principalmente provenientes del sureste y luego del sur una vez que Rafael ingrese al Golfo.

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Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) Storm Center | By Irene Sans

(Versión en español abajo)The National Hurricane Center has officially named the system over the Caribbean Rafael. The tropical storm is moving north at 9 mph and will continue to move toward the north-northwest. It travels over every warm water, and the wind shear is expected to be low through Wednesday as it approaches western Cuba.

Rafael could reach category two hurricane status just before reaching La Habana Province. Once the system enters the Gulf, water temperatures are much cooler, and it will encounter high wind shear, putting a good dent in the system. The wind shear will also shift all its convention to the east, mostly affecting the western half of Florida.

The Lower Keys are under a tropical storm watch, and if the NHC’s official track verifies, they could be put under a hurricane warning as the system passes to their west. Of course, this will also depend on how much the system’s structure is damaged after its passage across western Cuba. This will likely be the only part of Florida that will experience the strongest winds.

This track relies on the high to break, and the next trough will pull the system northward. If the high remains strong, the system will shift westward, and in this scenario, the system will have a chance to remain stronger. But if the high breaks, Rafael will turn north and encounter much less favorable conditions, weakening the storm. Also, with a northward trend, the shear will separate the wind from the moisture; the wind will head to Gulf Coast states (tropical storm force winds) and rain over Florida, southern Georgia, and perhaps the southern portion of South Carolina.

We will keep monitoring Rafael and bring you updates as they emerge.

Se forma Rafael y se emiten alertas de tormenta tropical para partes de FloridaEl Centro Nacional de Huracanes ha nombrado oficialmente al sistema sobre el Caribe Rafael. La tormenta tropical se mueve hacia el norte a 9 mph y continuará moviéndose hacia el norte-noroeste. Viaja sobre todas las aguas cálidas, y se espera que la cizalladura del viento sea baja hasta el miércoles a medida que se acerca al oeste de Cuba.

Rafael podría alcanzar la categoría de huracán dos justo antes de llegar a la provincia de La Habana. Una vez que el sistema entre en el Golfo, las temperaturas del agua serán mucho más frías y se encontrará con una fuerte cizalladura del viento, lo que afectará al sistema. La cizalladura del viento también cambiará toda su convención hacia el este, afectando principalmente a la mitad occidental de Florida.

Los Cayos Inferiores están bajo vigilancia de tormenta tropical y, si la trayectoria oficial del NHC se verifica, podrían recibir un aviso de huracán cuando el sistema pase hacia el oeste. Por supuesto, esto también dependerá de cuánto se dañe la estructura del sistema después de su paso por el oeste de Cuba. Esta probablemente será la única parte de Florida que experimentará los vientos más fuertes.

Esta trayectoria depende de que el anticiclón se rompa y la siguiente vaguada empujará al sistema hacia el norte. Si el anticiclón permanece fuerte, el sistema se desplazará hacia el oeste y, en este escenario, el sistema tendrá la oportunidad de mantenerse más fuerte. Pero si el anticiclón se rompe, Rafael girará hacia el norte y encontrará condiciones mucho menos favorables, lo que debilitará la tormenta. Además, con una tendencia hacia el norte, la cizalladura separará el viento de la humedad; el viento se dirigirá a los estados de la Costa del Golfo (vientos con fuerza de tormenta tropical) y lloverá sobre Florida, el sur de Georgia y quizás la parte sur de Carolina del Sur.

Seguiremos monitoreando a Rafael y le brindaremos actualizaciones a medida que surjan.

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Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) Storm Center | By Irene Sans

(versión en español abajo)The National Hurricane Center has labeled the disorganized system over the Caribbean Sea Potential Tropical Cyclone 18. This label is given to systems that are still very disorganized but with a high potential to develop further and become stronger. Most importantly, this label allows the National Hurricane Center to officially start advisories to warn the public about imminent impacts ahead.

This is the same area we have been monitoring for several days, and Hurricane Hunters are currently investigating it. This system has a high chance of becoming the next named system of the season. Rafael is the next name on the list.

This week, you can expect an increase in moisture, translating to more rain and storm activity across much of Florida. The winds will shift, mainly from the south-southeast, bringing in deep tropical moisture moving from south to north along the Peninsula. Warmer temperatures are also expected, with high heat indices.

In the short term, the Central Caribbean islands can expect torrential rains early in the week as this system moves mainly to the north. Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, central Cuba, and eventually eastern Cuba will have direct impacts from this system.

The Hurricane Center’s first advisory signals that this system will become a tropical storm by late Sunday evening or early Monday. Sea surface waters in this region of the Caribbeans are still warm and can sustain tropical development. Wind shear must also remain relatively low, which could make this (eventual) tropical storm stronger.

Potential Tropical Cyclone 18 has formed in the Caribbean and is forecast to become a #hurricane by 6 November. If it does, it would be the 11th of the 2024 Atlantic season. 7 seasons on record have had 11+ Atlantic hurricanes by 6 Nov: 1933, 1950, 1969, 1995, 2005, 2010, 2020. pic.twitter.com/EXYqB5ZLPC

— Philip Klotzbach (@philklotzbach) November 3, 2024

The official track by the National Hurricane Center shows the storm gaining hurricane status by Wednesday as it approaches eastern Cuba and emerging over to the Gulf of Mexico by Wednesday night as a category 1 hurricane. Of course, it will depend on how much land interaction this system has. The more land friction, the more dented it will move over the Gulf. The high-pressure system will likely break and open up a channel for this system to continue moving north. Remember that this is the inflection point we will be closely watching wherever the high-pressure system (the same one that has brought us fairly nice weather the last few days) will move east and break, opening up a path for this system to move northward.

The American model (GFS) shows this model intensifying to a strong tropical system or category 1 hurricane as it approaches Cienfuegos and Matanzas in Central Cuba. The European model moves this system slower between Sunday and Wednesday. A tropical storm is passing just east of the Isla de la Juventud by late Tuesday. It shows the system merging over the eastern Gulf of Mexico and staying there for a couple of days between Wednesday and Friday.

After Friday, the Euro shows the system slowly crawling to the west. At the same time, the American GFS model has this system in between Louisiana and Mississippi late Friday or Saturday morning as a tropical storm. Remember that the water near the immediate coast and a bit further out has been cooler in the last few weeks, so water temperatures would greatly weaken any storm as it approaches the coast, any coast along the Gulf.

We will continue to monitor this system and the rest of the tropics in the coming week. There is the chance that another weak tropical system could follow, traveling just north of the Caribbean and likely increasing the moisture over Florida for next weekend. It is too far to pinpoint if any system would directly impact Florida, but we will continue monitoring closely.

Spanish version El Centro Nacional de Huracanes ha etiquetado al sistema desorganizado sobre el Mar Caribe como Ciclón Tropical Potencial 18. Esta etiqueta se le da a los sistemas que aún están muy desorganizados pero con un alto potencial de desarrollarse más y volverse más fuertes. Lo más importante es que esta etiqueta permite al Centro Nacional de Huracanes iniciar oficialmente los avisos para advertir al público sobre los impactos inminentes que se avecinan.

Esta es la misma área que hemos estado monitoreando durante varios días y los Cazadores de Huracanes la están investigando actualmente. Este sistema tiene una alta probabilidad de convertirse en el próximo sistema con nombre de la temporada. Rafael es el siguiente nombre en la lista.

A corto plazo, las islas del Caribe central pueden esperar lluvias torrenciales a principios de la semana a medida que este sistema se mueve principalmente hacia el norte. Jamaica, las Islas Caimán, el centro de Cuba y, finalmente, el este de Cuba sufrirán impactos directos de este sistema.

El primer boletín del Centro Nacional de Huracanes indica que este sistema se convertirá en una tormenta tropical a fines de la noche del domingo o a principios del lunes. Las aguas superficiales del mar en esta región del Caribe aún están cálidas y pueden sostener el desarrollo tropical. La cizalladura del viento también debe permanecer relativamente baja, lo que podría hacer que esta (eventual) tormenta tropical sea más fuerte.

La trayectoria oficial del Centro Nacional de Huracanes muestra que la tormenta ganará categoría de huracán el miércoles a medida que se acerca al este de Cuba y emergerá hacia el Golfo de México el miércoles por la noche como un huracán de categoría 1. Por supuesto, dependerá de cuánta interacción con la tierra tenga este sistema. Cuanto más fricción con la tierra, más mellado se moverá sobre el Golfo. El sistema de alta presión probablemente se romperá y abrirá un canal para que este sistema continúe moviéndose hacia el norte. Recuerde que este es el punto de inflexión que estaremos observando de cerca donde el sistema de alta presión (el mismo que nos ha traído un clima bastante agradable los últimos días) se mueva hacia el este y se rompa, abriendo un camino para que este sistema se mueva hacia el norte.

El modelo estadounidense (GFS) muestra que este modelo se intensificará a un fuerte sistema tropical o huracán de categoría 1 a medida que se acerca a Cienfuegos y Matanzas en el centro de Cuba. El modelo europeo mueve este sistema más lentamente entre el domingo y el miércoles. Una tormenta tropical pasará justo al este de la Isla de la Juventud a fines del martes. El sistema se fusionará con el Golfo de México oriental y permanecerá allí durante un par de días entre el miércoles y el viernes.

Después del viernes, el Euro muestra que el sistema se arrastrará lentamente hacia el oeste. Al mismo tiempo, el modelo GFS estadounidense tiene este sistema entre Luisiana y Mississippi a última hora del viernes o el sábado por la mañana como una tormenta tropical. Recuerde que el agua cerca de la costa inmediata y un poco más lejos ha estado más fría en las últimas semanas, por lo que las temperaturas del agua debilitarían en gran medida cualquier tormenta a medida que se acerca a la costa, cualquier costa a lo largo del Golfo.

Seguiremos monitoreando este sistema y el resto de los trópicos en la próxima semana. Existe la posibilidad de que otro sistema tropical débil pueda seguir, viajando justo al norte del Caribe y probablemente aumentando la humedad sobre Florida para el próximo fin de semana. Es demasiado lejos para determinar con precisión si algún sistema impactará directamente a Florida, pero continuaremos monitoreando de cerca.

Esta próxima semana, puede esperar un aumento de la humedad, lo que se traducirá en más lluvia y actividad de tormentas en gran parte de Florida. Los vientos cambiarán, principalmente del sur-sureste, trayendo humedad tropical profunda que se moverá de sur a norte a lo largo de la Península. También se esperan temperaturas más cálidas, con índices de calor elevados.

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Listen:Some areas of Tampa Bay are still picking up debris from Hurricanes Helene and Milton- but there’s still a long way to go.

St. Petersburg has removed nearly 400 thousand cubic yards of debris – that’s enough trash to fill more than 4,000 swimming pools.

About a third of it was materials like flood-ruined drywall and flooring. The rest was vegetative debris like trees and plants.

Pinellas Public Information Officer Dave Connor said the county estimates the storms generated about one million cubic yards of debris.

“And so far, our crews have been working very long hours, both our contractors and also we’ve trained our own staff, and they’ve removed about 171 thousand cubic yards of debris. So you can see by comparing those two numbers, we do have quite a ways to go,” Connor told WMNF.

Between the two storms, Connor said collectors saw two very different kinds of debris.

“With Helene, since it was much more of a storm surge storm, we saw those coastal areas get hit. But with Milton, there was basically no storm surge because of where the storm made landfall to the south of us. But there were very high winds. We saw a lot more tree debris.” Connor said.

In unincorporated areas, the county is responsible for picking up the trash.

In Hillsborough County, residents can report debris in waterways. To fill out the form, click here.

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Clearwater pleads for visitors and tourists to return to beachesWMNF’s Chris Young reports, officials plead for tourists who might be second-guessing their beach vacations to come back.

Losses from Milton top $2.8 billionThe total estimated insured losses have surpassed $2.8 billion for the quick-forming storm. That’s in addition to the nearly $1.5 billion in losses from Hurricane Helene.

Nikki Fried appeals to young voters at FSUDemocratic Party Chair, Nikki Fried, appeared at a “Noles for Harris” tabling event on Florida State University’s campus Tuesday as part of her party’s get-out-the-vote effort.

Mucarsel-Powell continues her campaign against ScottDemocratic U.S. Senate candidate, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, is pouring it on in the final stretch of her campaign to oust Republican Senator Rick Scott.

Election Day is Tuesday – and Florida Republicans still outpace DemsOver 5 million Floridian voters have cast a ballot early or by mail. Republicans continue to outpace Democrats in early voting, but not in mail-in votes.

WMNFThe Scoop producer Kiley Petracek

Theme music, Fresh06, by Stian via archive.org – CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5

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Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) Storm Center | By Irene Sans

As we get ready to enter the last month of hurricane season, we start to look closer to land, where storms are more likely to develop. When storms develop in these areas, they tend to turn east, but there are still a few instances when the shift doesn’t happen soon enough to avoid land.

The most favorable areas where storms usually develop are across the western Caribbean, in the western Atlantic by Florida and the Carolinas, and across the open Atlantic, north of the Caribbean.
As it happens during the season’s beginning, frontal boundaries often leave energy behind, leaving enough oomph for a quick storm to spin up. Of course, there have to be other key features at play, such as enough warm water and low wind shear. Currently, we have warm waters, and the wind shear fluctuates. The number of storms, on average during the last 100 years, that tend to form in November tends to be much lower as we are coming down from the peak and ending the season.

The 2024 Atlantic #hurricane season is above-average for all parameters that CSU forecasts. The season has been more above average for stronger storm activity (e.g., hurricanes and major hurricanes than for named storms). pic.twitter.com/TNwJrGnQqq

— Philip Klotzbach (@philklotzbach) October 22, 2024

Notable hurricanes and tropical storms have developed in November. Most recently, Hurricane Nicole in 2022 left miles of erosion along the east coast of Florida. During the hyperactive 2020 hurricane season, Hurricane Eta made landfall in Central America as a Category 4 hurricane, causing torrential rains and landslides. Hurricane Gordon hit the Caribbean Islands and the Southeastern United States in November 1994, causing 1,147 deaths, including 1,122 in Haiti.

Are we monitoring anything at the moment?The National Hurricane Center has no areas of concern at the moment, and no areas of concern could develop within the next seven days.

You might see some brief chatter about weather models showing development around the western Caribbean, but remember that this is just one model and only one run showing this formation. This model has no consistency, and the European model shows no development. To post a picture of one model’s run would be speculation and show no validity as there is no context or validity. We will continue to monitor all the features and bring you updates if something catches our attention. If it doesn’t catch our attention, you can rest assured that there is nothing to worry about.

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Listen:The Mosaic Company says polluted water flowed into Tampa Bay from their Riverview plant after Hurricane Milton, and one activist group wants answers and accountability.

Rainfall from Milton overwhelmed the phosphate mining facility in Riverview, and Mosaic representatives say over 17,500 gallons of polluted water may have spilled into the bay.

Gil Smart is the executive director of Vote Water.

“Here, we have a situation where, yeah, they’ll take care of it after the fact, but it might just happen again, and we really don’t know if it will, and we’re going to try to make sure it doesn’t, but oops, maybe sometimes accidents happen, that sort of thing. There has to be some sort of guarantee that we’re not going to see continued spills,” Smart told WMNF.

But he says legislators may not create the needed regulations.

Vote Water and Stetson College of Law released a report this month tracking corporate funding to politicians. You can find the full report here.

It shows Mosaic has contributed over two and a half million dollars to political campaigns since 2018.

“Polluting industries are quite generous with their political giving, and that ensures them sort of a friendly audience amongst legislators, and it helps staves off an additional regulation,” Smart said.

Donations were also found from other major polluters in South Florida.

Mosaic did not respond to WMNF’s request for comment.

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Listen:Hurricane Helene’s storm surge left destruction in its wake for many renters and homeowners, but there is relief that people may not know is available to them.

Renters, along with homeowners, can file claims with the Federal Emergency Management Agency in times of disaster.

Professor Christine Cerniglia, disaster law expert at Stetson College of Law, said renters could be missing out on relief money.

“Many times renters don’t think they have a right, but if they have occupied a property that has been destroyed by disasters, they should file a FEMA claim within 60 days,” Cerniglia said.

And she says there are a lot of items renters can claim.

“They can claim any food that was destroyed in the refrigerator, they can claim if they’ve lost uniforms and they need to replace those uniforms in order to get back to work, they can claim possibly temporary housing if they need expenses for temporary housing,” Cerniglia said.

J. Michael Shea is the executive director of St. Michael’s Legal Center for Women and Children. He has this advice as many start to apply for insurance claims and disaster relief money:

“Document everything. Take pictures of everything. Take pictures of your damaged clothing, tools, anything as it goes out the door, so that you can show later on, what’s going on,” Shea advised.

If you are a homeowner or renter who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance. You can apply at disasterassistance.gov

Data posted Thursday on Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation website showed over 835 million dollars in estimated insured losses from Helene.

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Deadline to register to vote is MondayThis coming Monday is the deadline to register to vote for the November 5 General Election. You can find out how here.

Gulfport residents are still helping each other recover from HeleneThe waterfront district in Gulfport in South Pinellas County got considerable damage from a storm surge a week ago during Hurricane Helene. But neighbors are helping neighbors clean up.

4,000 are still without power in PinellasThe Duke Energy Florida outage map shows 4,000 customers still without power in Pinellas County.

Crisis Center of Tampa Bay provides resources and mental health support after the hurricaneThe Crisis Center fielded over 700 hurricane-related calls the weekend after the storm. Reynolds says help is available to anyone – whether they experienced the storm firsthand or not.

Dockworkers pause their strikeThe union representing 45,000 striking U.S. dockworkers at ports including Port Tampa Bay has reached a deal to suspend a three-day strike until January to provide time to negotiate a new contract.

WMNFThe Scoop producer Lia Marsee

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One week after Hurricane Helene, recovery efforts are still underway along the Gulf Coast as people return to their homes, or what is left of them.

Organizations like the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay are connecting people impacted by Helene to local resources and mental health support.

CEO Clara Reynolds said many people are just focused on trying to get their basic needs right now.

“You’re trying to get water out of your house, you’re trying to file your insurance work, you’re doing all of those things,” Reynolds said. “But at the same time, you have really been emotionally impacted. You are feeling it.”

Whether it’s resources to find a shelter, FEMA assistance, or mental health support, Reynolds said people can dial 211 to get help.

The weekend the storm hit, the Crisis Center fielded 712 hurricane-related calls.

“They just don’t know what steps to take first, second, and third. So by picking up the phone, getting some assistance for those resources, but also that emotional support will go a long way in helping you to really be able to plan the next steps for you and your family,” Reynolds said.

And that support is available to anyone, whether they experienced the storm firsthand or not.

Reynolds spoke with WMNF’s Meghan Bowman about the emotional impacts the storm has had on residents in the region.

Reynolds: But I think for many of us who, particularly if we’ve lived here a long time, we were like, okay, this is not going to be anything. So a lot of people did not heed evacuation orders. And so it is now two in the morning as you’re watching water rushing into your house. You’re hearing the wind. You’re seeing it.

So you’re experiencing it firsthand. So the emotional impact of that is unbelievable. Whether you were there for it or you had to go home. And now to your house that is, you know, completely destroyed or even partially destroyed. So right now, for many individuals, you are just focused on basic needs. You’re trying to get water out of your house.

You’re trying to file your insurance work. You’re doing all of those things. But at the same time, you are you have really been emotionally impacted. You are feeling it. It impacts every one of us, whether we experience something or we’re experiencing what is known, quote unquote, as survivor’s guilt. So I think for all of us, we are feeling something right now because it happened right here in our own backyard when we really weren’t expecting for it.

Bowman: And I know it’s pretty early, but do you believe there will be some long term impacts that this storm will have on the community?

Reynolds: Absolutely. And I believe that it’s going to happen depending upon your age, your experience level and what you perceived as that moment was happening. You know, if you were sitting at a friend’s house worried about your house or were you in the house, did your child see water rushing into their home or hear the wind?

All of those things are going to have a different response for each individual. And the most important thing about experiencing an event like this, you’ve got to be able to talk about it. Talk to people. Call 211 just for information and emotional support. But if you’re actively in crisis or you’re having thoughts of suicide, it’s really important to reach out and call 988 and get that help and support that you need.

It’s important to reach out early. Don’t wait. Don’t let this go for five six months and you’re still struggling before you ask for help. Get help early, and it can be as simple as calling us at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay at 211.

Bowman: As far as the calls, I don’t know if you guys keep track of what they’re about, but do you have. Can you talk about what you’ve seen most of the people reaching out about?

Reynolds: I will tell you before the storm. People were reaching out looking for sandbags, evacuation zone information as shelters. But really after the storm, the main needs have been food, roofing assistance, FEMA process, understanding it, shelter, and emotional support. And I will tell you, the emotional impact of the storm is woven into every single call that we have received.

And so again, being able to not only, you know, give people reassurance that, you know, okay, we can assist you and but also allowing people to talk about how they’re feeling. Both of those things have been so very important for the callers who have reached out for help.]

That was the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay CEO Clara Reynolds speaking with WMNF’s Meghan Bowman about Hurricane Helene’s emotional impact on residents.

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Residents of Clearwater Beach are still recovering after the high storm surge from Hurricane Helene.

The happy tourist attraction all but washed away.

Residents said they are trying to be positive during these times, and people’s lives sit on the curbs instead of in their homes.

Business and homeowners are clearing out their buildings after damages. By Leah Burdick WMNF News Oct. 2ndPolice officers, power crews, fire trucks, and other crew members are still trying to dispose of the debris.

Matt Black owns Clearwater Pass Gym and said this was the worst storm he had seen.

“The community is coming together to get the beach back on track again and I think everyone is going to come back stronger than ever before,” he said.

Black said he has not been a resident for that long, but has been told by other locals this was the worst storm surge yet.

The bridge is open to Clearwater, but officials said tourists should not try to visit the barrier islands yet.

“The Clearwater Beach you know and love is not ready for visitors. While police checkpoints have ended and traffic is allowed on and off the barrier island, now is not the time to come to Clearwater to sightsee. The roadways to the barrier island are open now so that contractors, cleanup crews, and resources can get to and help our beach residents and business owners,” officials said in a statement.

Resident John Foley said he does not want the bridge to be open.

“What a terrible mistake do they not have any compassion for us out on the beach,” he said.

He said the reason clean up crews have made any progress is because the bridge was closed.

Gulf view closed for drivers as workers transport sand. By Leah Burdick WMNF News. Oct. 2ndEven with access open to the beach, there are still roads closed off.

Public parking lots are being used for equipment and sand storage at this time.

For more information, residents can contact the city information center at 727-562-4682 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Fri.

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Some downtown Gulfport streets are closed, people’s belongings are piled on curbs several blocks from the water, bars are gutted and a sailboat sits grounded on a sidewalk; the waterfront business and residential district in Gulfport — in south Pinellas County — got considerable damage from storm surge a week ago during Hurricane Helene.

Debbie Amos owns the Tiki Bar and Grill with her husband. It’s along the waterfront, across from sand volleyball courts and the beach. They own the business, but lease the building, which has visible damage from what she estimates was more than four feet of water.

“The structures are — most of them, anyway — are still standing. But everything on the waterfront here is completely damaged or a loss going in a few blocks from Shore [Boulevard S.], probably up a good four to five blocks, I think,” she said. “This whole waterfront area is flooded, damaged piles and piles of debris and people’s lives out on the curbs. And, yeah, it’s, it’s pretty surreal, you know? It’s what you see on TV, you know?”

Amos and some volunteers were cleaning out the devastation at the restaurant Thursday morning when volunteers delivered supplies. They come from an ad hoc hub at the Catherine Hickman Theater, which is about six blocks inland and mostly avoided hurricane damage.

A food and supplies distribution hub at the Catherine Hickman Theater in Gulfport after Hurricane Helene. By Seán Kinane/WMNF News 3 Oct 2024.The hub is a partnership between The City of Gulfport, the Gulfport Senior Center and the Gulfport Merchants Chamber.

Kelli Garcia is with the Gulfport Merchants Chamber board of directors and said they are still accepting and distributing donations like, “water, cleaning supplies, food, personal care items. That’s really all we’ve been trying to accept. And as quickly as it comes in, we send it back out.” Garcia added, “the first few days, we had a lot of residents coming to get it, and now we’re taking what we’re doing now is loading up and taking it to parts of our community that can’t get to us that need the help. About 25% of homes in Gulfport were damaged from the storm, so we are focusing heavily on businesses that were impacted and personal homes that were impacted.”

Garcia says that through Saturday, they are accepting water, food and cleaning supplies. A list of items and how you can help or how you can ask for help is on the website VisitGulfportFlorida.com.

Here is a link to more resources.

Pinellas County provided this information for people who need temporary housingPinellas County residents displaced by Hurricane Helene have several options for seeking short- and long-term housing.

FEMA Displacement AssistanceFEMA Displacement Assistance helps survivors who can’t return to their home following a disaster by giving them up-front money to help with immediate housing needs. The amount of money is based on 14 days of hotel costs based on a rate chosen by the state impacted by the disaster. The assistance is a one-time payment. FEMA may provide up to two weeks of funds for temporary lodging at a hotel, motel, or the home of friends or family, for displaced applicants who apply during the registration period.
Displaced residents can apply for this and other help by calling 1-800-621-3362, visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, or going in-person to the Disaster Recovery Center, at Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive, Largo. For more info, see FEMA Displacement Assistance Fact Sheet.
FEMA Serious Needs Assistance is also available to pay for emergency supplies like water, food, first aid, breast-feeding supplies, infant formula, diapers, personal hygiene items, or fuel for transportation. You could qualify for both forms of assistance by applying to FEMA by phone or online.

Pinellas Housing Options WebsitePinellas County has posted a list of resources to help displaced people find
short- and long-term housing options, including online search tools, real estate company information, short-term rental companies, and apartment listings. Realtors and property managers are responsible for updating their available listings on their websites, but the listings and resources allow residents to more easily locate potential housing options. See Pinellas.gov/hurricane housing.

Local Emergency SheltersThe County continues to provide emergency shelters for people who need a temporary safe place to stay while looking for a longer-term home. Call the County Information Center at (727) 464-4333 for more information on emergency sheltering, including locations that accept pets and have support for people with special medical needs. County staff is actively helping individuals and families who are at shelters find other housing options.

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On Thursday, Sept. 26, Hurricane Helene hit the Big Bend area of Florida around 11:00 p.m.

The category 4 storm has left flood victims along the Gulf Coast and Southeastern U.S. with a death toll that has reached 179 people as of Wednesday.

Even though Pinellas County received less rainfall than North Florida, more than 500 water rescues were completed during Helene.

High flood waters left people west of U.S. 19 along the Gulf Coast completely inundated with flood water.

But it wasn’t rainfall that caused the flooding, it was storm surge and high winds.

“The real problem for those in Tampa Bay, is when we have a tremendous amount of storm surge caused by the storm itself pushing water into the bay, but we also have a tremendous amount of rain on the land at the same time that is trying to make its way to the ocean,” Dr. Tom Frazer said. “That water that falls on the land has nowhere to go.”

Frazer is the executive director of the Florida Flood Hub for Applied Research and Innovation at the University of South Florida’s College of Marine Science.

Helene’s brought record-breaking storm surge to St. Petersburg and Tampa. Water levels were 2.3 feet more than what Hurricane Elena brought in 1985, according to NASA.

Sea levels in St. Pete have risen nearly six inches since 2010, according to the Florida Climate Center. And sea levels continue to rise alongside development and population growth in Tampa Bay.

More developments and construction mean two things in the face of a hurricane: more people that will need help and less space for the water to flow, according to Frazer.

“As we continue to develop the landscape, we have to be cognisant of the fact that we are going to modify or alter the way water flows on that landscape,” he said. “We have to pay attention to that so we can better design our stormwater systems, so it doesn’t cause flooding for folks.”

The risk value for coastal flooding in Pinellas County is nearly $1.5 million higher than the risk value for coastal flooding in Hillsborough County, according to the National Risk Index.

Frazer said better designing stormwater systems will assist in moving water on land, whether by rain or sea, and help how it will impact residents of nearby areas.

While damage assessments are still being solidified, Moody’s Analytics predicts that across the Southeastern U.S. property damages will cost upwards of $15 billion.

As of Oct. 2, the total estimated insured losses for Helene is $777,772,440 in Florida, according to the Office of Insurance Regulation.

“My hope is that the lasting impact is that people are more aware and will take greater precautions moving forward so they can better plan for these storm events,” Frazer said.

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On Wed. Oct. 2, MidPoint hosted Jeffrey Chernoff of Insurance and Trust Co., an insurance claims expert, and Paul Hauzer, CEO of VetCor Recovery & Restorations, to discuss what to do and not do in the immediate aftermath of a disaster like so many in our community have experienced from Hurricane Helene. They provided us with valuable insights into the disaster recovery process.

Call Your Agent!First, call your insurance agent if you are insured! They will help you initiate a claim and may be able to help you engage a recovery specialist like VetCor or other preferred providers with whom they have a relationship. In the case of Helene’s damage, if your damages resulted from water from the storm surge, it will likely not be covered by your homeowner’s insurance, but will only be covered by a flood insurance policy, most of which are issued by FEMA. If your agent sold you a flood policy, they should help you with your FEMA claim. Even then, your flood insurance policy may only cover your home’s structure (floors, walls, foundation, etc.), but will not cover the contents, unless you have additional contents coverage for damage to your contents from flood. If you are not insured or do not have a flood insurance policy, still, file for assistance from FEMA at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ or call FEMA Helpline. 1-800-621-3362. There are many different kinds of assistance available from housing or hotel vouchers, to food. You may also be eligible to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance from the state if the business you work for is closed or has no work for you as they recover.

“Photos Are Free. Take Them”Then, as Paul Hauzer noted, “Photographs are free, so take them.” Before you begin removing and disposing of anything in your home, document the damages with photos and/or video. Then, if you have a recovery company engaged, they will begin to remove destroyed contents from your house, along with flooring, drywall, and insulation up to at least 4 feet up from the floor. If you are handling the recovery yourself, remember that anything wet, and anything at least 2 feet above the water line should be removed as soon as possible to inhibit mold growth. Contact an electrician, if you can, to examine your electric system and determine whether or not your power should be turned off or remain on. Stay away from unplugging appliances if you are in standing water or wet surfaces. The water is polluted and dangerous, so wear protective gear, rubber boots, plastic gloves, and N95 masks to protect yourself from noxious fumes and air pollutants as you clean up.

Beware of ScammersBoth Jeff and Paul emphasized the need to beware of scammers and carefully review any contracts with contractors you engage to recover from your damages. Florida licensed contractors can be checked at MyFloridaLicense.com. But, Paul noted that many recovery companies such as his will need to bring in contractors from out of state to meet the enormous demand for services after a mass disaster like Hurricane Helene. If the out-of-state sub-contractors work for a Florida-licensed company, the company will vet them and be responsible for their services. Our experts also urged listeners not to agree to an assignment of benefits contract where you assign your rights to your claim to the contractor, or you may find that they do not have your best interests at heart and you may be inviting litigation. Paul also wanted listeners to know that most recovery contractors will require a downpayment to begin services that will be a percentage of the restoration contract so that the company can afford to purchase supplies and pay their sub-contractors while your claims are processed. Eventually, if you have a valid insurance claim, you will be reimbursed by the insurance company.

We’ll Take Your Flooded CarFinally, many people lost their cars to flooding in the storm. You may have an automobile insurance claim for that. Also, WMNF is able to accept flooded cars as a donation to the station. Just contact the station and make arrangements and someone will come and pick up your car. The station will be grateful for your support and that is one more thing you will no longer have to address.

Listen InThere is much more information for you in the show. The entire show is available here, on the WMNF app, or as a WMNF MidPoint podcast from your favorite podcast purveyor.

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FEMA on the ground across Florida to help The Big Bend coast has been struck for the 3rd time in 13 months by a hurricane. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is now on the ground in some of those places, according to WFSU.

Flood waters pose significant health risksThe Florida Department of Health in Pasco County says there are significant health risks associated with flooding. If there is still standing water while you’re cleaning up, make sure you’re wearing something to protect your feet and wash your hands.

DeSantis sends resources to North Carolina for Operation Blue RidgeGovernor Ron DeSantis says he’s now prepared to share resources with other states to help with search and rescue efforts. The governor has deployed emergency resources to North Carolina and Tennessee, where officials are still searching for victims amid the mud and debris titling it “Operation Blue Ridge.”

Biden to survey damage in CarolinasPresident Joe Biden will survey the devastation in North and South Carolina as rescuers continue their search for anyone still unaccounted for since Hurricane Helene ripped through the Southeast. The death toll is at least 166.

The Scoop: Tampa Bay & Florida headlines by WMNFThe Scoop producer Lia Marsee

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Hurricane Helene’s path of destruction has left communities within the Tampa Bay area decimated, destruction spanning from private homes to treasured public lands. However, the compassionate spirit of area residents is on full display as government agencies, generous neighbors, and local nonprofits alike are banning together to provide relief to those affected. If interested in volunteering or donating, or if you yourself are in need of assistance, follow the links below to gain more information.

GIVE HELP

Supplies

The following organizations are looking for donations of non-perishable food, hygiene items, pet food and cleaning supplies. Throughout the greater Tampa Bay area, there are multiple donation spots.

St Pete:
- 3 Daughters Brewing, a coalition of efforts between 3 Daughters, Friends of Strays and Loving St. Pete.
Gulfport:
- Gulfport Merchants Chamber, asking for necessary items such as ice, water, first aid supplies, and more.
Pinellas County, Hernando County, Pasco County:
- Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside, collecting both cleaning supplies and safety gear.
Indian Rocks Beach:
- Indian Rocks Beach Trash Tribe, a local conservation nonprofit has issued an Amazon wishlist requesting various items for both residents in need and cleanup efforts.

Monetary Donations

Various nonprofits are accepting donations and starting fundraisers to make sure needs in the community are met.

Tampa Bay Resiliency Fund: Coalition of more than 50 local nonprofits focused on disaster relief.
Rebuilding Together Disaster Readiness & Recovery: Assists low-income and mid-income families with housing rehabilitation.
Feeding Tampa Bay: Provides groceries while operating a standalone market and cafe for those in need.
West Pasco Title I Schools Relief: Pasco Education Foundation seeking donations to families with school-age children with severe financial need who have been impacted by Helene.

Volunteer

Treasure Island:
- Adopt a Beach is seeking volunteers to put uncontaminated sand back on Sunset Beach.
Tampa Bay:
- Feeding Tampa Bay is looking for those interested in joining their Emergency Response Volunteer Team.
Volunteer Florida is a database of volunteer outposts all over the state of Florida, where you can filter options by both location and keyword.

RECEIVE HELP

FEMA Aid

Now available along the Gulf Coast from Lee to Franklin counties.

Apply here, call 1-800-621-3362, or via the FEMA app.
File a claim with your insurer first, as FEMA cannot help with damage covered by insurance.

Emergency Hotlines

Each county has a dedicated disaster relief and assistance hotline to answer questions and report resident needs.

Pinellas County Information Center: 727-464-4333, available daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Hillsborough County Storm Information Line: 833-427-8676 offers assistance to residents attempting to fill out the Hurricane Helene Damage Reporting Form.
Pasco County Resources: 727-847-4211, available for Pasco County residents in need of food, water, clothing and shelter.

Hillsborough County Disaster Recovery Center

Open to provide residents with onsite resources as well as direct towards outside agencies with abilities to help.

Tuesday, October 6 – Sunday, October 9
9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Hillsborough Community College (HCC) at The Regent, 6437 Watson Rd., Riverview, FL 33578

Free Fresh Meals

Several Tampa restaurants are offering free, fresh meals at the following times and locations.

4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Wednesday, 3644 S West Shore Blvd.
8:00 AM to 10:00 AM Thursday, 1700 W Fig Street and 340 E Davis Blvd.
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Friday, 340 E Davis Blvd.

Groceries

Local nonprofits are continually providing groceries in locations throughout the Tampa Bay Area.

Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Manatee and Polk are encouraged to visit Feed Tampa Bay’s food distribution event calendar to find a time and location to receive help.
Petersburg Free Clinic’s We Help Fresh Clinic is offering groceries at two locations:
- Free Groceries: 863 3rd Avenue North, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
- Deuces Drive Thru: 2198 15th Avenue South, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Home Rehabilitation Assistance

Through Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay, low-to-moderate income families affected by Hurricane Helene are able to find hope and tangible assistance.

Apply for aid
RTTB will also be providing relief kits, tarps, and flood buckets from 12 PM Wednesday until supplies last at the Lealman Exchange Community Center in Pinellas.
- 5175 45th St. North, St. Pete

Small Business Owners

The Florida Small Business Owner Emergency Bridge Loan Program offers emergency loans of up to $50,000 to those who apply.

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Hurricane Helene, which killed at least 130 people across six states and flooded homes in the Tampa Bay area that had never flooded before, is an example of the kinds of monster storms the United States should expect in the coming decades because of climate change, WLFA-TV Ch. 8 Chief Meterologist Jeff Beradelli says.

Beradelli, who earned a master’s degree in climate change from Columbia University, discussed the long-term impact of climate change in the wake of Hurricane Helene Tuesday (Oct. 1) during an interview on WMNF WaveMakers with Janet & Tom.

Helene created the highest storm surge to hit Tampa Bay in more than 100 years, the third-highest in its history, after hurricanes in 1848 and 1921. And while forecasters accurately predicted the storm surge, it was still a shock to see it, Beradelli said.

“You just don’t know until you see it with your own eyes,” Berardelli said.

Beradelli said he recently completed a study with the U.S. Department of Energy about the impact of climate change on storms over the next few decades. “It was pretty astonishing actually,” Berardelli said. He found there could be a 215 percent increase in the number of major hurricanes targeting the United States by 2060. Instead of 100-uear events we will see 30-year events, he said. “The warmer water is sending more storms toward the U.S.,” he said

Hurricane Helene was so deadly because it was so large, he said. Other storms, like Michael, were more intense but not as big. And it was moving fast, so it didn’t dissipate once hitting land. Instead, it slammed into the mountains of North Carolina, unleashing 20 inches of rain on an area that already had received a foot of rain, he said.

But climate change is putting more moisture in the atmosphere, so even summer storms are dumping more water on Florida. This summer, the record for rain in a 24 hours was broken in Tampa.

In general, the earth has 10 percent more water vapor in the atmosphere than 30 years ago. That not only produces more rain; it means this summer was the most humid on record, beating the record set just last year.

What’s unclear, Beradelli said, is how this will affect the insurance market in Florida going forward. “We’re going to see profound effects of hurricanes in Florida,” he said.

But it’s not just Florida, he said. Floods not normally seen are “happening everywhere and all the time” around the world, he said. “If people understood that, they’d understand the challenge we’re facing with climate change,” he said.

Hear the entire conversation by clicking the link below, going to the WaveMakers archives or by searching for WMNF WaveMakers wherever you listen to podcasts.

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On Tuesday Café, we talked about recovery after devastating Hurricane Helene hit the Tampa Bay area before making landfall in north Florida and drenching the Southeast U.S.

Listen to the full show here:Hurricane Helene and treesWe heard about Hurricane Helene’s impact on the urban forest and damage to trees; many people have limbs or trees down. Our guest was Alyssa Vinson, an Urban Forestry Agent with UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County. We heard about what can be done to help flooded or damaged trees, even trees that have been flooded with salt water. And about how people can mitigate future damage by understanding how to hire a professional arborist.

Watch this interview:Hurricane Helene: impact and recovery in NE St. PeteLow-lying Northeast St. Petersburg was hit especially hard from storm surge. We spoke about the hurricane and about hurricane recovery with Andy Oliver, pastor of Allendale United Methodist Church in northeast St. Petersburg. The City of St. Petersburg has set up a full-service laundry facility available for impacted residents, located at Allendale United Methodist Church, 3803 Haines Rd. N.

Watch this interview:Listeners weigh in from around the region We also opened the phone lines to take calls, emails and texts from listeners about their experience with the hurricane and hurricane recovery.

WMNF’s Tuesday CaféTuesday Café airs live weekly on WMNF beginning at 10:06 a.m. ET.

You can listen live on 88.5 FM in Tampa Bay, on wmnf.org or on the WMNF Community Radio app.

You can watch replays on TBAE Network channels at 8:00 a.m and 2:00 p.m Tuesdays on Spectrum 636, Frontier 34 and watch.tbae.net. Or on demand.

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Hurricane Helene impacted the west coast of Florida on Sept. 26th. It brought strong winds and heavy storm surges.

The hurricane passed through and has left damages that can take weeks and or months to repair.

Here is some information about each county and city’s plans for cleanup after Helene.

City of St. Petersburg

In a press release, the city said they will prioritize disaster recovery.

One debris reminder is don’t bag storm waste placed on the curb. The waste can be bagged if it’s in the trash containers.

All brush sites are open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. all week. Instructions can be found on the St.Pete Hurricane Helene Recovery Assistance page.

The brush sites are:

1000 62nd Ave.
7750 26th Ave.
2500 26th Ave.
4015 Dr. Martin Luther King St.
2453 20th Ave.

The city has some electrical safety tips after flooding:

Before trying to re-enter your property, contact local utility companies to make sure it is safe
Do not touch wet electrical equipment
Turn off the power before entering the home
Avoid extension cords while cleaning up
Wait for approval before restoring power

For more information visit stpete.org.

Pinellas County

The county said, in a press release, they encourage residents to work with their insurance companies and document damages.

Zone collection plans will be in place with a collection schedule available in the upcoming week.

Go to Pinellas.gov to find out if you are located within incorporated Pinellas or city/municipality.

The county said to place storm waste away from the road. Move them near storm drains and separate them into piles.

A pile of house appliances, one for debris, and one for large tree limbs. They said waste that is bagged or not separated won’t be collected.

For small debris such as branches, twigs, and leaves place them in the regular trash bins to be collected.

To remove waste before the COunty’s Storm Debris Collection comes, residents can show their I.D. for proof of residency and drop it off at location sites.

The Sites include:

From 12 p.m. through 7 p.m. 13600 Icot Boulevard, Clearwater
From 7 a.m. through 7 p.m. East Lake Road and Keystone Road
from 7 a.m. through 7 p.m. 14800 118th Ave. North Largo

Residents with beach sand may dump clean sand back on the beach. The sand can not have stains, odor, and no debris.

Do not put sand in trash bins, or on the roads, and do not clear public roads of sand.

For help with cleanup, the Crisis Cleanup Hotline is (8440 956-1386.

Hillsborough County

Monday has started the collection of storm debris from neighborhoods most affected by Hurricane Helene.

In a press release, the county said residents in areas impacted by flooding should put their debris on the curb without blocking streets and storm drains.

They said to separate the waste into three categories. One for yard waste, one for damaged household appliances, and construction debris such as furniture and fences.

Paint and car batteries will not be accepted during the storm-related pickup.

The county said residents should put their debris on the burbs by Oct. 7.

Areas impacted by the flooding will have a special debris pickup which can be found here.

Residents not located on the map linked above can drop off debris at the five Community Collection Centers.

The centers will be open from 7 a.m. through 7 p.m. until Oct. 6.

The sites include:

Alderman’s Ford Solid Waste- 9402 County Road 39, Plant City
Hillsborough Heights Solid Waste Facility- 6209 County Road 579, Seffner
Northwest County Solid Waste- 8001 W. Linebaugh Ave
South County Solid Waste- 13000 U.S. 41, Gibsonton
Wimauma Solid Waste- 15180 W. Lake Drive, Wimauma.

For more information visit hcfl.gov and sign up for HCFL Alerts.

Polk County

Starting Oct. 1 Polk County said, in a press release, the county’s Utilities and Solid Waste customers can have both house and yard waste collected.

Residents can visit the Polk County waste page to learn about the new collection days.

Text “HELLO” to (888) 2999-POLK to receive non-emergency updates and alerts.

Safety tipsDuke Energy of Florida has some safety tips for customers recovering after big storms.

Some safety information include:

Stay away from downed powerlines and areas where they can be hidden in the floodwater
Look for damage that may prevent power from being resorted
Disconnect or turn off any nonessential electrical equipment
Only operate a generator outside
Do not wire the generator directly to a breaker fuse box
Turn generators off if utility crews are in the area
To report a power outage text “OUT” to 57801 or call 800-228-8485

Stormwater drainsWith strong storm surges, storm drains get backed up with debris and can stop water from flowing throughout communities.

Over the weekend, stormwater crews have cleared out large amounts of debris.

The Tampa unit said it is critical to clear these systems out.

By clearing out the drains and ditches it allows the stormwater systems to operate at the best they can before the next storm hits.

If they are not cleared, the systems can become clogged and worsen flooding issues.

City of Tampa Mobility clearing out a storm drain Saturday Morning The Stormwater department cleared 84 tons of debris after Tropical Storm Debby and said they predict to collect more after Helene.

George Cox is the sewer operations team leader and said his team is working hard to ensure little debris will enter Old Tampa Bay.

“We make sure the storm drain system works 100% as possible so we are prepared for the next storm,” he said.

Cox said if the systems go unclean there can be structural flooding everywhere because the drains have to travel to multiple locations under the ground before making it to the bay.

He also said that citizens don’t understand how these systems work and want residents to be more educated on it.

“We like for citizens to understand how storm surges work versus normal rain events. When a storm surge comes in there is so much water force coming in the water in the pipe system doesn’t have the hydraulic pressure to push it out. So you would have standing water until the tide pulls out,” said Cox.

The company does not have a total on the amount of debris that has been collected already.

They said residents should not dispose of waste into the storm drains to prevent further system clogs.

For more information on recovery efforts in your area, contact local officials or visit your county’s website.

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TALLAHASSEE — Rescue and recovery efforts were underway Friday morning in North Florida’s Big Bend region and other areas of the state after the Category 4 Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Taylor County.

State Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie implored people not involved in recovery efforts to stay off the roads as authorities conducted search-and-rescue efforts amid debris and dissipating storm surge.

“Please do not go out and visit the impacted areas,” Guthrie said Friday morning at the state Emergency Operations Center. “We have over 1,500 search and rescue personnel in the highly impacted areas right now. Do not get in their way. We need you to stay off the roads and get out of our way so that we could go do our jobs.”

Packing 140 mph winds, Helene swept through North Florida after surging onto land about 11:10 p.m. Thursday east of the mouth of the Aucilla River, about 10 miles from the Taylor County community of Perry. But storm surge from the massive storm also caused damage up and down the state’s Gulf Coast.

Hillsborough County Emergency Management Director Timothy Dudley said Friday morning many people remained in areas hit by storm surge after they did not leave as Helene moved north parallel to the coast.

Images of Hurricane Helene impacting the Tampa Bay Area

“Our rescue teams are currently working hard in the field to save lives,” Dudley said. “Unfortunately, many people did not heed our order to evacuate Zone A, and they have left themselves in a very dangerous situation. As forecasted, the storm surge reached 5 to 8 feet at various locations throughout Hillsborough County, and the danger is not over yet.”

Authorities said two deaths had been attributed to the storm Friday morning. Also, the storm had left more than 1.24 million utility customers without electricity.

Power outages remained close to 100 percent in Suwanee, Taylor, Hamilton, Madison, Dixie and Columbia counties, which were directly in Helene’s path. The storm also left people in the dark in numerous other areas of the state.

For example, Duke Energy Florida said that as of 7:30 a.m., it had restored power to nearly 198,000 customers, but more than 402,000 still had outages.

“Our crews worked through the night to assess the immense damage caused by Hurricane Helene and get the lights back on where conditions allowed,” Todd Fountain, Duke Energy Florida storm director, said in a prepared statement. “We’ve made significant progress over the last 24 hours, but we still have a lot of work ahead of us.”

Similarly, Florida Power & Light said that as of 6 a.m., 214,000 of its customers did not have power. Florida Municipal Electric Association Executive Director Amy Zubaly said 235,839 municipal-utility customers remained without power as of 9 a.m.

Helene was the third hurricane to make landfall in rural Taylor County in a little more than a year, after Hurricane Idalia in August 2023 and Hurricane Debby last month.

During a Friday morning news conference, Gov. Ron DeSantis worried that there might be a “sense of trauma” for communities that also have had to rebuild after the two earlier storms.

“I think there’s a demoralization,” DeSantis said. “It’s like, ‘OK, we worked all this, and then now we could potentially be worse off than we were even before.’”

But DeSantis added the state will assist people in what were already designated as “fiscally constrained” rural communities.

“We’re going to have support there,” DeSantis said. “It’s not easy, but we’ll get through it.”

Interstate 10 and Interstate 75 were open Friday morning. Bridge inspections were underway along the Gulf Coast, where storm surge closed a number of closings.

Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue said “cut and toss” efforts continued to clear debris from roads.

“There is a lot of vegetative debris. There’s a lot of debris in the roads,” Perdue said. “Trees can be wrapped in power lines. Please do not get out there and start trying to do things on your own.”

Tampa International Airport reopened Friday morning. Also, airports in Tallahassee, Gainesville, Lakeland and St. Petersburg-Clearwater were expected to open.

Perdue said Port Tampa, which was among the state’s seaports that experienced monster storm surge, plans to “open as quickly as possible.”

“They have to inspect the channel, but their fuel operation will be back up and running within the next few hours,” Perdue said.

DeSantis said the fatalities attributed to Helene involved a motorist whose vehicle was hit by a highway sign in Tampa and a Dixie County resident who was inside a home hit by a fallen tree.

The post Florida starts recovery after monster storm appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

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During Tropical Storm Debby last month, several boats that were moored in Boca Ciega Bay came loose and smashed onto the shore.

One live-aboard boater died.

Some of the boats still litter the shoreline in Gulfport.

On Thursday, as Hurricane Helene approached, some boaters were still moored in the Bay.

But some others, like Ben Monaghan and Valerie Cristo, have decided to take a safer path instead and dock at the Gulfport Municipal Marina.

Valerie rode out Debby in her boat. Ben tried to in his, but it was destroyed.

On Thursday on a flooded dock of the Gulfport Municipal Marina, WMNF spoke with them next to Valerie’s sailboat. That’s where they both now live.

“[In Tropical Storm] Debby, I had come down to anchor over here [Boca Ciega Bay] for there was some trouble I had with the engine, so I anchored here. And from there was anchored well. Was totally fine. And through the storm, it was fine. Then another boat dragged anchor, ended up being beach, but in the course of being beached, hit my boat to the point where my the front of the boat was hit in such a way that all of my masts came down and created a bunch of damage on my bow and the electrical system. And then from there I was demasted and lost my dinghy, etc. And then rode it out and was saved by the fire department. When we finally were able to get back when everything was done. And then from there, I was kind of homeless for a minute, and as the storm was still going, and then we ended up staying with my girlfriend there.

“Because of the fact that we’ve had situations with regards to what we went through with Debby, I claimed Safe Harbor here, and because of the obvious effects that Debbie had on the community, I noticed the Marina was very amenable to giving us Safe Harbor, which was fantastic. Really, really appreciate it.”

Q: So what are your plans then for today, for the storm?

“We’re going to ride out the storm here. We want to keep the lines loose, because of the surge that could potentially happen up to eight or nine feet. So because of that, we want to stay on board to take care of our property, and after what I went through with the last storm. What we want to do is be responsible about it, keep everything okay, and make sure that Valerie, my girlfriend, her boat, is kept safe no matter what we’re going here. But it’s much better here than we were out there. Because of it out there we’d be.”

Q: The water right now is at or above the dock level, about how much further than would you expect if it’s going to be?

“Well, if it’s worse comes to worse, the top of the pole (about five feet above the dock) will be more slightly submerged. That’s why you have everything tied off. Loosen or tighten lines. Otherwise it just creates an issue, because you you know water in the boat results in the sinking, so damage and water damage and so on. So we just make sure that we’re everything, everything’s okay. And then we l loosen the lines, you tighten the lines based off of the water levels. And you keep a watch, just like you do in any other type of marine activities.

“This is, you know, strategically, the best place to be. You’ve got a bunch of land in between us and the bay, and you’re something. That’s really all you can do, is you get yourself tied to something so that way you don’t have it where you’re bashing into things, you get beached or what have you.”

Reaction on the Downtown Gulfport waterfrontKaren Vanderbeek is a Gulfport resident, who lives about 8 blocks from the water. She is not under an evacuation order but was checking out the flooded shoreline Thursday morning.

She was concerned that there were several live-aboard boats still moored off Gulfport in Boca Ciega Bay.

Karen Vanderbeek on Hurricane HeleneRichard Fried is a Gulfport resident who lives above the flood zone. When the streets of downtown Gulfport started to flood Thursday morning, he said he’s concerned about the homes and businesses that get flooded during nearly every bad storm.

Richard Fried on Hurricane Helene

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St. Pete Beach floodingThere was also street flooding on St. Pete Beach Thursday morning

Roxene Riles owns Woody’s Waterfront on St. Pete Beach, which is in Zone A and under mandatory evacuation orders. On Thursday morning she told WMNF she was closing and securing her bar, which is just a few feet from where the Gulf of Mexico was smashing at their seawall.

Roxene Riles on Hurricane HeleneStreet flooding in St. Pete Beach, Florida ahead of Hurricane Helene on the morning of 26 September 2024. By Seán Kinane/WMNF News.The post Some live-aboard boaters in Gulfport dock at the marina for Hurricane Helene appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

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The National Hurricane Center says Helene is a category 2 storm with winds over 100 miles per hour with higher gusts.

Bands of showers are already moving through the region and conditions will continue to deteriorate in the Tampa Bay area as the day progresses.

The city is under a flood watch until Friday morning and is currently under a Hurricane Watch, and Tropical Storm and Storm Surge Warning, according to the National Weather Service.

A tornado watch is in effect until 8 tonight in Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties. Wind gusts up to 70 miles per hour are possible.

Mandatory evacuation orders are in effect in Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, and Hillsborough Counties for some residents.

Tampa is forecast to likely see the worst weather from 2 to 5 p.m.

Road ConditionsGov. Ron DeSantis says Floridians should avoid being on the roads once the weather begins to worsen.

The state of Florida in partnership with Uber is offering free rides to hurricane shelters in areas that are under a state of emergency. To get the discount, use promo code #HeleneRelief.

Up-to-date information on shelters can be found at FloridaDisaster.org/shelters.

Road and Bridge Updates:

Howard Frankland Bridge: Water in northbound lanes. Bridge is currently open in both directions.
Sunshine Skyway Bridge: High winds, use caution. Bridge is open to all traffic.
Old Tampa Road at US 301 – Manatee County: Standing water in area.
John Ringling Causeway at Sunset Drive – Sarasota County: Water on causeway/SR-789.

What’s open?Some Publix supermarkets are closing or modifying hours. Check here to check on your local store.

Winn-Dixie supermarkets have also closed several locations today. Check here to see if your store is impacted.

The post What you need to know for Hurricane Helene appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

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Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) Storm Center | By Irene Sans

(versión en español)

The National Hurricane Center highlights that the storm surge along portions of the Big Bend coast will be catastrophic and deadly, possibly reaching up to 20 feet. Hurricane Helene is likely to become stronger and very fast, with the possibility of reaching category 5 status just before making landfall.

The forecast track shows that Helene could be coming onshore west of Carrabelle, then continuing northward, with its center passing about 50 miles west of Tallahassee. This puts Florida´s capital under the strongest winds. There will be widespread power outages across much of the Florida Panhandle, possibly for several days. If you are in this region and not in a safe structure, you should consider evacuating to a safe place tomorrow morning. Weather will quickly deteriorate on Thursday as the storm nears and it will be dangerous to be out.

For the rest of Florida, weather conditions will become more dangerous overnight into Thursday. Heavy and gusty rainbands will be pushing onto the state, stronger ones on Thursday. Tornadoes will be possible embedded in the rainbands. The Keys have already been dealing with a few storms with tornadic signals, which have triggered tornado warnings. South Florida and Central Florida residents should remain indoors tonight and Thursday as the weather will continue to be dangerous. Tornado risk is moderate across Central and North Florida through late Thursday.

Tropical storm force gusts will be possible along the Southeast Coast, Treasure Coast, and Space Coast. Tropical storm force winds, meaning sustained winds are possible along Southwest Florida, and inland Central Florida. While the Central-West Coast could experience winds between 58 mph to 75 mph.

Rainfall will also bring flooding across parts of Florida. August and September have been busy months as far as rain and flooding across parts of Florida´s West Coast. The ground is already well saturated, therefore the forecast amounts between 2 and 6 inches from Southwest Florida through the Tampa Bay area, will be causing flooding, possibly even flash floods. Also, rivers, lakes, and creeks will increase their levels, some of which are already high. Flood stages will quickly increase, making conditions dangerous for those nearby.

Please make sure you heed the authorities’ orders. If you are asked to evacuate, please so do. Each storm is different and this one will bring life-threatening weather conditions that will go well beyond the center. If you are in a safe structure, stay there until warnings have been canceled for your location.
Make sure to have at least 3 ways of receiving weather alerts and keep your mobile devices charged. In case cell towers are down, remember that text messages are the best way to communicate and limit your phone usage to save its power.

The post Hurricane Helene is forecast to be a major hurricane at landfall tonight appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

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Mandatory evacuation ordersOn Wednesday, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties issued mandatory evacuation orders for people in Zone A.

To find your evacuation zone, in Pinellas, go to: https://kyz.pinellas.gov/

To find your evacuation zone in Hillsborough, go to: hcfl.gov/zones

Pinellas County Emergency SheltersThese are the shelters open to Pinellas County according to a press release from Pinellas County:

Dunedin Highland Middle: 70 Patricia Ave, Dunedin (special needs shelter)
Gibbs High: 850 34th St South, St Petersburg (pet-friendly)
John Hopkins Middle: 701 16th St. South, St. Petersburg (special needs)
Largo High: 410 Missouri Ave, Largo (pet-friendly)
Lealman Innovation Academy: 4900 28th Street N, Lealman
Palm Harbor University High- Building 19: 1900 Omaha St, Palm Harbor (special needs, pet-friendly, and general population)
Palm Harbor University ZHigh- Main Building: 1900 Omaha St, Palm Harbor (pet-friendly)
What to bring to these shelters

According to a press release from Pinellas County here is what you should bring if you are coming to these shelters:

Special needs shelters: Dunedin Highland Middle, John Hopkins Middle, and Palm Harbor University High. Bring bedding, medications, written instructions or orders regarding your care, and any medical supplies you need, including an oxygen concentrator, walker, etc.

Pet-friendly shelters: Palm Harbor, Largo, and Gibbs High School shelters are equipped for pets. Residents must bring a carrier, supplies, license, and immunization records.

Detailed list: disaster.pinellas.gov.

Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) will offer free rides to the shelters starting today and pets are allowed on the bus.

Road closure information will be pushed to the Waze app for real-time updates.

Hillsborough County emergency storm sheltersResidents bringing pets to one of the four pet-friendly shelters must bring a sturdy carrier for each pet, allowing room for the pet to stand up and move around. Also, have a collar with a leash and supplies for each pet that lasts seven days.

Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) will run evacuation bus routes for those who need transportation to a shelter.

Hillsborough issued this correction:

Correction: Reddick Elementary School emergency shelter is not pet-friendly. If you require pet accommodations, please visit the other pet-friendly shelters listed.

Learn more here: http://bit.ly/3ZAO90MPinellas County sandbag locationsUpdate from the county: sandbag distribution has ended for unincorporated Pinellas County.

Hillsborough sandbag locationsHere are the locations that will have sandbags according to a press release from Hillsborough County:

Edward Medard Conservation Park: 6140 Turkey Creek Road, Plant City, FL 33567
E.G. Simmons Conservation Park: 2401 19th Ave. NW, Ruskin, FL 33570
Ed Radice Sports Complex: 14720 Ed Radice Dr., Tampa, FL 33626
Larry Sanders Sports Complex: 5585 South 78th St., Tampa, FL 33619

Hillsborough County residents must show ID verifying they reside in that county (a driver’s license or utility bill). Residents are eligible for a maximum of 10 sandbags per vehicle.

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Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) Storm Center | By Irene Sans

(information in English here)

El Centro Nacional de Huracanes ha mantenido la etiqueta de Potencial Ciclón Tropical Nueve en el sistema ubicado sobre el Caribe occidental. En el último boletín a las 5:00 p. m., hora del este, la perturbación continúa fortaleciéndose y se espera que se fortalezca aún más y significativamente durante las próximas 24 a 48 horas. La tormenta se encuentra a unas 100 millas al suroeste de Gran Caimán. Tiene vientos máximos sostenidos de 35 mph y se mueve hacia el oeste-noroeste a aproximadamente 7 mph.

Esperamos un movimiento similar durante las próximas 24 horas, pero el sistema estará ganando fuerza. Es probable que se le nombre Tormenta Tropical Helene el martes por la mañana a medida que se mueve hacia el norte-noroeste. Una vez que el sistema ingrese al Golfo de México, viajará sobre aguas muy cálidas y no habrá mucho que lo detenga. El Centro Nacional de Huracanes advierte que este sistema podría intensificarse rápidamente y alcanzar la categoría de huracán tres a medida que se mueve sobre el este del Golfo de México. Hay una vigilancia de tormenta tropical vigente para Dry Tortugas y los Cayos Inferiores al sur del Puente de las 7 Millas. Se seguirán emitiendo alertas durante la noche y el martes, especialmente en la costa oeste de Florida. Se espera que la vigilancia en los Cayos de Florida se conviertan en aviso el martes, ya que el sistema está programado para ingresar al Golfo de México el martes por la tarde.

Una vez que pase por el este del Golfo de México, el sistema no solo se intensificará, sino que también ganará velocidad de avance. Se espera una dirección más rápida hacia el norte hasta el noreste el miércoles y el jueves.

ImpactosCualquier cambio en la trayectoria, ya sea hacia el oeste o el este, cambiaría los impactos para el estado. Un cambio hacia el oeste traería menores impactos, y un cambio hacia el este traería más impacto a Florida. Tenga esto en cuenta mientras analizamos los posibles impactos en Florida. A las 5 p. m. del lunes, este sistema todavía está en su etapa inicial y esperamos cambios, así que tome los siguientes impactos con cautela.

Se espera que la marejada ciclónica más grande se produzca desde el suroeste de Florida hasta la costa oeste del estado, incluida el área de la Bahía de Tampa. En el curso actual, podría haber áreas que experimenten marejadas ciclónicas de más de 9 pies, especialmente en la bahía de Matagorda, el área de la bahía de Tampa y Big Bend. En el suroeste de Florida, es posible que se produzcan marejadas ciclónicas de hasta 3 pies en el curso actual.

Todavía es pronto para determinar la cantidad exacta de lluvia que caerá en este sistema. Actualmente, la mayor cantidad de lluvia caería entre el Panhandle de Florida y el área de Big Bend. Pero esto también incluye el norte de Florida, donde podría haber hasta 8 pulgadas de lluvia. Tenga en cuenta que el sistema se moverá mucho más rápido que otros sistemas tropicales recientes. Por lo tanto, no se espera que las lluvias sean tan intensas, pero aún así, tenga en cuenta que el suelo ha estado muy saturado en el Panhandle de Florida en las últimas semanas y las inundaciones ocurrirán rápidamente. La costa oeste de Florida también se enfrentará al riesgo de inundaciones repentinas, ya que las bandas más intensas se moverán por el área desde el martes por la noche hasta el viernes por la mañana.

Se espera que los vientos con fuerza de tormenta tropical comiencen a atravesar los Cayos tan pronto como el miércoles por la mañana. El miércoles por la noche, todo el sur de Florida, incluido el suroeste de Florida, podría experimentar vientos con fuerza de tormenta, que se propagarán por el estado hacia el norte y se intensificarán durante la noche hasta el jueves.

Los vientos más fuertes se sentirán cerca de la pared del ojo y a la derecha de la tormenta. El campo de viento será amplio, por lo tanto, gran parte del centro de Florida hasta el norte de Florida podría sentir al menos vientos con fuerza de tormenta tropical y algunos lugares tendrán vientos con fuerza de huracán a medida que la tormenta se acerque a la costa el jueves por la tarde. Asegúrese de terminar sus preparativos el miércoles por la tarde si se encuentra al norte del lago Okeechobee; si se encuentra al sur, termínelos el miércoles por la mañana.

Continuaremos brindándole actualizaciones a medida que el sistema se defina mejor y se mueva.

The post Posible huracán Helene se dirige a costas de Florida appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

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Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) Storm Center | By Irene Sans

(For a Spanish language version of this update, click here)

As of the 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 24 update from the National Weather Service, most of the coast of the Tampa Bay area is under a Hurricane Watch.

The National Hurricane Center has kept the label of Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine on the system located over the western Caribbean. In the advisory at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, the disturbance continued to strengthen and is expected to strengthen further and significantly during the next 24 to 48 hours. The storm is located about 100 miles southwest of Grand Cayman. It has maximum sustained winds of 35 mph and it’s moving west-northwest at about 7 mph.

Potential tropical cyclone 9 is headed into the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to quickly strengthen and accelerate as it moves north. Chief Meteorologist Tim Miller discusses track and intensity in today’s @citizens_fla tropical weather update. #FLwx pic.twitter.com/NwyEvLoY5K

— Florida Storms (@FloridaStorms) September 23, 2024

We expect a similar movement during the next 24 hours, but the system will be gaining strength. It is likely to be named tropical storm Helene by Tuesday morning as it moves to the north-northwest. Once the system enters the Gulf of Mexico it will be traveling over very warm waters and there won’t be much to stop it. The National Hurricane Center warns that this system could rapidly intensify and reach category three hurricane as it moves over the eastern Gulf of Mexico. A tropical watch is in effect for Dry Tortugas and the Lower Keys south of the 7 Mile Bridge. Watches will continue to be issued overnight and into Tuesday, especially across the West Coast of Florida. Expect the watches across the Florida Keys to turn into warnings on Tuesday as the system is set to enter the Gulf of Mexico by Tuesday afternoon.

Once over the eastern Gulf of Mexico, the system will not only be intensifying, but it will also gain forward speed. A faster northward to north-northeast direction is expected on Wednesday and Thursday.

ImpactsAny shift to the track, either west or east would change the impacts for the state. A shift west would bring lesser impacts, and a shift to the east would bring more impact to Florida. Keep this in mind as we discuss the possible impacts on Florida. As of Monday 5 p.m., this system is still in its infancy stage and we do expect changes so please take the following impacts with a grain of salt.

The largest storm surge is expected from Southwest Florida through the Western coast of the state, including the Tampa Bay area. Under the current track, there could be areas that experience greater than 9 feet of storm surge, especially across Matagorda Bay, the Tampa Bay Area, and the Big Bend. For Southwest Florida up to 3 feet of storm surge is possible under the current track.

It is still early to pinpoint the exact rainfall for this system. Currently, the greatest rainfall would fall between the Florida Panhandle and the Big Bend area. But this also includes North Florida, where there could be up to 8 inches of rain. Keep in mind the system will be moving much faster than other recent tropical systems. Therefore, rainfall is not expected to be as heavy, but still, keep in mind that the ground has been very saturated across the Panhandle of Florida in recent weeks and flooding will rapidly occur. The West Coast of Florida will also be dealing with the risk of flash floods as the heaviest bands will move through the area from Tuesday evening through Friday morning.

Expect tropical storm force winds to begin across the Keys as early as Wednesday morning. By Wednesday evening, all of South Florida including Southwest Florida could be experiencing storm-force winds, and winds will propagate through the state, northward, and intensify overnight into Thursday.

The strongest winds will be near the eye wall and to the right of the storm. The wind field will be large, therefore, much of Central Florida through North Florida could feel at least tropical storm-force winds and some spots will deal with hurricane force winds as the storm approaches the coast on Thursday afternoon. Please make sure to finish your preparations by Wednesday afternoon if you are north of Lake Okeechobee, if you are south, finish them by Wednesday morning.

We will continue to bring you updates as the system becomes better defined and gets moving.

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This information was provided by Hernando County:

Sandbag Stations Open in Preparation of Potential Tropical Cyclone 9 In preparation for potential storm impacts from Potential Tropical Cyclone 9, Hernando County Government will be opening Sandbag Stations from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 23, 2024 at Linda Pedersen Park and Anderson Snow Park.

These are the hours of operation for sandbag stations throughout the week.

A limited supply of sand and sandbags will be at the following locations listed below. Please bring your own shovel. These self-serve sandbag sites will remain open until weather conditions begin to deteriorate.

Linda Pedersen Park6300 Shoal Line Blvd., Spring Hill, FL 34609

Monday, September 23 from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 24 from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., weather permitting
Wednesday, September 25 from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., weather permitting Anderson Snow Park1360 Anderson Snow Rd., Spring Hill, FL 34609 (Enter through the service road between the park and the gymnastics place, the sand is located at the end)
Monday, September 23 from 2pm-5pm
Tuesday, September 24 from 8am-5pm, weather permitting
Wednesday, September 25 from 8am-5pm, weather permitting

Ridge Manor Community Center34240 Cortez Blvd., Ridge Manor, FL 33523

Tuesday, September 24 from 8am-5pm, weather permitting
Wednesday, September 25 from 8am-5pm, weather permitting

Spring Lake Methodist Church4191 Spring Lake Hwy., Brooksville, FL 34601

Tuesday, September 24 from 8am-5pm, weather permitting
Wednesday, September 25 from 8am-5pm, weather permitting

The county provides these tips on how to properly fill and stack your sandbags:* Fill bags one-half to two-thirds of the way full * Over-filled bags will result in a leaky sandbag wall * Stack sandbags so that the seams between the bags are staggered * Tuck the top of each bag under to ensure that that bag is sealed by its own weight

Hernando County Government’s Office of Emergency Management says it continues to monitor and inform our community about storm impacts.

For the latest local conditions and a complete list of news alerts go to HernandoCounty.us/em

@HernandoCountyEM
@HernandoCoGov
@HernandoCountyFire

Hernando County Executive Policy Group Will Meet to Discuss Potential Tropical Cyclone 9Hernando County Emergency Management has also anounced that the Executive Policy Group will meet Monday, September 23, 2024 at 2:30pm at the Emergency Operations Center (18900 Cortez Blvd, Brooksville, FL 34601). This is a public meeting that is comprised of county government leaders who will discuss future impacts of the storm and consider a declaration of a local state of emergency.

Pasco County sandbag stations are available; self-serve sandbag sites are open 24 hoursThe information below was provided by Pasco County:

Pasco County Emergency Management is closely monitoring the potential development of tropical weather and is encouraging you to be prepared for localized flooding in the next few days as the system makes its way toward Florida:

Pasco County Public Works (C-Barn), 30908 Warder Road, San Antonio
Magnolia Valley Golf Course, 7223 Massachusetts Ave., New Port Richey

Due to the potential for coastal and inland flooding, we’re also opening additional locations. These sandbag sites will be open from sunrise to sunset, until further notice:

Veterans Memorial Park: 14333 Hicks Road, Hudson
Pasco Fire Rescue Station #29: 6907 Dairy Rd, Zephyrhills

All sandbag locations are self-serve and open to Pasco County residents. Sand and sandbags will be restocked daily, weather permitting. Please bring a shovel and be prepared to fill your own sandbags.

To watch a Pasco County video explaining how to properly fill and place sandbags, please visit: mypas.co/PascoSandbags

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Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) Storm Center | By Irene Sans

Note: this storm is now called Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine and may soon turn into Hurricane Helene.

As we start autumn, we are looking at a system that will gradually strengthen over the western Caribbean as it slowly travels northward.

The National Hurricane Center gives it an 80 percent chance of development in the next 7 days and a 50 percent chance of development during the next 2 days. Now that there is an actual low-pressure system that will bring heavy rounds of rain over parts of Central America we can start to discuss the chances that this system has of affecting Florida. Remember that the NHC monitors areas where there could be tropical development, but until there is a low pressure models will not grasp the system correctly, therefore any discussion about where a system (that doesn’t exist) would end up is pure speculation.

Now that there is a low, the subsequent model runs will start to grasp this system better, as now there is a center to work with and trajectories improve in certainty. However, we must remember that these are still models and could be deviations.

What do we know as of Sunday evening about Invest 97L?In the short term, we are looking at a storm that will bring heavy rains to Central America, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and western Cuba. For Florida, rounds of rain will arrive as early as Tuesday late afternoon or early evening starting over the keys and moving northward.

A group of numerical weather models on track of what is Invest 97L (Sept 22, 2024)The big question remains: how close will it get to the west coast of Florida?

Even though there is good agreement in the early ensemble models that this system will likely make landfall in the northern Gulf Coast somewhere between Mobile and the Big Bend of Florida, a more western track would lessen the impacts to Florida. If the system keeps a more eastern track, Florida would see more impacts, meaning rain, wind, and storm surge.

Rainfall, storm surge, and wind forecast will depend on track once this low-pressure becomes a tropical system and goes north. We will monitor it and continue to bring you updates throughout the week. This is a good time to check your hurricane kit and emergency plans. The next name on the list is Helene.

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School shooting threats in Tampa region continueStatewide, school districts have been inundated with false shooting threats. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood’s message to students and their parents is if a kid gets arrested for making a threat, he’ll post the mugshot on social media.

DeSantis won’t mandate metal detectors in school districtsGovernor Ron DeSantis says metal detectors won’t be mandated in Florida schools. The governor’s remarks came at a press conference in Orlando the same day the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office arrested an 11-year-old who made threats.

Tampa launches new project to update development codesTampa is launching a two-year project to update the city’s land development code. WMNF’s Chris Young reports, the city held a public kickoff meeting at the City Center at Hanna Avenue to introduce it.

Court date scheduled for Transgender Medicaid coverage caseAn appeals court will hear arguments in late November about whether Florida violated federal law. The battle questions the state’s move to block Medicaid coverage for transgender people seeking hormone therapy and puberty blockers to treat gender dysphoria.

Forecasters monitoring two disturbancesForecasters are monitoring two tropical disturbances which could form into depressions by the weekend. The remnants of Gordon in the Atlantic could reform when it meets a non-tropical low.

The Scoop: Tampa Bay & Florida headlines by WMNFThe Scoop producer Kiley Petracek

Theme music, Fresh06, by Stian via archive.org – CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5
The Scoop logo by Robin Milcowitz / Greener Pixels / greenerpixels.com /

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Hurricane Debby hit parts of Florida harder than others. Sarasota County is still recovering from flooding.

Governor Ron DeSantis introduced a new program called Hope Florida to help communities in need at a press conference on Wednesday.

The governor said dependency on the government is not going to help people, and this program aims to curb that.

“Hope Florida sought to do is to recognize we have all these resources throughout our communities, our churches, our charities, individual volunteers, businesses that want to help that we can tap into,” DeSantis said. “So rather than think government being that silo, let’s use government as a way to connect people in need to all these great resources throughout our community.”

Hope Florida will help with recovery efforts in the future by providing residents with the resources needed to get back on their feet after a storm.

“With today’s launch of Activate Hope, we can now bring Hope Florida directly to a community in exceptional need—like those dealing with the impacts of a storm,” First Lady Casey DeSantis said.

There is a new toll-free Hope Line at 833-Get-HOPE that is active for Floridians to call who are in need.

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Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) Storm Center | By Leslie Hudson

It’s been more than 2 weeks since Debby smashed into Florida’s Big Bend and triggered life-threatening storm surge, widespread flooding, massive power outages and spawned multiple tornadoes. In Debby’s week-long tenure along the eastern United States, it caused more than a billion dollars in damages along the Atlantic Seaboard and was directly responsible for the deaths of least 9 people.

Tropical Storm Debby pushed into southern Georgia on Monday after making landfall on Florida’s Big Bend coast and killing at least one person. Debby is expected to move offshore into the Atlantic Ocean, with winds pushing surf back toward the shoreline. https://t.co/0GvjtyO9C1 pic.twitter.com/QRoNBt7Glv

— The New York Times (@nytimes) August 5, 2024

Hurricane Debby became a tropical depression on August 3rd and then a tropical storm soon after. It intensified as it moved north through the Gulf of Mexico and became a Category 1 hurricane before making landfall near Steinhatchee, Fla. on the morning of Aug. 5. For a look at Debby from its inception to dissipation, click the link below. Time lapse via NOAA.

Debby struck Florida’s Big Bend, just 15 miles away from where Hurricane Idalia made landfall last August.

Debby made landfall just 15 miles from where Idalia did almost 1 year ago.

Idalia's winds were much stronger (Cat. 3 landfall), but it exited off the East Coast the following AM.

Debby will overstay its welcome into next weekend, so rainfall #flooding is a larger danger. pic.twitter.com/3FHPT0YLJG

— Jonathan Erdman (@wxjerdman) August 5, 2024

Debby was the second hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, following the deadly and devastating Hurricane Beryl. Debby, which formed Aug. 2, was also quite early: on average, the second Atlantic hurricane usually forms on Aug. 26, according to Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach.

Tropical Storm #Debby has formed in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico – the 4th named storm of the 2024 Atlantic #hurricane season. On average, the 4th Atlantic named storm forms on 15 August. pic.twitter.com/zOu8mncrae

— Philip Klotzbach (@philklotzbach) August 3, 2024

Debby’s strong winds toppled trees, damaged property, and left more than 300,000 customers without power from Florida to New England. In the Sunshine state, more than 625 million gallons of floodwater was removed from Debby.

During a five-day period, dozens of cities and towns across Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas saw rainfall totals of more than a foot. In Florida alone, 19.67 inches fell in Lake City, FL.

Several Florida towns and communities experienced massive river flooding as well and nearly historic rains pushed river waters up and over into many low-lying areas.

Here's a preliminary recap of the widespread heavy rainfall and flooding storm reports that occurred across much of the Eastern U.S. over the last week associated with Debby. For a listing of the rain and wind reports, check out our Storm Summary https://t.co/fql3z6p1st pic.twitter.com/0KBaBtfXAF

— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) August 11, 2024

Power outages extended to thousands more in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and across New England, with Vermont particularly hard hit. Debby then lingered in the East with flooding, destructive tornadoes and some damaging wind gusts from Florida and as far north as New York with numerous destructive tornadoes along its path.

Debby's Tornado Warnings

Debby has been VERY BUSY spitting out Tornado Warnings! As of today, Aug 8, there has been at least 141 red boxes and more will likely be added! pic.twitter.com/b1lBWcpHeY

— Live Storm Chasers (@LiveStormChaser) August 8, 2024

Debby’s peak wind gusts were right at Category 1 strength along many parts of Florida. The highest gust was reported in Chiefland, Florida with a peak gust near 76 miles per hour.

https://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/reports/240808_rpts.html
More than 16,000 insurance claims have been filed in Florida since Debby. Hurricane Debby’s economic hit on Florida has so far added up to an estimated $113.8 million in insured losses, according to the ongoing report of storm claims updated last week. The numbers do not include claims made to the National Flood Insurance Program.

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Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) Storm Center | By Leslie Hudson

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has released a new experimental forecast cone for storms. And it’s the most significant change to the forecast track since 2017. The new cone includes inland watches and warnings to highlight the inland risk of damaging wind gusts from landfalling tropical systems. The image below is an example of how the new product will look.

Today, the NHC launched the new experimental product with Ernesto. Ernesto is not expected to impact inland areas of the United States directly, so the forecast map looks virtually unchanged from previous versions.

But we’ve made a tutorial video to help make the new changes easier to see. Please remember, the images used in this video are only an EXAMPLE, and not a current forecast track of a current tropical system.

The NHC premiered the new cone at the American Meteorological conference earlier this summer to meteorologists around the country.

From @AMSBroadcastcon: New experimental @NHC cone this year on the right. Current on the left. Will emphasize watches & warnings rather than storm track (cone) to emphasize storm impacts typically extend beyond the cone. #ncwx #scwx #cltwx #amsbc51 @AMSBroadcaster pic.twitter.com/iHehMjdHGn

— Al Conklin WBTV (@AlConklin) June 13, 2024

In this side-by-side comparison on ‘X’, you can see the current forecast cone on the left. The new experimental cone this year is on the right. Among several features, the new cone will emphasize inland watches & warnings rather than just on the storm’s track. The NHC is hoping that with this information on one page, it will make it easier to understand for the public. They want to emphsise that conditions from a landfalling hurricane or tropical systems typically extend far beyond the cone. And with the inland watches and warnings present on the forecast cone, this will help more people prepare earlier, and better in the future.

It’s important to remember that the experimental version will show watches and warnings for inland areas in the continental United States, in addition to those in effect along the coast. The NHC is looking at adding this feature to other parts of the world in the coming years.

You can always get any information about the current state of tropical systems by visiting the NHC’s website.

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Estimated insured losses from Hurricane Debby reached $113.8 million Wednesday, as claims continue to be filed after the storm, which made landfall Aug. 5 in Taylor County, according to data on the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation website.

Insurers reported they had received 15,326 claims as of Wednesday, including 9,416 involving residential property.

Other types of claims included damage to vehicles and commercial property.

The data showed that 1,531 claims had been closed with payments made, while 1,558 had been closed without payments.

As a comparison, insurers as of Friday had reported 11,972 claims, with estimated insured losses of $89.5 million.

Debby made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane near Steinhatchee, before moving across rural North Florida and into Georgia as a tropical storm.

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Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) Storm Center | By Leslie Hudson

If you’ve lived in Florida for a good chunk of time, you probably remember this day 20 years ago, especially if you were in the cross-hairs of Hurricane Charley that day. Hurricane Charley would be one in 5 tropical systems that directly impacted Florida over the course of 6 weeks.

Charley made landfall as a major category-four hurricane with winds near 150 mph near Cayo Costa, just west of Fort Myers, Florida on August 13th, 2004. An hour later, the hurricane struck Punta Gorda as a 145 mph hurricane then passed up through Port Charlotte and the Charlotte Harbor. The eye had shrunk before landfall, which limited the most powerful winds to an area within 7 miles of the center. Charley was a very strong and compact storm and maintained much of its strength as it moved up the state.

The aerial picture at the top of this article, is one of the most infamous ones taken in Charley’s aftermath. Charley’s 150 mph winds and storm surge cut an inlet over a quarter mile wide on North Captiva Island near Cayo Costa, which was later named Charley’s Cut or Charley’s Pass. For many months, the only way to travel back to Florida’s mainland from Captiva Island was by boat.

Charley was initially expected to hit further north in Tampa, and caught many Floridians off-guard due to a sudden change in the storm’s track as it approached the state. Along its path, Charley caused 10 deaths and $16.9 billion in damage to insured residential property, making it the second-costliest hurricane in U-S history at the time. The very next year, Hurricane Katrina would surpass those damages.

Hurricane Charley was forecast to make landfall near Tampa, Florida. However, Punta Gorda, Fort Myers and Charlotte County had been in the National Hurricane Center’s “cone of uncertainty” for four days before landfall. Unexpectedly, Charley turned toward Florida sooner than anticipated leaving Tampa spared. However, Charlotte, Lee and Sarasota Counties were now in the direct path of the dangerous hurricane.

20 years ago today, just 6 hours before a forecast landfall in Tampa Bay, cat 4 hurricane Charley made a right turn that brought its landfall 60 miles farther south in Charlotte County. It's the turn that saved Tampa Bay. #flwx #hurricane #hurricanecharley pic.twitter.com/gUFplTNNiu

— Greg Dee (@GregDeeWeather) August 13, 2024

Charley rapidly intensified before making landfall which would create a ripple effect across the State. Charley would then move up into the central part of Florida, bringing hurricane-force winds, some over 100 mph in the Orlando area. Widespread power outages and significant damage to the heavily laden tree population in the metro areas of central and southwest Florida left over a million people without power for days, and even weeks.

Charley’s minimum central pressure fell 23 mb from 964 mb to 941 mb in less than 4 hours. This rapid intensification tightened up Charley’s winds and its large hurricane-force wind field prompted the majority of Florida to prepare for hurricane-force winds while the storm traveled up the State.

In 2004, there wasn’t a way to inform the public of impending high-end, catastrophic winds. So the local National Weather Service issued tornado warnings to prepare people for the most extreme approaching winds.

As major hurricane force winds continued inland during Hurricane Charley, the NWS needed a way to alert people to shelter-in-shelter as the eyewall moved over an area. At the time, a Tornado Warning was issued. Later, the Extreme Wind Warning was developed #FLwx pic.twitter.com/24Drv1Z1Ai

— NWS Melbourne (@NWSMelbourne) August 13, 2024

Evolution of the EWW (Extreme Wind Warning)Several years later, this led to the development of the Extreme Wind Warning (EWW) product by the National Weather Service. EWW’s are issued when a Category 3 or greater storm is moving over an area and winds are expected to be 115+ mph within an hour. It’s one of the most severe and dangerous warnings the NWS will issue to the public to warn them of imminent danger.

The concept of the EWW was developed by the NWS in Melbourne, FL office and they were the first to issue one during Hurricane Matthew in 2016.

WxHistory |

[; 2feat.] #OTDwx: Hurricane Charley '04 was one of many hurricanes that hammered FL throughout the year. Charley became one of the strongest landfalling TCs in the US in history, hitting as a 150mph C4 hurricane. It's also SW FL's strongest hurricane in history… pic.twitter.com/jlQ3NFs6ZP

— Vortix (@VortixWx) August 13, 2024

After Charley moved through the metro Orlando area, it moved north-northeastward and caused significant damage across the Palm Coast area, which is north of Daytona Beach. Hurricane Ian, which hit Southwest Florida in 2022, was the strongest storm to hit the area since Charley.

By the end of September, 4 hurricanes slammed into Florida in 2004: Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne. This all happened in less than a span of six weeks. This created more than 50 billion dollars in damage, spawned over 275 tornadoes along the Atlantic seaboard, and It was an unprecedented year for Florida and what historians called a 1 in 100-year hurricane event. There have been many storms and hurricanes that have impacted Florida and the southeastern United States since Charley, but for those who lived through and survived Charley, it is one that will stay with them for many years to come.

For an overview of the unprecedented 2004 hurricane season and how it affected millions of people across the eastern United States, click below for a video from the National Weather service in Tampa.

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Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) Storm Center | By Leslie Hudson

Debby is the tropical system that keeps on giving – from record rainfall to flash flooding and severe weather, the former hurricane keeps going as it meanders up the East Coast of the U.S. As of Friday, Debby claimed at least eight lives and flooded dozens of neighborhoods. The threat of collapsing roads and breaching dams are a major concern into next week as river levels keep climbing.

Heavy rain continued to stream north on Friday, after Debby dropped more than 20 inches of rain in Florida and 15 inches in North and South Carolina. And so far, over 10 inches of rain was reported Friday morning in Virginia and West Virginia.

Now, major flooding is forecast for several rivers in Florida over the next week or so. The Santa Fe River at Three Rivers Estates currently has minor flooding but major flooding is expected by next Friday, August 16th when the river is expected to rise to 25.5 With additional rises possible thereafter.

The Santa Fe at Fort White has moderate flooding with major flooding forecast. The river is expected to rise to a crest at just under 30 feet Sunday evening. Flood stage is 23.0 feet.

Debby also spawned several tornadoes, at least one deadly, as it brought torrential rainfall to Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas, leaving extensive flooding and overwhelmed communities in its wake.

Debby's Tornado Warnings

Debby has been VERY BUSY spitting out Tornado Warnings! As of today, Aug 8, there has been at least 141 red boxes and more will likely be added! pic.twitter.com/b1lBWcpHeY

— Live Storm Chasers (@LiveStormChaser) August 8, 2024

As folks get out and about to begin the cleanup process this weekend, humidity and temperatures are increasing across Florida and heat alerts are in effect, making efforts more difficult.

An Excessive Heat Risk is issued when we are expecting several days of heat index values over 105 OR heat index values on any one day are getting to near or above 115 degrees. Prolonged exposure to this type of heat can quickly lead to heat stroke or exhaustion.

Make sure to avoid prolonged time outside, especially during the early afternoon through early evening when heat index values reach their peak levels.

Debby lost its tropical status Friday but it’s still a potent storm, triggering additional tornado and flood warnings for the Washington, DC area and a flash flood emergency with more water rescues in South Carolina. Most of the Atlantic Seaboard has been impacted by Debby since it made its first landfall in Florida on Monday.

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TALLAHASSEE — Hurricane Debby is expected to be a “very manageable event” for the insurance industry, but many homeowners in drenched inland areas could face cleaning up without flood insurance, according to an analysis by the global reinsurance broker Gallagher Re.

The analysis, which looked at the effects of the storm in Florida and other states, said insured losses for the private insurance market and the National Flood Insurance Program likely will total $1 billion to $2 billion.

Debby made landfall Monday morning as a Category 1 hurricane near Steinhatchee in Taylor County, before bringing heavy rain to other parts of rural North Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. Wind-related losses are expected to total hundreds of millions of dollars, with Gallagher Re indicating the location of the storm’s landfall prevented more extensive wind damage.

“Overall, wind related impacts in Florida were limited due to the sparsely populated nature of the Big Bend region,” the analysis, which was released Thursday, said.

Gallagher Re, however, said insured losses from coastal and inland flooding “remain more complex.”

“There has already been reports of widespread flood inundation with additional impacts yet to come, despite not reaching the magnitude of Florence,” the analysis said, referring to 2018’s Hurricane Florence, which made landfall in North Carolina and caused extensive flooding. “The private insurance market is expected to face losses in the hundreds of millions primarily from auto policies and privately written residential or commercial flood policies. Payouts from the NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) are also expected into the hundreds of millions depending on the final expanse of the rainfall/flood footprint.”

Also, the analysis said what are known as economic losses — which include insured and uninsured losses — are likely to be “far higher” because of flood damage.

“Debby generated copious inland rainfall and coastal storm surge inundation across multiple tidal cycles which resulted in costly impacts,” the analysis said. “As much as 12 to 18+ (inches) of rain had been measured across a wide swath of Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas. This scope of damage, plus additional water-related impacts possible in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, is expected to drive a multi-billion-dollar economic loss total.”

That could particularly hit homeowners who don’t have flood insurance. Homeowners with mortgages are generally required to have flood insurance in high-risk areas. But most homeowners in other areas, such as inland regions, typically don’t have flood coverage.

“While coastal counties in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina have National Flood Insurance Program take-up ranging from 10% to 50%, the percentage of active policies drops dramatically once inland,” the Gallagher Re analysis said. “This means a sizeable portion of flood damage is likely to be uninsured.”

Hurricane Idalia made landfall in August 2023 in Taylor County as a Category 3 storm and followed a similar path as the weaker Debby. Gallagher Re said the National Flood Insurance Program had more than $380 million in payouts from Idalia, with the bulk of those losses in the Tampa Bay region. Both storms caused flooding in the Tampa Bay region and other coastal areas as they moved up the Gulf of Mexico.

As of Thursday, insurers had reported 8,856 claims in Florida from Debby, totaling $66.7 million in estimated insured losses, according to data posted on the state Office of Insurance Regulation website. Those totals will increase as additional claims are filed.

Of the initial batch, 5,527 claims involved residential property, with other claims stemming from damage to such things as vehicles and commercial property, according to the Office of Insurance Regulation.

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Three days after Hurricane Debby made landfall in Taylor County and crossed North Florida, electricity had been restored to all but roughly 7,000 customers, mostly in the Big Bend region.

Information posted by PowerOutage.us said Jefferson County had the largest number of remaining outages, with 1,078, followed by Suwannee County with 1,056.

A reported 718 outages remained in Madison County, while 670 were in Dixie County and 101 were in Taylor County.

The Category 1 Hurricane Debby made landfall Monday morning in Steinhatchee after causing flooding and power outages as it moved up the Gulf of Mexico.

After landfall, it crossed parts of North Florida before going into Georgia.

Duke Energy Florida said Wednesday afternoon that it had restored power to about 330,000 customers since Sunday, with about 5,000 remaining to be restored.

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Listen:COVID-19 cases are on the rise in FloridaCOVID-19 is on the rise in Florida with vaccination at an all-time low. The CDC is giving updates and encouraging vaccination.

Division of Elections totals for early voting in FloridaWith early voting now open and more than 717,000 Floridians have casted votes. 305,000 Republicans, 293,000 Democrats, and 120,000 unaffiliated and third-party votes have been cast.

VP Kamala Harris has picked her running matePresidential Nominee Kamala Harris has picked Minnesotan governor Tim Walz as her VP. He’s critical of Florida leadership.

Clearwater Police union president arrestedPolice Union President Fredrick Lise has been arrested at a press conference. He was arrested on eight felony public corruption charges.

Gov. DeSantis says Hurricane Debby still had a significant impactGovernor Ron DeSantis talks about Hurricane Debby and its impact as compared to Idalia and prior hurricanes.

Listen:The Scoop: Tampa Bay & Florida headlines by WMNFThe Scoop producer Sage Roberts

Theme music, Fresh06, by Stian via archive.org – CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5
The Scoop logo by Robin Milcowitz / Greener Pixels / greenerpixels.com /

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This information on debris disposal and cleanup from Tropical Storm Debby was provided by the City of St. Petersburg on August 6.

The City of St. Petersburg is assessing the impacts of Hurricane Debby and continuing cleanup efforts. While the storm is over, higher-than-normal tides are expected today and tomorrow and may cause minor street flooding in low-lying areas.

City of St. Petersburg Post-Storm Actions* Street sweepers are running to clear storm debris from the streets. Notes, street sweepers cannot clear palm fronds or other larger limbs due to their size. Residents are encouraged to collect palm fronds and large limbs and follow the below debris disposal instructions. * Crews are working on clearing eight downed trees interfering with power lines. * Crews will be picking up debris from residences. Follow the below debris disposal instructions to help expedite the process. * Childs Park Library power has been restored, North Branch Library power is still out. City teams are working to restore. * All three City golf courses are still closed until further notice.

Storm Debris DisposalResidents are encouraged to follow these guidelines to dispose of storm debris on their property.

Put it in the bin: If storm debris can fit in your City trash bin with the lid closed, place it there first. Storm debris that doesn’t fit in the bin can be taken to a Brush Site or you can request a Special Pickup.

Take it to a City Brush Site: Vegetative debris (branches, leaves, logs, and

plants) can be dropped off at one the of the City’s Brush Sites. Check www.stpete.org/BrushSites to make sure sites have reopened after the storm.

1000 62nd Ave. NE
7750 26th Ave. N
2500 26th Ave. S
4015 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. S
2453 20th Ave. N

Request a Special Pickup: If you would like storm debris picked up by the City, you can request a Special Pickup in the SeeClickFix app or by calling 727-893-7398. Note, only vegetative debris (listed below) from Hurricane Debby will be collected. Fees may apply for Special Pickup for large items unless you have documented flooding with building services. Details at www.stpete.org/SpecialPickup.

Vegetative Debris:* Branches * Leaves * Logs * Palm fronds * Plants

Special Pickup Placement:* Place debris in front of the house near the roadway curb. * DO NOT place debris in trash bags. * DO NOT place debris near trees, poles, fire hydrants, utility boxes, or other structures that make debris removal difficult. * DO NOT place debris in alleyways or on sidewalks. * DO NOT place debris in the street or block roadways.

For more information, visit: www.stpete.org/hurricane.

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Older adults and their caregivers have different needs when it comes to preparing for hurricanes and other emergencies.

On WMNF’s Tuesday Cafe, we spoke about preparation tips with University of South Florida College of Behavioral and Community Sciences professor Lindsay Peterson. Lindsay is an assistant professor of aging studies whose research is on the impact of hurricanes and other disasters on older adults.

She is developing an app that assists older adults in decision-making during disaster preparedness. One important decision is whether to evacuate or shelter in place.

Lindsay has worked with the Alzheimer’s Association and 211 Tampa Bay Cares to create a disaster preparedness guide and videos to help older adults prepare for disasters, especially family caregivers of people with dementia.

Listen to the full show here:Watch the full show here:Also on Tuesday Café on August 6, 2024We also discussed Tropical Storm Debby / Hurricane Debby and its impacts on Florida and the Tampa Bay area with Megan Borowski, a meteorologist with the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network.

WMNF’s Tuesday CaféTuesday Café airs live weekly on WMNF beginning at 10:06 a.m. ET.

You can listen live on 88.5 FM in Tampa Bay, on wmnf.org or on the WMNF Community Radio app.

You can watch replays on TBAE Network channels at 8:00 a.m and 2:00 p.m Tuesdays on Spectrum 636, Frontier 34 and watch.tbae.net. Or on demand.

You can listen anytime on demand on wmnf.org or by subscribing to the Tuesday Café podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

https://open.spotify.com/show/311qfxLFcO8F7ZvnjgZogD – WMNF’s Tuesday Café with Seán Kinane.The post Tips to prepare for hurricanes and other emergencies when caring for older adults appeared first on WMNF 88.5 FM.

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Aftermath of Hurricane Debby in the Tampa Bay areaHurricane Debby’s aftermath is still being felt, particularly in Sarasota and Manatee Counties with record-breaking rainfall. Multiple rivers in Tampa Bay still have flood warnings.

DeSantis says Debby didn’t cause as much damage as other stormsGovernor Ron Desantis says Hurricane Debby was weaker and caused less damage than other storms that have hit Florida.

St. Petersburg is trying to tackle food inequalitySt. Petersburg is tackling food inequality with a new grant. The city will award 300 thousand dollars to local groups to aid in the city’s Healthy Food Action Plan.

The Scoop: Tampa Bay & Florida headlines by WMNFThe Scoop producer Sage Roberts

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Hurricane Debby made landfall around 7 a.m. on Monday in the Big Bend area of the state in Steinhatchee.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a press conference that flooding will be seen from the Sarasota/Bradenton area all up the eastern coast of Florida.

Debby has taken a similar track that Hurricane Idalia took almost a year ago.

“We have seen significant storm surge, we have seen inundation, we have seen and will continue to see flooding in varying parts of the state of Florida,” DeSantis said.

Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie said many streams and rivers are rapidly rising.

“We’ve already experienced 10-12 inches of rain in some portions of southwest Florida to include Sarasota and Manatee Counties,” he said.

With the heavy rains, many roads around the region have closed.

1:00 p.m. UpdatePinellas/Hillsborough County:

SR-580 West before Dale Mabry Highway, all lanes closed
- Eastbound SR-580, 2 right lanes blocked
Howard Frankland Bridge North, all lanes closed
Sunshine Skyway Bridge North and South, all lanes closed
Dana Shores Drive at Fountainbleau Drive and at Americana Drive
Lithia Pinecrest Road/Miller Road
Providence Road/Crescent Lake Drive
Grange Hall Loop from Keene Road to Stanaland Road
Mud Lake Road/SR-60

Crashes:

I-275 North at Hillsborough Avenue, all lanes closed

Polk County:

SR-37 North/South at SR-674, all lanes closed

Citrus County:

N Suncoast Boulevard Southbound at North Turkey Oak Drive, all lanes closed
N Suncoast Boulevard Northbound at W Fort Island Trail, all lanes closed

Manatee/Sarasota County:

SR-62 East/West before US-301 in Manatee County, all lanes closed
SR-64/Manatee Avenue East and West at Rye Road, all lanes closed
SR-64/Manatee Avenue East and West before Waterbury Road, all lanes closed
SR-70 East/West at Betts Road, all lanes closed
SR-70 East/West beyond Uihlein Road, all lanes closed
SR-72/Clark Road East beyond McIntosh Road, right lane blocked
- SR-72/Clark Road West before McIntosh Road, 2 right lanes blocked
SR-758/Bee Ridge Road East/West before Cattlemen Road, all lanes closed
US-41 North/South by McIntosh Road, all lanes closed

In Pinellas County, Fort De Soto Park, Fred Howard Park, and Sand Key Park are closed Monday, due to flooding and anticipated high tides, according to a press release. All other parks, preserves, and boat ramps are open.

High tide in Pinellas is at 2:51 p.m.

11:00 a.m. UpdatePinellas/Hillsborough County:

SR-674 from US-301 South to West Lake Drive
Woodberry Road and Lakewood Drive, tree down across the road
Lithia Pinecrest Road, large tree in the road
SR-580 West before Dale Mabry Highway, all lanes closed
- Eastbound SR-580, 2 right lanes blocked
Howard Frankland Bridge North, all lanes closed
Sunshine Skyway Bridge North and South, all lanes closed

Crashes:

Veterans Expressway North, ramp to Exit 2B: Independence Parkway, ramp closed
I-275 North at Hillsborough Avenue, 2 left lanes blocked

Polk County:

SR-37 North/South at SR-674, all lanes closed
Flooding on Polk Parkway West, ramp from Exit 10: US-98 Bartow Road, ramp closed

Manatee/Sarasota County:

SR-62 East/West before US-301 in Manatee County, all lanes closed
SR-64/Manatee Avenue East and West at Rye Road, all lanes closed
SR-64/Manatee Avenue East and West before Waterbury Road, all lanes closed
SR-70 East/West at Betts Road, all lanes closed
SR-70 East/West beyond Uihlein Road, all lanes closed
SR-72/Clark Road East beyond McIntosh Road, right lane blocked
- SR-72/Clark Road West before McIntosh Road, 2 right lanes blocked
SR-758/Bee Ridge Road East/West before Cattlemen Road, all lanes closed
US-41 North/South by McIntosh Road, all lanes closed
Fruitville Road West beyond McIntosh Road, all lanes closed

Widespread flooding has been reported across Manatee County, according to a press release.

Nearly 12 inches of rain was reported at the SRQ Airport weather station. Over 14 inches was reported in the southwest part of the county.

“We are urging everyone to stay off the roads unless travel is absolutely necessary. We do not need disaster tourists,” Manatee County Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske said.

Call 311 for flooding issues, and if you’re stuck call 911.

Two shelters are open:

Miller Elementary School (601 43rd St W, Bradenton, FL, 34209)
Nolan Middle School (6615 Greenbrook Blvd, Bradenton, FL, 34202)

10:00 a.m. UpdatePinellas/Hillsborough County C:

I-75 South at Fowler Avenue (lanes now reopened)
SR-580 West before Dale Mabry Highway, all lanes closed
Howard Frankland Bridge North, all lanes closed
Sunshine Skyway Bridge North and South, all lanes closed

Manatee/Sarasota County:

SR-62 East/West before US-301 in Manatee County, all lanes closed
SR-64/Manatee Avenue East and West at Rye Road, all lanes closed
SR-64/Manatee Avenue East and West before Waterbury Road, all lanes closed
SR-70 East/West at Betts Road, all lanes closed
SR-70 East/West beyond Uihlein Road, all lanes closed
SR-758/Bee Ridge Road East/West before Cattlemen Road, all lanes closed
US-41 North/South by McIntosh Road, all lanes closed

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Listen:Tampa Beginning Friday, August 2, 2024, through Saturday, August 3, 2024, sandbag sites will be offered at:
• Himes Avenue Complex (4501 South Himes Avenue)
• Al Barnes Park (2902 North 32nd Street)
• Al Lopez Park (4810 North Himes Avenue)

Seniors and individuals with special needs will be attended first, with a dedicated time for sandbag filling on Friday, August 2, 2024, from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. Immediately after, all members of the public will have the opportunity to visit the sites through Saturday until 7:00 P.M.

Each household can take up to 10 sandbags, with new sandbag filling machines on hand to make the process easier.

Pre-registration is encouraged. Please visit tampa.gov/hurricane to fill out the form and for other hurricane-related resources, like evacuation zones, shelter updates, and more

St. PetersburgThe year-round sandbag location at the Pavement and Traffic Operations Building (1744 9th Ave. N) is now closed. Instead, emergency full-service sandbag locations will be operational on Friday, August 2, and Saturday, August 3, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., or until weather conditions permit.

Full-Service Sandbag Locations (August 2-4):

– Lake Maggiore Park Shelter Area: 3601 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. St. S

– Northeast Park East Baseball Field Parking Lot: 955 62nd Ave. N

– Northwest Swimming Pool Parking Lot Park: 2331 60th St. N

Self-Service Locations (August 2-4):

– Dell Homes Park: 2741 22nd St. S

– Fossil Park Northern Most Parking Lot: 6875 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. St. N

– Walter Fuller Soccer Field Parking Lot: 2800 75th St. N

Important Information for Residents:

– Each household is eligible to receive up to 10 sandbags.

– Proof of residency, such as a driver’s license, is required to collect sandbags.

– Staff will be available to assist seniors and individuals who require help with filling and loading sandbags at the Full-Service Sandbag Locations only.

stpete.org/hurricane

DunedinThe City of Dunedin says that pre-filled sandbags will be available at the City of Dunedin Highlander Park parking lot, 903 Michigan Blvd. today (August 2) from noon until 7:00 p.m. until supplies last.

The city says that once pre-filled sandbags are gone, sand and bags will be available.

Sandbags at this site are available to City of Dunedin residents and business owners with proof of residency: driver’s license or recent utility bill.

There is a limit of 15 bags per resident or business owner. Sand, sandbags and shovels are available at the site. Assistance will be provided for those with special needs.

Dunedin provided these tips on how to properly fill and stack sandbags

Fill bags one-half to two-thirds of the way full
Over-filled bags will result in a leaky sandbag wall
Stack sandbags so that the seams between the bags are staggered
Tuck the top of each bag under to ensure that that bag is sealed by its own weight

Please call the Public Services Division at 727-298-3232 or 727-298-3233 for further information.

For updates and information, sign up for Alert Pinellas http://pinellascounty.org/alertpinellas/

Pinellas ParkThe City of Pinellas Park has announced that a drive-thru sandbag site is open for Pinellas Park residents only as the storm system known as Invest 97 L approaches and heavy rains are expected.

The pick-up location is in the parking lot at 6151 78th Ave N. in Pinellas Park today (Aug. 2) from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Residents can get up to 10 sandbags each.

Residents must show a water bill and/or valid driver’s license indicating they are residents of Pinellas Park.

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TALLAHASSEE — As the Atlantic Ocean shows signs of heating up, potentially fueling damaging hurricanes, a former state and national disaster chief warned Tuesday of working-class Floridians being priced out of communities in post-storm rebuilding.

Craig Fugate, a disaster-planning consultant who previously served as director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management and administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said financing and the availability of insurance will continue to be issues for some people trying to rebuild.

“I don’t think it’s going to slow down rebuilding, because it’s not really slowing things down in Fort Myers,” Fugate said, referring to rebuilding after Hurricane Ian slammed into the Fort Myers area in 2022. “What it’s doing is causing an affordable housing crisis … people like police officers, school teachers, administrators, they’re being priced out of your communities because they can’t either afford the cost of rebuilding, and if they can, they can’t afford the cost of insuring if they have to get a mortgage.”

Fugate, who spoke Tuesday to the Capital Tiger Bay Club in Tallahassee, served as director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management from 2001 to 2009, including during the devastating 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons. He then served nearly eight years as FEMA administrator.

Fugate became known for the Waffle House Index, an unofficial metric named after the restaurant chain. It gauged the severity of storms by whether Waffle House restaurants were open and what was available on menus. While it started in Florida, the index drew more national attention when Fugate and FEMA responded to a deadly tornado that hit Joplin, Mo., in 2011.

During his speech Tuesday, Fugate credited Florida officials for taking steps to address rising sea levels, despite controversial legislation this year that removed the phrase “climate change” from parts of laws.

“They’re actually one of the more progressive states in dealing with the impacts of climate change,” Fugate said. “If you look at the insurance ratings for building codes, Florida’s No. 1 or No. 2 every time. So, there’s this tendency, I think, to get caught up between what are called rhetoric and actions. And the rhetoric sometimes doesn’t always match what you’re doing.”

Fugate said Florida has been forward-looking, noting the state’s Citizens Property Insurance is phasing in a flood-insurance requirement for policyholders, a lesson learned after Hurricane Ian caused massive flooding.

“They’re actually taking very smart, appropriate steps to address the issue of changing climate events,” Fugate said.

Fugate’s appearance came as the National Hurricane Center on Tuesday advised people in the Greater Antilles, the Bahamas, and the southeastern U.S. to keep an eye on the progress of a storm system moving in the Atlantic.

While it had not forecast rapid intensification, the hurricane center put Florida in the potential path of the system.

Dry air over the system on Tuesday was limiting rain, but conditions could lead to the development of a tropical depression later this week over warm Atlantic waters. The chance of formation over the next week was upped from 50 percent on Monday to 60 percent on Tuesday morning.

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City of St Petersburg announces that there will be extra days for residents to pick up sandbags during non-emergency hours.

According to a press release from City of St. Petersburg, sand bags will now be available on the second Saturday of the month at the Pavement and Traffic Operations Building located at 1744 9th Ave. N. The next event will be held on Saturday from 7am to 3:30pm.

Each household is able to receive a maximum of 10 sandbags and residents must show proof of residence to pick up their sandbags.

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TALLAHASSEE — A day after deadly Hurricane Beryl pounded Texas, experts at Colorado State University on Tuesday increased their storm forecast for what was already expected to be an above-average hurricane season.

The university’s Department of Atmospheric Science added two named storms and a major hurricane to its outlook for the 2024 season, which started June 1 and will run through November.

The department said it needed to “slightly” increase projections because of near-record warm Atlantic and Caribbean waters and a lack of strong vertical wind shear that helps temper hurricane development. Warm waters fuel hurricanes.

“Extremely warm sea surface temperatures provide a much more conducive dynamic and thermodynamic environment for hurricane formation and intensification,” the department said in an online post.

The department also described Hurricane Beryl as “a likely harbinger of a hyperactive season.” While Beryl made landfall in Texas as a Category 1 storm, it earlier set a record by becoming the earliest Category 5 storm in a calendar year as it tore through the Caribbean and parts of Mexico.

Including Beryl and short-lived tropical storms Alberto and Chris, the department’s forecast now calls for 25 named storms this season, up from 23 when the first forecast was released in April.

Chris made landfall near Veracruz, Mexico, shortly after reaching tropical-storm strength on June 30. Alberto affected parts of Texas, Louisiana and Mexico in mid-June.

The university department’s new forecast includes 12 hurricanes, up from the initial estimate of 11. Also, six hurricanes, instead of the initially forecast five, are projected to reach Category 3 or higher status to qualify as major systems.

Expressing “above-normal confidence” in its projections, the department said it continues to anticipate a “well above-average probability for major hurricane landfalls along the continental United States coastline and in the Caribbean.”

But with more than one-sixth of the storm season finished, the projection of a U.S. landfall has dipped slightly, from 62 percent when the outlook was first released in April to 57 percent, according to the department.

Most years, the average is 43 percent.

The landfall projection for the U.S. coastline that includes parts of Florida south and east of Cedar Key is now at 31 percent, down from the earlier 34 percent. Since 1880, the yearly average is 21 percent.

Colorado State isn’t alone in predicting a highly active hurricane season.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast up to 25 named storms, with as many as 13 reaching hurricane strength and four to seven packing Category 3 or stronger winds.

Experts at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Arts & Sciences, meanwhile, forecast an eye-opening 33 named storms.

The 2023 season was the fourth most-active on record with 20 named storms, including seven that reached hurricane strength and three major storms.

By comparison, seasons from 1991 to 2020 averaged 14.4 storms a year, with an average of 7.2 reaching hurricane strength.

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Hurricane Beryl is passing Jamaica todayThis major storm is going across southern Jamaica today. Beryl is forecasted to hit the Cayman Islands tomorrow.

St. Petersburg family says they are unfairly facing evictionWMNF’s Chris Young reports how protesters outside a low-income housing complex denounced mistreatment from a property manager.

How the Supreme Court decision will impact GOP calls for Garland to testifyThe U.S. House voted for Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt last month, due to not releasing tapes of Special Counsel Robert Hur’s interview with the president. But, the whole thing might be over after Monday’s ruling on presidential immunity.

Flood experts say people should get prepared before a storm hitsWMNF’s Tyler Oldano reports experts say heavy downpours can overwhelm drainage systems and cause flooding.

The Scoop: Tampa Bay & Florida headlines by WMNFThe Scoop producer Leah Burdick

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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts as many as 25 named storms forming before November during this hurricane season. If they make landfall, those storms bring wind, rain, and can even cause flooding.

Brian Sowers is the director of sales management at United Water Restoration, a damage assessment company in Tampa. He said that while water may seem harmless, in a flood, it can be dangerous.

“Even a few inches of water can carry a large mass of, whatever that object might be,” Sowers said. “It can actually carry it if it’s moving in the right direction at a certain speed.”

And Sowers said personal safety isn’t the only thing homeowners should worry about though.

“As a homeowner, you should also take inventory and safeguard any important documents that you may have, including medical, and financial information,” he said. “Any valuables that you have should be stored in waterproof containers.”

He added that homeowners should also think about what happens after the storm passes as well.

“(People) should have some cash on hand. Doesn’t necessarily have to be a lot, but your local banks or ATMs, these are also facilities that you might not have access to because they might not have power,“ Sowers said.

While most cities and municipalities keep up-to-date records, Sowers said that isn’t always the case. He recommends double-checking dates on flood maps and other information to make sure you have the most current.

“It is extremely important to look at the most updated information, which many organizations, professional associations do in fact update their information,” he said. “But as we know on the web, there is still a lot of outdated information out there.”

Sowers recommends that people make a plan and stay informed about flood zones and weather conditions before a storm hits to help minimize that danger.

To learn more about how to stay safe during a flood, visit Ready.gov.

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Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) Storm Center | By Megan Borowski

Beryl is a major hurricane just before it arrives at the Windward Islands.

The system was first identified as Tropical Depression Two on Friday evening. A few hours later, the storm had organized enough to be classified as a tropical storm and it was given the name Beryl late Friday night. By late Saturday morning, Beryl had continued to strengthen: Maximum sustained winds were 65 mph and pressure dropped to 998 mb. The storm’s position was 820 miles east of Barbados just before noon on Saturday.

Over the next few days, Beryl is expected to travel through an environment that is quite supportive of tropical convection. Forecasters expect the storm to become the first hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season by early Sunday morning as it tracks due westward toward the Lesser Antilles. By early Monday, Beryl will approach Barbados, St. Vincent, Grenada, St. Lucia, and Martinique and it is expected that the storm will have strengthened into a major category 3 hurricane.

In anticipation of Beryl’s arrival to the Lesser Antilles, a Hurricane Watch has been issued by local governments over Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada. A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Martinique and Tobago.

Steering winds should guide Beryl through the above-mentioned islands on Monday, and then into the Caribbean Sea during the middle of the week. Some weakening is expected during this period, although Beryl should still retain hurricane strength. It is important to note that the forecast track beyond Tuesday is uncertain and could change. Interests throughout the Caribbean, including the Greater Antilles, are urged to monitor the forecast closely.

As of Saturday, there are no immediate threats from Beryl to the Southeast. Even so, residents and visitors alike across the region are advised to monitor conditions and forecasts during the middle and end of the week.

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Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) Storm Center | By Irene Sans

As it is typical in the month of June Saharan dust takes over much of the tropics. The deep layer of Saharan dust is currently located over the central Caribbean and is suppressing the chances for tropical storm formation in this area. On the periphery of the deeper concentrations of dust there are two tropical waves we are monitoring.

First, let’s talk Saharan DustThese fine particles travel in the upper levels of the atmosphere all the way from the Sahara Desert in Africa. Strong winds lift the dust and travel thousands of miles over the Atlantic, often causing big concerns in the western Hemisphere. The most affected in the short term are those living in the Caribbean and sometimes along the Gulf States or Southeast (depending on the strength and steering of the winds). People with respiratory issues are the most affected by the dust, especially when concentrations are high. Dust can also affect the weather. It usually brings drier conditions and very hot temperatures. One could say, hotter than usual for this time of the year, which is already hot enough.

Big deposits of dust fall over the water, and they can bring impacts downstream. It exacerbates the growth of toxic algae blooms such as the red tide in Florida in the latter part of the summer or into the fall. But not all is bad. The big and immediate benefit of dust is regarding tropical formation, as this dust and dry air suppresses any tropical activity there could be underneath it.

National #Hurricane Center gives 70% chance of tropical cyclone formation in next week for eastern Atlantic tropical wave. 7 years on record (since 1851) have had named storm formation in tropical Atlantic (S of 20°N, E of 60°W) by 4 July: 1901, 1933, 1979, 2008, 2017, 2021, 2023 pic.twitter.com/l5ucEx3hec

— Philip Klotzbach (@philklotzbach) June 27, 2024

Let’s talk tropicsThe first tropical wave is Invest 94, located over the western Caribbean. This system continues to battle very dry air as it moves toward the southern Gulf of Mexico. It will have to cross the southern portion of the Yucatan peninsula which will not allow it to develop at least through the beginning of the weekend. Once it moves over the southern Gulf of Mexico conditions will become more favorable for this system to develop. At this time the system will be very close to the eastern coast of Mexico which will not have a lot of time to do so. Heavy rains are expected for the same regions affected by tropical storm Alberto.

Invest 95: This one is to watchThe big Caribbean islands and the U.S. should monitor Invest 95L. It’s located between the Lesser Antilles and the Cabo Verde islands. It is still a long way from the continental United States, but it will move into an area much more favorable for development over the weekend. The dry air in place combined with the deep Saharan dust will fizzle out and move away from the central Caribbean by the beginning of next week. By then, the tropical wave would have entered the Caribbean. Wind shear will remain low during the beginning of the week and there is plenty of warm waters over this region. There is plenty of time to monitor this weekend, and lots of miles for this system to travel.

It is common during this time of the season for systems to develop closer to the U.S., or around the Caribbean. Invest 95 will be entering this region. Next week will be an interesting week in the Caribbean. The big questions will be, how far south this system stays, if it develops, and if it makes a turn to the north. If it were to make a northward turn, would it travel over rough and tall terrain? These are all big unknowns, for now. We will continue to bring you updates are the system travels west and develops.

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Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) Storm Center | By Irene Sans

We continue to monitor the development of a disturbance that is a couple of hundred miles east of Cape Canaveral, Florida. It has a medium chance of becoming a tropical system, possibly a tropical depression at best, as it will battle a pocket of dry air and limited time before its chances quickly become depleted and move over land. The tropical disturbance is moving west-northwest between 10 and 15 mph, and it will likely reach the northeastern Florida coast of southern Georgia coast on Friday. The next name on the list is Beryl.

Hurricane Hunters have been investigating this system on Thursday afternoon and have not found that the system has a well-defined center of circulation and satellite imagery finds that the storms are very disorganized. Some storms will be moving onshore, fast. Expect rainfall totals of around 2 inches in parts of Central and North Florida, with gusty winds at times. This compact system will not bring widespread severe weather but it will bring more problems to the marine sectors for boaters and beachgoers as well as for swimmers. Friday will not be the best or safest day to be on the water or swimming anywhere along eastern Florida through the Carolinas’ coastline.

4:20PM 6/20 | We continue to monitor a disturbance in the Atlantic which will arrive early Friday. This will bring a period of showers from Orlando to Cape Canaveral northward, as surf and marine conditions remain hazardous. Chance of development still 40%. #FLwx pic.twitter.com/LQ5RejBA1e

— NWS Melbourne (@NWSMelbourne) June 20, 2024

Threats for the eastern Florida Coast through Friday evening:

High risk of rip currents: Please stay off the waters. Rip currents are a silent killer and not easily detectable to the naked eye, especially when there is high surf and choppy seas.
High surf advisories are in effect from the Space Coast northward through coastal Nassau and Duval counties. Dangerous seas up to 7 feet near shore and higher offshore.
Small craft advisory is also in effect through Friday evening as gusts could be up to 30 knots with east winds.

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Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) Storm Center | By William MaxhamThe National Hurricane Center is tracking an area just northeast of the Bahamas where a tropical depression may develop later this week. Global forecast models have been showing an area of low pressure forming in the area north of the Bahamas in the early part of this week before moving inland toward the Florida peninsula and/or the southeastern United States by the weekend. The National Hurricane Center says that there is a 10% chance that a tropical depression develops in this area within the next 48 hours and a 30% chance that a tropical depression develops within the next 7 days.

At this time, there are a couple of areas of uncertainty regarding this storm. Run to run variations in the models vary in the location and intensity of an area of low pressure that forms by mid-week. At this time, it looks likely that either a tropical low-pressure system or a broad area of showers and embedded thunderstorms will approach the coast before the end of the week. Regardless of tropical organization, this system is expected impact some portion of the US coastline by the weekend in an area from Melbourne, Florida to Wilmington North Carolina by Thursday. Later this week, this potential tropical system is likely to bring heavy rain, possible flooding and gusty winds to parts of the southeastern US.

Residents of Florida, coastal Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina are urged to follow the progress of this potential tropical system. At this time, before the actual formation of a storm, and several days before a potential landfall, there could be many changes to the predicted path and intensity of this possible storm.

This is just one of two areas of interest being tracked by the National Hurricane Center. The other system is forming in the Gulf of Mexico in the Bay of Campeche. The NHC says the environment is favorable for some development and a tropical depression or tropical storm may form in the southwest Gulf of Mexico by Wednesday before moving westward into Mexico and the Texas Gulf coast.

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Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) Storm Center | By Leslie Hudson

There is an elite team of air crew that fly into the most powerful and dangerous storms on the planet. They’re called hurricane hunters. Their missions are crucial when it comes to forecasting these tropical machines.

These pilots are among the best of the best that fly into the world’s worst weather to gather invaluable real-time data for meteorologists at the National Hurricane Center. The steady stream of weather data will feed into computer models that help hurricane researchers get a better understanding of a storm’s structure.

These hurricane missions have a track record that works. so far, the Hurricane Center says the data from these missions has helped improve the hurricane forecast tracks by as much as 30%. The data from these missions can increase both the storm’s track forecast and accuracy. It can narrow the cone of uncertainty and help the Hurricane Center improve the forecast from three days out to five days which builds more critical time for people to prepare and do what they need to do for their families.

The scientists and meteorologists on board have the job of quality controlling all of the information that comes in from the instruments attached to the aircraft before it gets sent off to the hurricane center that will provide life-saving forecasts in the days to come.

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Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) Storm Center | By Leslie Hudson

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you probably know that it’s the 2024 hurricane season. But did you know that according to the Federal Alliance of Safe Homes, a recent poll found that 60% of people living in hurricane prone states are not going to prepare for hurricane season. That’s mainly because they don’t think it will happen to them. But with the National Hurricane Center issuing their most robust hurricane forecast ever, and experts are urging people to rethink their strategy or lack thereof this season.

Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Impacts from wind and water can be felt hundreds of miles inland, and significant impacts can occur regardless of the storm’s strength. Officials emphasize to know if you live in an area prone to flooding, if you live in an evacuation zone, and identify any structural weaknesses in your home.

Before a storm is coming, make sure you ask yourself these questions:
• Can I shelter in place safely at home during a hurricane, or do I live in a storm surge evacuation zone or other high-risk location that will require me to leave?
• If I need to evacuate, what is the best route from my home to my pre-selected destination?
• And what about pets or livestock? Where will they go in the event you need to leave?

To know what zone you live in, and whether you are at greater risk for natural disaster damage, head over to https://floridadisaster.maps.arcgis.com to find out your risk. Here’s what you need to do:

Type in your address
Know Your Zone – Find if your address is in one of the colored evacuation zones (these are flood zones)
If you are in an evacuation zone, listen to evacuation orders from local officials (Typically Zone A is the most vulnerable and the most likely to evacuate first. Zone E is most likely to evacuate last)
If an evacuation order is not issued for your area, you may consider sheltering in place. Not all evacuation zones are always ordered.
If you shelter in place, it’s important to Know Your Home and its ability to withstand strong winds and heavy rain

And perhaps the most critical part of preparing is knowing if you are at risk for a potential catastrophic storm surge or inland flooding when a storm hits.

Finally, find out if your home has any weaknesses that could prove deadly in a hurricane. Are your exterior doors and garage door hurricane proof? Do you have storm shutters? Some aspects of your home can be strengthened to help withstand hurricane impacts, and some can not. Mobile homes are especially vulnerable to hurricane-force winds, and basements are especially vulnerable to storm surge and flooding. For more information and how to be prepared ahead of the storm, go https://www.noaa.gov/know-your-risk-water-wind or http://www.https://www.floridadisaster.org/for more information.

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Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) Storm Center | By William Maxham

This year the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting 17 to 25 named tropical storms and 4 to 7 major hurricanes. It’s the highest number of storms in a seasonal forecast by the agency in its history, and emergency management officials across the state are urging Floridians to take steps now to be prepared.

From June 1 through Saturday June 14, there will be no Florida sales tax on a variety of essential survival products. Items like batteries, flashlights, generators, coolers, along with pet food and supplies will be available tax-free during the tax holiday. A complete list of eligible items is available here.

Florida emergency managers say that reducing loss of life and property depends on effective communication and efficient coordination between first responders and the public. However ultimately decisions like choosing to evacuate, preparing to safely shelter in place or making structural improvements to property depend on individuals. Florida Department of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie has been touring the state this spring ahead of what could be an active hurricane season for Florida. Making sure the public has the best information to make the best decisions is a challenge. Every year more people move to the state, often with no firsthand experience with tropical storms and hurricanes. But, even longtime Florida residents can be left unprepared for a stormIn fact, Guthrie says their memories of weaker storms in the past can lead residents to underestimate the hazards from a threatening storm.

“We’ve found out…we’ve done studies…that people are going to base their decision today on the past.they’re going to look at history. And they are going to say well, I survived this storm or I survived that storm…so we need to make sure we tell them why this storm is different than the one in the past.” Guthrie says communicating details of how storm path, storm speed, storm size have different threats. “And if we do that, and we are effective at it, if we give people a rational idea of what’s going to happen. Then I’m sure they will evacuate those tens of miles and get out of harms way. “

Florida’s disaster preparedness tax holiday continues through June 14, however there is a second disaster preparedness tax holiday that will take place later this summer from Saturday August 24 through Friday September 6.

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Listen:Hillsborough County residents can express their concerns about flooding and other hazards in their area next week. County officials are seeking input from the public to fuel relief projects.

Hillsborough County officials want to know what problems residents are having – and are trying to reach as many people as possible.

It’s to update two assessments that help experts measure flooding and climate change. One of which the state requires coastal communities to complete in order to receive funding.

Troy Salisbury is Hillsborough County’s Hazard Mitigation Resiliency and Sustainability Manager.

“We don’t know, as staff, we don’t know all of those vulnerabilities that people deal with on a daily basis.”

Salisbury says a big problem is flooding.

“We get a lot of thunderstorms here, we obviously rain events. We also have, of course, hurricanes. Going into this hurricane season, especially, it’s very important to know where those flooding issues are.”

The non-profit First Street Foundation says over 154-thousand properties have a risk of flooding over the next 30 years, according to data from their website.

The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 11th at the Riverview Public Library.

Visit HCFL.gov/HCEngage for the survey link and more.

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Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) Storm Center | By Irene Sans, William Maxham

As the 2024 hurricane season threatens to be a very active one and possibly with more chances of tracks shifting a bit more west, due to La Niña’s presence, it is crucial to be familiarized with the season’s terminology and what everything means as soon as advisories are issued. Knowing what basic critical terms mean could save you lots of time, (and worries) as well as avoid any confusion in hyped messages.

Official advisories come from the National Hurricane Center and your local National Weather Service Office. Florida is split into 6 regions where 5 offices are located throughout Florida and one handles the extreme western portion of the Panhandle, located in Mobile, Alabama. There are South Florida, East Central Florida, West Central Florida, North Florida, and the Panhandle.

The most crucial terms you should learn are:

Watch: A Tropical Storm or Hurricane Watch is issued when sustained winds (of 39 to 73 mph for a tropical storm or at least 74 mph for a hurricane) are possible within 48 hours. These winds may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal flooding, and/or river flooding. The “watch” does not mean that tropical storm/hurricane conditions will occur. It only means that these conditions are possible.
Warning: A Tropical Storm or Hurricane Warning is issued when sustained winds (of 39 to 73 mph for a tropical storm or at least 74 mph for a hurricane) are expected in 36 hours or less. When a warning is issued it means that conditions are imminent.
Storm surge: The abnormal rise in seawater level during a storm, measured as the height of the water above the normal predicted astronomical tide. The surge is caused primarily by a storm’s winds pushing water onshore.
Tropical disturbance: It is an area of organized thunderstorm activity 100 – 300 miles in diameter that maintains its identity for 24 hours or more, and it’s in the lower levels of the atmosphere (surface). If the disturbance acquires a spin, and winds of at least 30 mph. It is now called a tropical depression. It forms over waters of at least 80F.
Tropical depression: A cluster of storms, trying to organize, that produce maximum winds below 39 mph.
Tropical storm: When the cluster of storms has acquired better organization, some circulation near the center and the winds reach between 39 and 73 mph. At this point, the storm will also receive a name. Water temperatures under the system are usually above 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Subtropical storm: develop the same as tropical storms, over waters with a temperature of at least 70 degrees. They tend to also have a closed circulation, but the difference is its organization. Usually, their maximum winds occur well far from its center (at more than 60 nautical miles from it) and tend to be messy, meaning not symmetric. Its rains are usually shifted to the side.
Hurricane: Once a tropical storm strengthens, and its maximum sustained winds reach at least 74 mph, then it becomes a hurricane. Hurricanes are split further into categories only based on wind speeds.
- Category 1: 74-95 mph
- Category 2: 96-110 mph
- Category 3: 111-129 mph
- Category 4: 130-156 mph
- Category 5: above 157 mph
Major hurricane: any hurricane category 3, 4 or 5.

How do storms get named?

A tropical low-pressure system must be at least a tropical storm (or sub-tropical) to officially receive a name. The names come from a list of names that rotate every 6 years. Names could be Spanish, French, or American. This is done intentionally to serve better this region of the world, where hurricanes impact.

Even number years start with male names, while uneven years start out with female names. It wasn’t always like this. Before satellites existed, storms usually received their names depending on the regions they impacted, saints, or holidays. The names were usually given after the event. In 1953, storms started getting official names, where they were only female names. By 1979, the lists were updated, and alternating male names were added and the six lists of names were officially implemented.

You will no longer see Greek letters if we use all the names on the list in a season. The National Hurricane Center along with the World Meteorological Organization, which handles the adding and retiring of names has a supplemental list of names that will kick in any year all names are used. This supplemental list of names will be used every year. If one name is retired from the list, due to the storm being catastrophic, costly, and meeting the retirement criteria, it would be replaced the same way as any other storm retired from the rotating lists.

A house is reflected on Wednesday in flood waters that overflowed from Lake Sampson after Hurricane Irma brought torrential rainfall. “There is places where the water would go to your chin,” said Gary Baker, a neighbor. Most of the residents from this Sampson City neighborhood evacuated, but the Army brought food and water to the few who stayed on Sept. 13, 2017. (Photo by Emma Green)Names retired.

Since 1954, there have been only 19 seasons without a named retired. The most recent year was 2014 with no names retired. There have been 14 ‘i’ names retired, the most of any other letter. In total 96 names have been retired in Atlantic history.

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This hurricane season is forecast to be one of the busiest yet.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts above-normal hurricane activity for the Atlantic season which spans June 1 – Nov. 30.

State officials recommend getting your disaster supply kit ready ahead of the season to be prepared in case a storm hits your area.

Below is a list of items included on the disaster kit checklist provided by the Florida Disaster website.

General:

Two week supply of medication, regularly used medical supplies, and a list of allergies
List of style, serial number, and manufacturer information of required medical devices
Batteries
Flashlights (Don’t use candles)
NOAA Weather Radio (Battery operated or hand cranked)
Cash
Cell phone chargers
books, games, puzzles, or activities for children

Phone Numbers:

List of important phone numbers including: county emergency management office, evacuation sites, doctors, banks, schools, veterinarians, out-of-town contacts, friends, and family

Clothing:

Rain gear: jackets, hats, umbrellas, rain boots
Sturdy shoes or boots and work gloves

First Aid:

First aid manual
Sterile adhesive bandages of different sizes
Sterile gauze pads
Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
Triangular bandages
Scissors
Tweezers
Sewing needle
Moistened towelettes
Antiseptic
Disinfectant wipes
Hand sanitizer
Thermometer
Tube of petroleum jelly
Safety pins
Soap
Latex gloves
Sunscreen
Aspirin or other pain relievers
Anti-diarrheal medicine
Antacids
Laxatives
Cotton balls
Q-tips

Important Documents: (keep these items in water proof container)

Insurance cards
Medical records
Banking information
Credit card numbers
Copies of social security cards
Copies of birth certificates and marriage certificates
Other personal documents
Set of car, house, and office keys
Service animal I.D., vet records, and proof of ownership
Information about where you receive medication, the name of the drug, and dosage
Copy of Will

Pet Care:

7-day supply of pet food and water with bowls
Proper identification
Medical records/microchip information
Carrier or cage
Muzzle and leash
Pet medications
Supplies for service animals

Food and Water:

7-day supply of nonperishable packaged or canned foods and beverages, snack foods, juices, baby food, and any special dietary items
Water (1 gallon per person per day)
Non-electric can opener
Paper plates
Napkins
Plastic cups
Utensils

Special Needs Items:

Any special items for infants, small children, the elderly, and family members with disabilities

NOAA is forecasting between 17 to 25 named storms. Of those, up to 13 are forecast to be hurricanes, including four to seven major hurricanes.

The infographic shows this hurricane season’s outlook with the probability and numbers of named storms from NOAA’s 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook. Photo provided by NOAA for WMNF News (2024).

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Bartow Police officer arrestedMark Anthony Fernandez was charged with four felonies and six misdemeanors involving video recordings of teens and sending them to other Bartow officers.

Lakeland Police accused of brutalityTwo police officers were caught on video for punching and tazing a teenage boy on Memorial Day weekend. The 16-year-old said the officers commented about his weight before the altercation began.

Coco Gauff slams Florida politics, encourages youth to voteWMNF’s Chris Young reports Coco Gauff recently called for young Americans to get out and vote in this upcoming election.

Hurricane tipsHurricane season begins Saturday. Pinellas County’s Director of Emergency Management says it has been “all hands on deck” educating its residents about storms.

New College disciplines studentsA new Florida college is planning to discipline students for disrupting a May 17 graduation ceremony after several students were booing the commencement speaker, Joe Ricketts.

The Scoop: Tampa Bay & Florida headlines by WMNFThe Scoop producer Leah Burdick

Theme music, Fresh06, by Stian via archive.org – CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5
https://archive.org/details/jamendo-001084/02.mp3
The Scoop logo by Robin Milcowitz / Greener Pixels / greenerpixels.com / WMNF

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This hurricane season, Pinellas County plans to focus on getting timely, relevant, and accurate emergency information to the public if a storm threatens the coast.

Speaking at a media briefing Tuesday, Director of Emergency Management Cathie Perkins said there are three main things the public should do going into this season: make a plan, know your household’s risk, and stay informed.

She said community members have talked a lot about the busy forecast and the number of storms projected this season.

“I just want to impress upon people that it really doesn’t matter how many storms there are, it’s the one that impacts you that makes a difference for all of us,” Perkins said.

Pinellas public information manager Dave Connor said the county has looked at past storms and evaluated how they can do better this season.

He pointed to a 2023 study asking residents about their decision whether to evacuate or stay during Hurricane Ian.

One of the top reasons people stayed during the evacuation was because of their pets – either they did not have a plan or they had too many.

He stressed that if people have pets, they should make a plan for them along with their families “because choosing not to evacuate puts you and your pets in danger.”

Perkins said it’s important to know what services are available as well.

“We have three pet-friendly shelters, and our transportation services will offer free rides once we order the evacuation,” she said. “They’ll pick you up from any bus pick-up point. You tell them that you want to get to a shelter and they’ll help get you there.”

There are also transportation services for residents with special needs – but Perkins said residents should try and sign up on the Pinellas County registrybeforea storm hits.

Additionally, Connor said people do not need to travel very far for an evacuation.

Depending on what level evacuation is called, residents need only get outside the area under an order. Sometimes that might mean they only need to travel a mile or two.

“You don’t have to go to Georgia. You don’t have to go to Jacksonville. You just need to go out of the ordered zones for evacuation,” Connor said.

Pinellas residents can stay informed during an emergency by checking the disaster website regularly or signing up for Alert Pinellas, a service that sends free alerts about emergencies and other important community news.

“We’re all very lucky we haven’t been hit by a direct, major storm impact in more than 100 years,” Connor said. “As you know, the Indian mounds are not going to protect us for any amount of time – we’ve just been lucky.”

“And it’s just going to take one, especially as we’re looking at a very active storm season,” he added.

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Hurricane preparedness with Sen. Rick ScottWMNF’s Chris Young reports on Florida Senator Ricks Scott’s hurricane preparedness speech in St. Pete Beach Tuesday.

Pinellas emergency managementCasthie Perkins is the county’s director of emergency management and she stresses three main points that the public should do this season. One should know their household risk, make a plan, and stay informed.

Citizens insurance policiesFlorida’s Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is the state’s largest carrier as private companies drop policies and raise rates due to financial problems.

Florida Voucher ProgramThe voucher program began last school year and is on track to double in size. This year, the maximum capacity is 60,000 vouchers.

DeSantis signs nine bills TuesdayMargie Menzel reports some bills include a measure that will allow banks to delay disbursing money if employees think seniors or “vulnerable” adults could become financially exploited.

USF’s new research facilityUniversity of South Florida Board of Trustees committee approves a seven-story research facility. The cost is estimated at over $200 million.

The Scoop: Tampa Bay & Florida headlines by WMNFThe Scoop producer Leah Burdick

Theme music, Fresh06, by Stian via archive.org – CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5
https://archive.org/details/jamendo-001084/02.mp3
The Scoop logo by Robin Milcowitz / Greener Pixels / greenerpixels.com / WMNF

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Listen:Hurricane Season starts this Saturday. Florida Senator Rick Scott visited St. Pete Beach Tuesday to urge residents to be prepared.

Scott, along with Pinellas County officials and law enforcement, is emphasizing the importance of hurricane safety.

The senator says residents should take heed of evacuation calls.

“Everybody, every first responder is going to do everything under the sun to keep you alive. But guess what? They can’t keep you alive if you’re foolish enough to stick around in harm’s way.”

Scott says the upcoming tax holiday for hurricane preparedness for items like generators and batteries beginning June 1st can help people plan for a storm.

Pinellas County Commissioner Kathleen Peters also gave an update on beach re-nourishment.

She says the projects are “not there yet”.

“Please, please, if you live on the barrier islands- take it seriously, because we don’t have the sand on the shoreline to protect the property and the infrastructure at this time.

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The latest hurricane season forecast is out, this time is the official one issued by the National Hurricane Center. It calls for 17 to 25 named storms, of which 8 to 13 could become hurricanes and between 4 and 7 be major hurricanes, meaning category 3 and above.

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is setting out to be one for the record books. The sea surface temperatures over the main development region (MDR) are at record warmth for this time of year, and that´s not a good sign. Keep in mind, that ocean water is what fuels storms, the warmer the water, the more fuel available for a storm. But a storm needs more than warm water to form, this is where a special global pattern comes into play – El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) – or its counterpart, La Niña.

El Niño is a pattern that occurs over the tropical Pacific Ocean but has global effects. When El Niño is present, warmer-than-average water temperatures dominate the tropical Pacific, bringing more activity than normal over the Pacific (think warmer temperatures, more tropical activity). Over the Atlantic, there tends to be more vertical wind shear. Wind shear is the change in speed with height. The stronger the wind shear, the less chance a tropical wave has to continue to develop its structure and gain strength. The opposite is true when La Niña is present over the Pacific.

Therefore, when we have a La Niña during the summer through the fall, there tends to be less wind shear, allowing a storm to continue its structure to form. If there is little wind shear over a low pressure developing, the system has nothing to ‘chop off’ the top layer of its structural growth from there, if we add the fuel (the warm ocean temperatures), then a storm is free to intensify. There are more ingredients for a tropical system to form, but these are the main ones that signal if a season might be a busy one.

How about the tracks and possible landfalls?

The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season was above average, ending with the fourth most active season on record, with 20 named systems, and the famous major category Hurricane Idalia which hit Florida’s Big Bend. But zooming out at the entire season, most storms tracked and stayed over the Atlantic Ocean. This year, this could differ. There is a correlation between La Niña and more western tracks. We did not have a La Niña during the 2023 hurricane season, we can say that the El Niño pattern tends to keep the storms more east, away from the Americas, correlating with what happened in 2023.

It is impossible to know if or how many storms could make landfall at this point. To know this, there needs to be a system, either close to land, or developed with a well-defined center of circulation.

We are monitoring an area of disturbed weather located near the Central Caribbean. It has a low chance of developing within the next 7 days, but it will remain well away from the U.S. and enter an unfavorable area for development, therefore its life period seems short.

There are plenty of actions you can take now to prepare for the season ahead.

Have a plan
Know if you live in an evacuation zone
Gather important documents
Revise your insurance policy ahead of time to make sure you are covered and up-to-date with the latest changes.

For more information about ways you can prepare for the season go to Floridadisaster.gov

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With the start of Hurricane season just 10 days away, WMNF WaveMakers with Janet & Tom on Tuesday (5/21) discussed the forecast and the impact climate change is having on severe weather with Jeff Beradelli, chief meteorologist for WFLA TV.

Beradelli is the rare TV meteorologist willing to speak out directly and often about the impact climate change is having on hurricanes and our weather in general. Hurricanes are more intense and more frequent because of human-caused climate change, he said. And this season is shaping up to be particularly intense.

Beradelli has been a TV meteorologist for 25 years–including stints in Miami, West Palm Beach, and Buffalo, New York. This is his second stint in the Tampa Bay area, returning here after working for CBS News in New York City. Jeff has a degree in atmospheric sciences from Cornell University and a masters degree in Climate and Society from Columbia University. Welcome to WaveMakers Jeff.

Beradelli partnered with faculty and students at Columbia to study a frequently asked question: Why has the Tampa Bay area not been hit by a major hurricane in more than a century? It’s not just good luck, the study found. Because hurricanes start either to the east of Florida off the coast of Africa or to the south in the Caribbean, the steering winds simply blow hurricanes in other directions. It would take a big shift to send a hurricane into Tampa Bay, Baradelli said.

That doesn’t mean it can’t happen and it likely will, he said. If it does happen, a major hurricane’s storm surge would be devastating because of so much coastal development and the geography of the bay itself, he said.

Forecasters are predicting this will be one of the most active hurricane seasons in history, with 25 named storms, 12 hurricanes and 6 major hurricanes.

That is largely driven by climate change, Beradelli said. Things are getting off to a rough start, with temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico and around the Florida Keys hitting temperatures normally not seen until August. Hurricanes get bigger and more intenses as water warms. And the impact on coral reefs this year could be worse than the devastation seen last year.

Beradelli says he feels both a moral and scientific obligation to address climate change directly. “People can disagree but I don’t get my information from people I get it from scientists who study it,” he said. “Just because it’s become partisan….doesn’t change the facts about it….There’s no other reason that can possibly explain what’s going on.

Hear the entire conversation by clicking the link below, going to the WaveMakers archives or by searching for WMNF WaveMakers wherever you listen to podcasts.

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Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) Storm Center | By Leslie Hudson

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is still a little over two weeks away, but the first forecasts start today. The National Hurricane Center began issuing their tropical weather outlooks today, which show the probability of tropical cyclones forming over a given area in the next two to seven days.

Even though hurricane season doesn’t officially begin until June 1, the National Hurricane Center started issuing their outlooks ahead of the season to account for early activity, which has been common in recent years. The NHC started issuing the Tropical Outlook products in mid-May of 2021.

Of the past ten hurricane seasons, eight of them had storms develop prior to the conventional June 1 start date. Dr. Michael Brennan, Director of the National Hurricane Center, says the tropical outlooks will help citizens get a jump start on hurricane season and these outlooks are a quick daily reminder of what might or might not be brewing in the tropics.

Dr. Michael Brennan-National Hurricane Center Director says, “Last year we extended our tropical weather outlook where we forecast the formation of tropical storms out to seven days from five days. So that’s designed to give people a little more of a heads-up situational awareness of a system that could form. It’s going to have that long lead time for systems we have the most confidence in. So there are still systems that happen without as much lead time. But for the most part, that product comes out every six hours starting May 15, all the way through November 30. It’s sort of your basic. Hey, I should check this kind of once a day during hurricane season, see what’s going on.”

Currently, there are no tropical depressions, tropical storms or hurricanes expected to form over the next seven days in the Atlantic Basin. Although a special outlook was issued in late April for a system with a sub-30-percent chance of development, it failed to become a tropical system. That was not part of the regularly scheduled outlooks.

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Host Walter L Smith II talks human, industrial activity and it’s impact on a warming planet with ever more ferocious storms.

The Black Gulf States solidarity and organized strategies.

Earth, Wind & Fire provide the soundtrack.

KRS-1 renders Krazy.

Also, a nod to Patriots Day in Ethiopia, commemorates driving out fascist Italy in WWII.

Special appeal for emergency health aid for two friends of The Forum: Erik W. Gales and Tonya Lewis.

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Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) Storm Center | By William Maxham

Sunday May 5th is the first day of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Hurricane Preparedness Week. The start of the 2024 hurricane season less than a month away and there are early indicators of an active year in the tropics. Seasonal outlooks from the Climate Prediction Center forecast a transition to more hurricane-favorable La Nina conditions by the start of summer. Plus, the Gulf of Mexico and the tropical Atlantic Ocean waters are unusually warm for this time of year.

While NOAA has not yet made an official forecast for this year’s hurricane season, tropical meteorologists at Colorado State University have looked at this year’s early indicators and are predicting numbers that are much above average with 23 named storms, with 11 hurricanes and 5 major hurricanes. But residents living near the coast understand that it really only takes one storm to define a season. Last August, Hurricane Idalia made landfall near Keaton Beach, Florida as a major hurricane with winds of 111 mph and billions left behind of dollars of damages.

On day one of Hurricane Preparedness week, NOAA is focusing on knowing the risks for your particular area. The likelihood of your home being damaged by winds and water depends on both the storm’s path and your location. While storm surge and winds are most damaging at landfall, it’s not just locations near the coast that are vulnerable to water and wind damage. Flooding can happen hundreds of miles away from the coast and can continue for several days after a storm makes landfall. Significant and damaging wind gusts frequently happen far away from the storm’s eyewall, and tornadoes often form in hurricane outer rainbands.

Also as part of Hurricane Preparedness Week, NOAA is emphasizing the importance of having a plan far in advance of any tropical threats. By already knowing where you can go when you must evacuate and having a supply kit ready for when you can safely shelter at home, you can avoid having to find necessities in the last minute as a storm approaches and weather deteriorates. When it is necessary to evacuate, it is too late to buy materials to board up your windows to secure your home, find shelter for your pets, and to search for items that should have already been put together into a kit to take with you.

Another way to be prepared for hurricane season is by knowing where to go to get high-quality weather information for your area or areas that are along your evacuation route. It’s not just the National Hurricane Center track forecast for a specific storm that is important. Other vital details regarding threats from flooding, winds and other hazards come from local National Weather Service offices to supplement the forecast provided by NHC. Dangerous weather can occur hundreds of miles from the center of a tropical storm, so it’s important to stay up to date with the latest weather information along your evacuation route or with changing conditions at home if you plan on sheltering in place.

Preparing for a storm also means preparing for the storm’s aftermath. When the storm is over, and it’s determined to be safe to return home after evacuating, or for those who sheltered in place, there could be another set of potential dangers. Downed trees and powerlines, flooded or blocked roads, extreme heat and poor mobile service can persist days after the rain stops.

Being ready for hurricane season takes time. Gathering vital records together, making a hurricane kit, boarding up windows, planning routes and transportation is not something that you can easily do at the last minute. To make sure nothing is overlooked, the best time to prepare for a storm is now.

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Estimated insured losses from 2022’s Hurricane Ian have neared $21.4 billion, with about 6 percent of claims remaining open, according to data posted this week on the state Office of Insurance Regulation website.

The data showed $21.386 billion in estimated insured losses and 776,941 reported claims.

The vast majority of claims, 558,299, involved residential property, with others for such things as auto damage.

The website said 93.7 percent of claims, including 93.3 percent of residential property claims, had been closed as of Monday.

The Category 4 Ian made landfall in September 2022 in Southwest Florida and continued causing damage as it crossed the state.

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TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday approved $200 million to continue a popular home-hardening grant program that could help about 20,000 mostly low- and moderate-income residents cut property insurance costs.

DeSantis signed two bills related to the My Safe Florida Home grant program and said he also intends to support an additional $30 million in the state budget aimed at expanding the program to include condominiums.

“There’s more help on the way,” DeSantis said during a ceremonial bill-signing event at the Redington Shores Town Hall. “We understand it’s been popular and it’s been effective.”

The program offers inspections and grants up to $10,000 to help residents upgrade homes and qualify for property insurance discounts for residences valued up to $700,000.

The primary bill (SB 7028) signed by DeSantis provides $200 million for the grant program, with new parameters for how the funding is to be distributed. The other bill (HB 1029) allows condominium associations to be eligible for inspections and grants.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, who has been advocating for additional funding to cover a backlog of applications for the program since last fall, estimated nearly 20,000 Floridians could benefit from the latest round of funding.

“Another hurricane season is fast approaching and unfortunately, Mother Nature loves our state and it’s not if but when a major storm will take aim at Florida,” Patronis warned in a press release after DeSantis signed the bills.

The funding bill requires applications from low-income individuals ages 60 and older to be handled first, followed by all other low-income individuals. Applications from moderate-income homeowners ages 60 and older would be third in line for consideration.

The law, which takes effect July 1, also prohibits Patronis’ Department of Financial Services from creating another waiting list once the funding runs out, “unless the Legislature expressly provides authority to implement such actions.”

Last November, the Legislature in a special session earmarked $176.17 million for the program as more than 17,600 grant applications awaited funding.

The program was created in 2006, following the hurricane-heavy storm seasons in 2004 and 2005 that saw 2.8 million Florida homeowners suffer more than $33 billion in insured property damage. After an initial infusion of $250 million, the next allocation into the program didn’t come until 2022, when lawmakers put forward $215 million during a special legislative session to address the state’s ongoing property insurance problems.

As the Insurance Information Institute put the average cost of Florida’s home insurance at $6,000 a year in November, the My Safe Florida Home program was credited at the time with average premium discounts of $981.31 among homeowners who disclosed their discounts, according to a legislative staff analysis.

The pilot program would expand the inspections and grants to condominium associations, which would have to provide a $1 match for every $2 provided in the program, with a maximum of $175,000 per association.

DeSantis said he will support money for the pilot program in the budget for the next fiscal year (HB 5001). DeSantis as of Wednesday had not received the budget, which includes three line items totaling $30 million for the pilot program.

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TALLAHASSEE — As director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management since April 2021, Kevin Guthrie has run point on disasters from Category 4 hurricanes to a deadly condominium-building collapse in Surfside.

Guthrie also has been charged with overseeing the evacuation of Floridians from strife-torn Haiti, along with a controversial program to transport migrants to “sanctuary” areas of the country.

The News Service has five questions for Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie:

Q: What were your thoughts as AccuWeather recently warned of a busy Atlantic hurricane season, followed by a Colorado State University forecast that the entire list of storm names could be used this year?GUTHRIE: It was more confirmation of what our own in-house meteorologists were saying, what the local National Weather Service offices were saying. Again, what’s the horrible and terrible? The horrible and terrible is we get hit with four storms. But at the same time, I cannot worry about how many storms we are going to have. My job is to prep this team to be ready to go for a multiple hurricane season. And that’s what we’re doing. We are actually preparing as if we’re going to have the ‘04 season all over again (when multiple hurricanes hit). So, we’re preparing for maybe five storms to hit the state of Florida. You know, figure if we’re ready for that, then we should be good to go. And so, we’re going to make sure that we’re ready with all of our vendors, all of our state emergency-response team members for this hurricane season. And you know, again, we want to hope for the best but prepare for the worst.

Q: What did you learn from state evacuation efforts last year in Israel that you were able to incorporate into ongoing Haiti evacuation missions, and what were the biggest differences that you encountered in Haiti?GUTHRIE: I’m happy to report that as of Saturday, we’re at 578 Floridians and Americans that have been repatriated back to the United States. What was the most challenging piece at the very beginning of (Haiti) was, we did not have a cooperating government. So, what I mean by that is Israel wanted us to come in and take Floridians and Americans out of the country. So, getting access or, you know, permits to get into and land with our charter aircraft, that was easy to do when you have a cooperative government. In Haiti, it was much more difficult there because there was no government to cooperate with. The entire government basically collapsed. So we were dealing with individuals that were in control of the airport, giving us permits by the day instead of permits by say, by the week or maybe two weeks. It was very slow going in the very beginning because of the tactics that we were having to use. We were basically having to use tactics of one carload at a time moving in the dead of night, trying to get people across a mountainous jungle terrain to the airport that we were at. One individual said that he came on his own. He said it took him four days to get from Port-au-Prince to the Cap-Haïtien Airport. On a normal day, that’s a seven-hour drive. It took him four days to get there.

Q: Gov. Ron DeSantis and other state defendants last month were dismissed from a federal lawsuit in Massachusetts that challenged Florida’s migrant flights from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard in 2022. The judge did not dismiss allegations against the charter company that handled the flights. Where is the “Unauthorized Alien Transport Program” now, and does the dismissal against the governor mean you can start running some flights again?GUTHRIE: We were never disallowed to take people in, let’s say, the last nine months. But the state statute, the way it’s written, it must be voluntary for individuals — unauthorized, undocumented aliens with all the proper paperwork — and they volunteer to go. We know that the number-one intended destination for individuals coming out of Haiti, Venezuela, Guatemala, Cuba, is Florida. What’s unfortunate about this situation is trying to find actual volunteers inside the state of Florida that want to relocate to somewhere else. That number is really, really small. We have spent about $700,000 trying to locate people here in the state of Florida that want to relocate. Our product right now has been 10, 12 people, maybe. So, what we’ve done is put a pause on that particular methodology because we don’t want to continue to spend taxpayer dollars to find, you know, really small groups of people. So, we’re re-evaluating our next steps with our vendors to see, where do we go next? Is it back to the southwest (Texas) border? Is it, you know, here in Florida? How do we start to move more people that want to be moved? But even if we’re at the southwest border, it is voluntary to go to the cities that the governor and the staff have identified. So, we’ll continue to work on that, but right now we have no flight on the horizon as we continue to try to find volunteers.

Q: How prepared is your agency for the next pandemic?GUTHRIE: Right now, we still have three warehouses. The Legislature just signed off on a brand-new warehouse for us that will be able to collapse all those warehouses into one. So, we have one warehouse inside of Lakeland right now that is completely full of PPE (personal protective equipment). We have hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of masks, gloves, goggles, gowns and so on. So, we still have a PPE stock supply. What’s unfortunate about some of that is it was underneath a temporary FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approval. If the (Biden) administration lets that temporary FDA approval go, then all of that equipment is, you know, for naught. But we don’t see anything on the horizon where the FDA is going to let what they call the emergency-use authority go. So as long as that emergency-use authority stays intact, we’ll be OK to respond to the next pandemic.

Q: Have you decided how long you can keep running the agency?GUTHRIE: I told my staff that right now I’m guaranteed two years and six months with the (DeSantis) administration. I like to think that the job that Kevin Guthrie is doing with the Division of Emergency Management is good and I’ll be looked at by the next administration on my own merits.

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TALLAHASSEE — Floridians received a second reminder Thursday to brace for a busy 2024 hurricane season, as Colorado State University researchers issued a forecast pointing to warm Atlantic Ocean water that fuels storms.

Philip Klotzbach, a senior research scientist in the university’s Department of Atmospheric Science, said the forecast for a “very, very busy hurricane season” is based on expected La Niña conditions in the summer, resulting in hurricane-favorable wind shear conditions and warm water.

“Pretty much the entire Atlantic is very warm right now,” Klotzbach said during an appearance at the National Tropical Weather Conference in South Padre Island, Texas.

“If you look at the current sea-surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic, and you say, ‘OK, we’re going to warm at the slowest rate that we’ve warmed between now and the peak of the season,’ you’re still talking water temperatures that are like top-five warm,” Klotzbach said. “So, unfortunately, I think there’s at least a little bit of, somewhat, the die is cast for 2024.”

The university projected 23 named storms and 11 hurricanes, with five reaching major hurricane status. Klotzbach said that while not perfect, the estimates represent the highest April forecast numbers the university has produced.

By comparison, the Atlantic season from 1991 to 2020 averaged 14.4 storms a year, with an average of 7.2 reaching hurricane strength.

The 2023 season was the fourth most active on record with 20 named storms, of which seven reached hurricane strength and three were major storms. The hurricane season starts June 1 and lasts through Nov. 30.

“It’s always the caveat that we say with all of our forecasts that they are certainly not perfect,” Klotzbach said. “It only takes that one hurricane near you to make it a busy season.”

The forecast doesn’t include projected storm paths. But Klotzbach said models anticipate a well-above-average probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the U.S. coastline and in the Caribbean. The La Niña phenomenon elevates conditions for storms coming off Africa and crossing the Atlantic.

Klotzbach said the forecast will be better defined as the season gets underway, comparing the numbers released Thursday to a “10-day weather forecast as opposed to the forecast for today.”

Last week, the private meteorology company AccuWeather also projected a “turbulent” season in the tropics. It said the first storm could occur before June 1 and that the overall number could exceed a list of names.

“The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is forecast to feature well above the historical average number of tropical storms, hurricanes, major hurricanes and direct U.S. impacts,” AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Forecaster Alex DaSilva said.

The World Meteorological Organization maintains lists of 21 names used annually for Atlantic storms.

“Sea-surface temperatures are well above historical average across much of the Atlantic basin, especially across the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean and the main development region (for hurricanes),” DaSilva said.

DaSilva noted the Atlantic temperatures in March were at or warmer than before the active 2005 and 2020 hurricane seasons.

Four named storms in 2023 had direct impacts on the U.S., including Hurricane Idalia, which made landfall as a Category 3 storm in late August in Florida’s Big Bend region. Florida in recent years also has seen massive damage from Hurricane Ian, Hurricane Michael and Hurricane Irma.

During an appearance Thursday in Davie, Gov. Ron DeSantis said the state prepares for hurricane season regardless of the forecast. He also praised storm-preparation efforts, including better construction to withstand storm winds.

“I don’t want to see a hurricane, you know, come in this area (Southeast Florida),” DeSantis said. “But this area is much better prepared now than it was 30 years ago. You saw it in Southwest Florida with a lot of those structures (with Hurricane Ian in 2022) where you had very modest and even no damage to a lot of the newer construction.”

The Legislature last month approved a tax package (HB 7073) that includes two sales-tax “holidays.” During those periods, people will be able to avoid paying taxes on disaster-preparedness supplies ranging from batteries to portable generators.

The first 14-day holiday will coincide with the start of hurricane season, and the second holiday is set for Aug. 24 through Sept. 6, just ahead of the historic peak of the season.

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Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) Storm Center | By Riley Hazel

The countdown to hurricane season has begun, and Florida emergency management offices are sharing their safety tips to empower residents to act ahead of potential storms.

Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, but tropical cyclone activity can sometimes occur before and after these dates.

Leon County Director of Community Relations and Resilience Mathieu Cavell and Seminole County Emergency Management Division Manager Steven Lerner share that it is never too early to prepare for a hurricane. To avoid rushing through potentially life-saving preparations, take the necessary precautions a few months out to ensure a smooth transition into hurricane season.

“This hurricane season is expected to be one of particular concern because of how warm the waters are so early in the calendar year,” Lerner said. “We want residents in Florida to get prepared as soon as possible. Step number one is to make a plan.”

Preparing your homeFor homeowners, a crucial step to preparing your home for hurricane season is to review your insurance policy and how it applies to your property. Consider how much it covers and if you should make any modifications.

“Now is the time to be able to ask questions because you will not be able to change your insurance policy when you are in a five-day error code of an approaching hurricane,” Cavell said.

In the event of an approaching storm, having a checklist detailing preparations to make, like removing patio furniture and securing windows and other loose items, can significantly enhance your readiness and safety.

Cavell also recommends considering when you would evacuate your home during a storm and where your family will take shelter. Do not forget to consider any animals in your plans.

“If an individual lives in a mobile or manufactured home or an area that has flooded previously, they should highly consider evacuation as the best form of getting out of the elements,” Lerner said.

Building an emergency kitCreating an emergency kit is an essential step in any storm preparation. Make sure you have all of the materials, supplies and information if you were to evacuate.

A good rule to follow is to have a two-week supply of medications, food and water in your kit. Keep in mind that you may be asked to leave your shelter with little notice. Pack your kit ahead of time to avoid any confusion and stress.

What to put in an emergency kit:

Water
Non-perishable food and easy-to-prepare items
NOAA Weather Radio
Extra batteries
First aid kit
Medications
Sanitation supplies
Copies of personal documents (medical information and medications, proof of address, passports, deed/lease to home, birth certificates, insurance policies, emergency contact information)
Extra cash
Extra fuel for generator or car
Blanket

Depending on your family’s needs, your kit may look different than others. Consider everyone who may shelter with you and their needs.

Where to look for local updates“Often some of the biggest mistakes folks make is not knowing where to get the best and most current, accurate emergency information in their community,” Cavell said. “It is one thing to be able to watch national news and see an approaching storm…but it might not be this specific community-driven information.”

Sate-wide radio and your local public radio station are reliable sources of information to get timely and accurate updates.

Being familiar with your county’s emergency management office can help you locate sandbags, evacuation routes and emergency shelters. The Florida Division of Emergency Management shares information on applying for housing assistance, disaster preparedness and other state-wide resources for Florida residents.

Special Needs sheltersDuring a severe weather event, needs can vary from individual to individual based on their medical status. Florida maintains a special needs registry at a local and state level.

“Every need is special, but special needs are specifically defined as having a medical need for care that requires electricity for a long period of time,” Cavell said.

Your county emergency management can direct you to the appropriate resources for your family.

Helping your community recover“After a hurricane, some of the best and easiest things that you can do is stay off the road and allow folks the opportunity to clear those roadways to make sure that they are safe for everyone,” Cavell said. “As trees go down, they untangle live power lines. If you can just stay at home and keep your family safe and entertained to an extent, then you are better off for it.”

Many hurricane-related injuries come after the storm when people begin to clean up when it is not safe to do so, according to Lerner. Only when the area is said to be clear of debris and water is it safe to exit your shelter.

If you feel compelled to help after your community is cleared of any hazards, volunteering with a nonprofit is one way to provide disaster relief. Affiliating yourself with a nonprofit now allows time for the organization to go through the necessary registration and training process.

Volunteer Florida, the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army are all organizations that can connect you to local chapters in need of helping hands. In addition to working with nonprofits, vulnerable populations like seniors in your neighborhood may need help.

Follow Florida Public Radio Emergency Network on Twitter and Facebook for the latest updates, advisories and critical information this hurricane season. The Florida Storms app is available for download on the App Store and Google Play.

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The National Flood Insurance Program has paid out $364 million to cover damage to homes and businesses from Hurricane Idalia, which made landfall Aug. 30 in the Keaton Beach area of Taylor County before crossing parts of rural North Florida, according to information released Tuesday by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The program received 5,210 Idalia claims, with 98 percent closed. Flood insurance typically is separate from other types of coverage.

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has not posted overall Idalia claims data on its website since Nov. 16.

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A home-hardening grant program designed to help reduce property-insurance costs could get another $200 million from the state.

But a bill (SB 7028), which got final approval Thursday from the Senate, would prohibit the state Department of Financial Services from accepting applications or creating a waiting list for the My Safe Florida Home Program when the money runs out.

The department administers the program.

The bill is ready to go to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The program offers up to $10,000 in grants to help residents upgrade homes and qualify for property-insurance discounts.

During a November special legislative session, lawmakers approved $176.17 million for the program, with the money expected to cover more than 17,600 already-submitted applications to the program.

That came on top of $215 million for grants after the program was relaunched in 2022 as lawmakers addressed the state’s property-insurance problems.

The program was initially created in 2006 but later became dormant.

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by Tom Scherberger, Florida Trident – March 7, 2024As Hurricane Ian began its destructive tear through Southwest Florida to the Atlantic coast, Casey DeSantis issued a call for donations to the Florida Disaster Fund.

“I am pleased to announce that Volunteer Florida has activated the Florida Disaster Fund (FDF) so that people can donate directly to those affected by Hurricane Ian,” the wife of Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a September 28 press release.

Contributions soon poured in. Volunteer Florida, the state’s official private emergency fund, would raise a total of $63 million – nearly eight times the money raised after Hurricane Irma swept through the Florida peninsula in 2017.

Some of the biggest corporations in the state donated big bucks, including $5 million from Charles Schwab and $1 million each from Publix, Amazon, Florida Blue and HCA.

Casey DeSantis kicked off the fundraising efforts. (Via Facebook)But where has that money gone? An investigation by the Florida Trident found that a once-rigorous competitive grant system, requiring proof of how donations are spent, was scrapped. Instead, the fund in those early months handed out millions of dollars in “expedited” grants to organizations with no explicit training or experience in emergency disaster relief – but with political ties to DeSantis.

One example is the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA), which received $3 million, the third largest single Florida Disaster Fund grant. The money went to the association’s Education Foundation, which has a stated purpose of supporting “sound educational experiences in preparation for dynamic and rewarding hospitality careers.”

After Hurricane Ian, the FRLA created its own makeshift disaster relief fund to help the hospitality industry recover through grants that required just one-third of the money went directly to employees. It’s unclear whether the Florida Disaster Fund grant was connected to this effort.

Politically, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association has openly expressed support for DeSantis and its PAC donates almost exclusively to Republican-oriented political groups. In 2022, the lodging and tourism businesses contributed $10 million to DeSantis, making it the second-most supportive industry for the governor, according to OpenSecrets, a non-profit group that tracks campaign money.

The Educational Foundation of The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association did not respond to multiple requests for comment from the Florida Trident.

The FRLA payout is one of several opaque disbursals in a process that critics say has been irregular from the start. The state agency that manages the fund, Volunteer Florida, has traditionally used a competitive grant-making process to allot the money, with much of it going to local disaster relief organizations called long-term recovery groups (LTRGs). Traditionally, applicants were required to detail their projects and recipients provided documentation about how the state-directed money was spent.

But Volunteer Florida skipped the traditional grant-making process for Ian, according to a LTRG leader who spoke anonymously for fear of retribution. LTGRs were in fact left in the dark for months with little guidance on how to apply for grants, this official said.

Several months after Ian hit, local groups were sent an online survey in order to receive funding, and eventually 17 LTRGs across the state were awarded a spare $100,000 apiece. Soon after the Trident began questioning Volunteer Florida about the alleged neglect of LTRGs last August, an additional $2.3 million in belated payments was made to the long-term groups.

Volunteer Florida’s website includes a list of groups that received money and how much they received, but how the money was spent is explained only through some brief narrative accounts with little to no detail.

“There is no financial accountability and I’m not sure it’s not by design,” said the LTRG official. No detail is provided for how recipients spent the money, said the official, “other than what they said they did.” In contrast, grant-making organizations like the Red Cross require detailed reports, including receipts documenting every cent.

Volunteer Florida external affairs director Brittany Dover conceded that the previous bidding process, which was intended to make sure the donations went to the most worthy recipients, was abandoned for Hurricane Ian. Volunteer Florida chose instead to award “expedited” grants, she said, “in order to get much needed resources on the ground as quickly as possible.”

Volunteer Florida said it made 84% of its awards within the first six months after Ian, according to the Fort Myers News-Press. “Repeated requests … for more details on how grants were awarded went unanswered by Volunteer Florida,” the newspaper reported.

Such an opaque process undermines the organization’s credibility, one watchdog says.

“You want government agencies to have transparent processes to disburse money,” said Ben Wilcox, research director for Integrity Florida, a Tallahassee nonpartisan research institute and government watchdog. “The problem is when it’s not transparent and people can raise questions about things like favoritism in the process. It makes people lose trust in the process. Transparency has not been a real strong suit of the DeSantis administration.”

‘With a little help from our friends’

Initially receiving nearly as much as all long-term recovery groups combined were police organizations, all of which have endorsed Gov. DeSantis. The Florida Sheriffs Association along with charitable arms of both the Florida Police Benevolent Association and the Florida State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police each received $500,000, totaling $1.5 million.

The Florida Police Benevolent Association endorsed DeSantis for president, and previously endorsed his gubernatorial reelection. The state Fraternal Order of Police also endorsed DeSantis’ reelection, a reflection of the long term close relationship between the two. Neither the Florida Police Benevolent Association nor the Florida State Lodge FOP responded to requests for comment.

The FOP backed DeSantis around the state. (Via Facebook)The Florida Sheriffs Association stands out for its particularly cozy relations with DeSantis, even though, as a 501(c)(3), it cannot participate in political activity or endorsements, a fact stated plainly on its own website.

Earlier this year, DeSantis delivered friendly remarks at a Florida Sheriffs Association conference in which he offered effusive praise and specifically boasted about how Florida Disaster Fund money was given to the association. According to a 2022 issue of the sheriffs association’s magazine, the funds were distributed to sheriff’s office employees.

“Our most recent challenge occurred on the southwest coast with the deadly and highly destructive Hurricane Ian,” Steve Casey, executive director of the Florida Sheriffs Association, wrote in the magazine. “And once again, the sheriffs delivered – with a little help from our friends.”

“You had all these folks – Coast Guard, state law enforcement, local law enforcement – out there helping,” DeSantis said during the conference. “But what we also understood was, ‘Yeah, that’s your job, but you were not necessarily immune from the effects from the hurricane.’

Logan Lewkow, director of communications for the Florida Sheriffs Association, said the Florida Disaster Fund donation helped “bridge the financial gap of impacted sheriffs’ office personnel who had major or complete devastation to their homes.” Lewkow said his organization was able to cut checks to employees within two weeks of the storm’s landfall.

The single largest disbursement, $23.4 million, went to the Florida Division of Emergency Management to fund the Sheltering in Home for Recovery Continuation (SHRC) program, run by the Florida Housing Coalition. In December the emergency management division reported its 500th home repaired after Hurricane Ian.

Hurricane relief dollars go for “spiritual transformation”

Another important part of DeSantis’ political base are evangelical Christians – and they got their share of hurricane recovery funding too.

The second highest FDF grant, $4 million, was paid to a faith-based non-profit organization, the Impact Foundation, founded by Jeff Johns, a former National Christian Foundation executive. The Impact Foundation engages in “faith driven impact investing” to create “economic, social and spiritual transformation,” according to the foundation’s website.

Detailed information about the Impact Foundation isn’t easy to come by and emails to the organization did not receive a response. According to an internal Volunteer Florida email, the money given to the Impact Foundation was used to support small business rebuilding. It’s not clear whether the organization has a history of post-disaster recovery work, and the email did not provide details about how the money was spent.

TheTrident sent Volunteer Florida multiple requests for detailed information about the post-Ian grant process, grantees and timing of grants. The organization responded with a link to a list of grantees and little additional information.

Hurricane Ian was a Category 5 storm that struck southwest Florida on Sept. 28, 2022, with 150 mph winds and 18 feet of storm surge, one of the deadliest and costliest hurricanes in Florida history. A year later, the Fort Myers News-Press reported, “hundreds, if not thousands, still find themselves displaced from the storm or living in hurricane-damaged houses.”

It’s understandable the state wanted to get money out the door as quickly as possible, said the LTRG official, but with tens of millions of dollars donated, it’s vital to show exactly how the money was spent and whether it funded the neediest.

“You could probably peel back the onion for years,” the official said, “and not get the full picture.”

This article first appeared on Florida Trident and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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St Petersburg has recently received $600,000 from the state of Florida to help homeowners impacted by Hurricane Idalia. According to an email from the City of St. Petersburg, to be eligible for funding, applicants must have been impacted by Hurricane Idalia. Also, the applicant’s income is limited to 30%, 50%, 80% and 120% Area Median Income (AMI).

According to the city, these funds may be used for:

Rehabilitation, new construction, or any other eligible activities as provided under Florida Statutes or as authorized by the city. Assistance will only be provided for repairs not covered by insurance or other disaster programs;
Purchase of emergency supplies for eligible households to weatherproof damaged homes;
Interim repairs to avoid further damage; tree and debris removal required to make the individual housing unit habitable;
Payment of insurance deductibles for rehabilitation of homes covered under homeowners’ insurance policies;
Rental and utility assistance for eligible applicants; and
Mortgage and utility assistance for eligible applicants.

More information and the application is at www.stpete.org/homerepair.

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State regulators Tuesday approved a plan by Duke Energy Florida that includes collecting $91.9 million from customers in 2024 to cover costs related to Hurricane Idalia.

The plan, approved unanimously by the Florida Public Service Commission, will take effect in January.

To help cushion the blow to customers’ monthly bills, Duke also will spread out costs that it already is collecting for a series of earlier storms, such as Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole.

In all, Duke is expected to collect $166.1 million in storm-related costs from customers in 2024.

The Public Service Commission has long allowed utilities to recoup storm-restoration costs from customers, and the issue was anticipated in a 2021 Duke rate settlement.

The Category 3 Idalia made landfall Aug. 30 in the Keaton Beach area of Taylor County before crossing a largely rural region of North Florida.

It had traveled north through the Gulf of Mexico, causing damage in some coastal communities.

“Hurricane Idalia impacted more than 200,000 customers in DEF’s (Duke Energy Florida’s) service territory,” the utility said in an October filing at the Public Service Commission. “More than 5,000 line workers, tree professionals, damage assessors and support personnel were staged strategically throughout the state to respond and restore power to customers and communities as quickly and safely as possible.”

Duke in April began recovering what is expected to be $431.4 million for storm-related costs from hurricanes Ian, Nicole, Elsa, Eta and Isaias and Tropical Storm Fred.

Those costs were slated to be recovered over a year-long period through March 2024. But as part of the plan approved Tuesday, the remaining costs from those storms will be spread throughout 2024, rather than collected only during the first three months.

While Duke customers will face the Idalia costs, the utility said customers’ total monthly bills to decrease in 2024.

In addition to spreading out the earlier storm-related costs, the reduction would stem from issues such as lower fuel costs.

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Floridians need to continue to combat mosquito-borne illnesses as rain from Hurricane Idalia has increased breeding grounds for the insects.

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Hurricane Ian’s impact A new report shows the disproportionate impact Hurricane Ian had on Florida’s rural agricultural areas. Idalia insurance claims Estimated insured losses from Hurricane Idalia topped $156 million Sunday based on 17,472 claims, as the total continued to steadily climb. Governor and Cabinet Governor Ron DeSantis and the Cabinet will meet... Read more »

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Listen: A new report shows the disproportionate impact Hurricane Ian had on Florida’s rural agricultural areas. Florida’s rural counties are home to 6 percent of the state’s population, which is 1.3 million residents. And after Hurricane Ian brought unprecedented damage to Florida last year, rural Florida counties that rely on agriculture suffered. A new report... Read more »

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Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FSRN) Storm Center | By Riley Hazel

In a typical Atlantic Ocean hurricane season, from late August to mid-September is the busiest time for tropical storms and hurricanes. This season is no different.

Historically, more than 85 percent of all major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 and 5) form after August 20, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Tropical storm Harold developed in the western Gulf of Mexico on August 22, as the fourth Atlantic named storm to form within 39 hours. This is the fastest time on record for four Atlantic storms to form, breaking an 1893 record.

This season’s third hurricane, Idalia, made landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida last week as a high-end Category 3 and descended on the Carolinas as a tropical storm, leaving behind flooding, wind damage and dangerous rip currents.

Thirteen tropical cyclones, with four being hurricanes, have been named so far. The average season has 14 named storms, seven becoming hurricanes and four major hurricanes.

Moving forwardNOAA’s weather outlook from August predicted an “above normal” level of activity.

“The main climate factors expected to influence the 2023 Atlantic hurricane activity are the ongoing El Niño and the warm phase of the Atlantic Multi-Decadal Oscillation, including record-warm Atlantic sea surface temperatures,” Matthew Rosencrans, lead hurricane season forecaster with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center said in August. “Considering those factors, the updated outlook calls for more activity, so we urge everyone to prepare now for the continuing season.”

As of this afternoon, Hurricane Lee is about 565 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands, moving west-northwest at 13 mph. Models predict Lee will curve northward, remaining over the open Atlantic, but there is always a possibility for slight changes in the track.

The National Hurricane Center says Lee is expected to remain a powerful hurricane through early next week. Lee is a Category 4 hurricane as of 11 a.m., but fluctuations in intensity are likely over the next few days.

Lee’s wind speeds doubled in 24 hours, peaking at 165 mph last night. It is too soon to know what impacts will be felt in the U.S. Lee is expected to slow down over the southwestern Atlantic.

East of Lee, Tropical Storm Margot formed in the North Atlantic Ocean on Thursday, currently posing no threat to land. Margo is forecasted to reach hurricane strength by the weekend. Sustained winds have reached 40 mph.

Tropical storms with sustained winds of 39 mph receive a name. When winds reach 74 mph, it is considered a hurricane. At 111 mph, disturbances become a major hurricane.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, so there is room for more storms to form. Stay plugged in this season with the latest updates from Florida Storms app.

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https://wmnf.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/The_Scoop_230907.mp3Lakewood Ranch legal battleA couple is fighting a plan for thousands of new homes to be built as part of an expansion of Lakewood Ranch near their rural neighborhood in Sarasota County. They have taken legal action and are awaiting a decision from the courts.

Hurricane LeeHurricane Lee is whirling through open waters as forecasters warn it could develop into an “extremely dangerous” major hurricane by early tomorrow and become the first Category 5 hurricane of the Atlantic season. Lee’s projected path takes it near the northeast Caribbean, not making landfall.

U.S. Open players battle heatThe heat and humidity are so bad in New York this week that a tennis pro warned that a player could die during the U.S. Open tournament. The tournament continues today.

Abortion decriminalizedMexico’s Supreme Court has thrown out all federal criminal penalties for abortion. The high court ordered that abortion be removed from the federal penal code as that violates women’s rights. The federal public health service and all federal health institutions must offer abortion to anyone who requests it.

New Rolling Stones albumThe Rolling Stones are back! The band is releasing “Hackney Diamonds” on October 20th, its first album of new songs in 18 years. The record features guest appearances from Lady Gaga, Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder. It also features Charlie Watts, the stalwart Stones drummer of almost six decades.

Freddie Mercury’s auctionThe interest in a Sotheby’s auction of Freddie Mercury’s personal belongings is so intense that even the “cheap” stuff is selling for much more than estimated. The snake bangle Mercury wore in the Bohemian Rhapsody video marks a new record for the highest price paid for a piece of jewelry owned by a rock star.

Information from the Florida Public Media, News Service of Florida, and Associated Press was used in this report.

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As claims continue to be filed, estimated insured losses from Hurricane Idalia reached $97.7 million on Tuesday, according to data posted on the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation website.

The data was based on 12,308 claims reported by insurers.

The largest number of claims, 8,533, involved residential property, while other types included such things as auto damage.

The data said 531 claims had been closed with payments, while 632 had been closed without payments.

The Category 3 Idalia made landfall Wednesday in the Keaton Beach area of Taylor County before crossing parts of North Florida into Georgia.

Citizens Property Insurance adds more policiesMeanwhile, the state’s Citizens Property Insurance Corp. added more than 9,000 policies last week as it moves closer to 1.4 million total policies.

Citizens had 1,379,289 policies as of Friday, up from 1,370,175 policies a week earlier and 1,371,324 policies two weeks earlier.

Citizens, which was created as an insurer of last resort, has seen a flood of new customers over the past three years as private insurers have shed policies and raised rates because of financial problems.

For example, Citizens had 499,056 policies on Aug. 31, 2020; 687,079 policies on Aug. 31, 2021; and 1,026,829 policies on Aug. 31, 2022, according to its website.

Proposals allow private insurers to assume policies from CitizensBut insurance regulators this year have approved a series of proposals to allow private insurers to assume policies from Citizens.

That included Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky signing orders Friday that would allow seven insurers to assume as many as 202,000 policies from Citizens in November.

State leaders have long sought to move policies from Citizens into the private market, at least in part because of financial risks if Florida gets hit by a major hurricane or multiple hurricanes.

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https://wmnf.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/The_Scoop_230905.mp3Congressional redistrictingA state judge struck down North Florida’s congressional districts Saturday, rebuffing Gov. Ron DeSantis’ attempts to defy anti-gerrymandering protections. DeSantis had put the state’s Fair Districts Amendment up against the U.S. Constitution, openly arguing mandatory protections for black voters violated the Equal Protection Clause.

Disney’s retaliation lawsuitWalt Disney Parks and Resorts moved to narrow a federal lawsuit that alleges state officials retaliated against the company due to its opposition to a 2022 law that restricted instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity in schools.

Neo-Nazi and white supremacySeveral neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups held two separate demonstrations in Orlando over Labor Day weekend. The Goy-im Defense League, Blood Tribe, and The Order of the Black Sun gathered in Altamonte Springs outside Walt Disney World on Saturday for an event dubbed by organizers as “The March of the Red Shirts”. The group flew several swastika flags and a “Ron DeSantis 2024” flag.

January 6th sentencingFormer Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio will be sentenced today after being found guilty of seditious conspiracy in the attempted coup on The Capitol on January 6th. He and one of his co-defendants, Joseph Biggs of Ormond Beach, would be, by far, the longest sentences handed down in the massive prosecution of the insurrection.

Idalia recoveryRecovery is still a long way off for many of the residents impacted by Hurricane Idalia. The storm made landfall Wednesday as a Category 3 at Keaton Beach.

FEMA assistanceResidents of Pinellas County along with 13 other Florida counties impacted by Hurricane Idalia can now apply for FEMA assistance under the Major Disaster Declaration. Affected residents can go to fema.gov/disaster for information on how to apply for benefits.

Lake Wales homicideIn Lake Wales, a homicide investigation is underway involving a father who killed his 16-year-old son. In a press conference yesterday, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said Stephen Rodda admitted killing his son with an angle grinder.

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By Jim Turner ©2023 The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — Search-and-rescue efforts have narrowed to three counties hit hard by the Category 3 Hurricane Idalia, while Gov. Ron DeSantis wants the federal government to expand a disaster declaration. DeSantis and state Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie said Friday they plan to ask the White... Read more »

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Idalia leaves some uncertain The greater Tampa Bay region grappled with flooding and exceptionally high tides Wednesday afternoon, hours after Hurricane Idalia passed through. Some residents left their homes to stroll along downtown’s partially-flooded Riverwalk. One woman and her husband fared well in their downtown apartment, but the fate of their second home in Cedar... Read more »

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Listen:https://wmnf.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NEWS_PinellasRecoveryweb.mp3Pinellas County was spared a direct hit from Hurricane Idalia, but felt its effects. The county assessed damage from the hurricane the morning after.

Cathie Perkins is the Director for Pinellas County Emergency Management.

“For the majority of our folks that live inland, this was a bit of a rain and a little bit of a wind event, maybe some folks lost power. But unfortunately, for quite a few residents on our coastline areas, barrier islands, they returned home to find damages in their homes from flooding, and some people are still having water in their neighborhoods this morning.”

Perkins says there are teams surveying the damage. At the peak of the evacuation, there were 1700 people occupying 10 risk shelters across Pinellas County. As of Thursday morning, 2600 homes were still without power.

She encourages residents with damage to file an insurance claim as soon as possible. You can get more information at pinellas.gov/flood-insurance.

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https://wmnf.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/The_Scoop_230831.mp3Idalia’s wakeAssessment and cleanup are continuing today in north Florida and across the Bay area following Hurricane Idalia. Hours after Idalia struck Florida’s Big Bend area yesterday, Governor Ron DeSantis suggested that residents would shoot people who were looting in the town of Steinhatchee, as he has after some previous emergencies.

Flooding, deaths, and outagesWater levels on the Steinhatchee River rose more than 9 feet in about two hours and a bridge leading into Steinhatchee was not passable. State Road 24 leading into Cedar Key in Levy County was also inaccessible yesterday afternoon. Over 150,000 Floridians are still without power. At least 3 weather-related deaths have been reported.

Linking gun access to hate crimeA gun safety group is making the link between easy access to guns in the U.S. and violent hate crimes. GIFFORDS research director Kelly Drane spoke with Sean Kinane this week on WMNF’s Tuesday Café about the link between violent hate crimes and America’s easy access to firearms.

Medicaid eligibility mandateThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services sent a letter to all 50 states and U.S. territories with a specific mandate: Identify and fix systemic problems for determining Medicaid eligibility, especially for children.

Students rally for gun lawsA crowd of about 600 students and gun safety advocates rallied last night for stricter state gun laws in North Carolina after a school shooting that left one faculty member dead and terrorized students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Students were urged to take their pain to the ballot box.

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Hours after Hurricane Idalia hit, Gov. Ron DeSantis went to rural Taylor County, where downed trees and some power lines littered the roads.

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Idalila formed into a hurricane and is expected to make landfall in Florida north of the Tampa Bay area as a Category 3 hurricane.

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If your business needs resources; loans, networking, and collaboration with other businesses you should be there at the CEO Experience events.

CEO Experience event has keynote speakers from the business community local and state.

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Gulf Coast hurricane watch Hurricane and storm surge watches are in effect for our area as the center of the track of Idalia places it west of Tampa Bay as a Category 3 major hurricane early Wednesday morning before it makes landfall north of us later that day. The most likely area for landfall is... Read more »

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The National Hurricane Center is now forecasting Idalia to be a major category 3 hurricane at landfall early Wednesday.

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Tropical Depression Ten has now intensified into Tropical Storm Idalia. The NHC is forecasting landfall in Florida as a Category 1 hurricane.

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Saturday marks the start of Florida’s second Disaster Preparedness Tax Holiday. It runs through Friday, Sept. 8.

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A tropical weather system may evolve and push into the northwest Caribbean this weekend, then possibly the Gulf next week.

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Local mayors join voices The mayors of Tampa, Plant City, and Temple Terrace joined Friday for a panel in Tampa looking for less intrusion on certain local issues from state lawmakers. Hurricane season 2 disturbances and 3 tropical storms have formed in the tropics and Atlantic and some will likely become hurricanes soon. ... Read more »

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Tropical Storm Emily was born Sunday morning, followed by Franklin, then Gert was named just after midnight.

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Two tropical waves in the Atlantic have become more organized. They have a moderate chance to develop in the next several days.

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Historically, 90% of all hurricanes and 95% of all major hurricanes happen after August 1 until the season officially closes out on Nov. 30.

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Big Gay Book Party in St. Pete With anxieties around book bans and classroom instruction at an all-time high, a St. Petersburg book store held a Big Gay Book Party last Saturday to showcase local LGBTQ authors and offer them a safe space to share their works. Andi Pignato, the marketing director for Book and... Read more »

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Researchers at Colorado State University now call for an above-average forecast for tropical cyclone season.

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Tropical Storm Bret strengthened overnight with sustained winds of 70 MPH.

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Last Thursday night, St. Petersburg Fire Rescue hosted a Hurricane Preparedness Expo to kick off this year’s Atlantic Hurricane Season. Residents picked up supplies and learned more about how they can be ready for worst-case scenario.

With clouds already looming overhead on Day 1 of the Hurricane season, residents lined up in their cars to get free supplies to protect against possible flooding in the coming months. Becca Gephart is with City of St. Pete Stormwater. She was helping a team load hundreds of free sandbags into vehicles.

“We also hand out empty sandbags for those that have some stuff going on. You know we just had a moped come through.”

Most residents of the low-income neighborhood in South St. Petersburg were glad to have access to these resources at their local recreation center. After devastating hurricanes rocked our region in recent years, St. Petersburg Emergency Manager Amber Boulding said their community partners want to make sure residents are properly equipped.

“How to build a plan, how to make sure that you have somewhere to go, who to talk to, other support for social services. We’re trying to get that in a one stop shop for folks to include sandbags!”

Hurricane prep is especially hard for people with low incomes, or fewer resources. Jessica Starks is with 211, which links communities to various programs if they’re in financial crisis.

“And it can help with anything from food assistance, to housing to rent assistance, utilities. Anything that anybody could need for day to day living and necessities, we can assist them with.”

She said during a storm is when they start gearing up.

“Other places start shutting down, we start compiling all those extra resources that start getting put out on a temporary basis, from FEMA to state to you know, local, temporary things. We start compiling those; what’s available out there for the community. Our crisis line stays open, as long as it’s physically possible and feasible with the infrastructure to run to answer those and it would roll over to the backup centers if for some reason ours were to go down.”

Residents can text 211 for help with mental health too, or they can even text 911 in the case of an emergency. Emergency Management officials urge residents to hide from the wind, run from the water, and avoid storm surge at all costs by getting to higher ground in the event of a flood. More resources about your flood zone, things to keep in your hurricane kit, and more can be found on our website at WMNF.ORG and Stpete.org/hurricane.

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FPREN Storm Center | By Jeff George Published June 1, 2023 at 9:56 AM EDT

The 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season kicks off today with a tropical disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico that will continue to impact Florida into this weekend. The area of low pressure is becoming better organized and now has a 50% chance of tropical formation. Latest data indicates there may be just enough time and ingredients for the system to briefly turn into a depression by Friday, before conditions become unfavorable for further development. For now, latest models are keeping the disturbance offshore in the open waters until it dissipates this weekend.

Parts of the central and southern Florida Peninsula has been hit with rounds of flooding rains the past several days, and that system will continue to push waves of heavy showers over the same areas through Saturday. In addition to a flooding threat, Florida’s Gulf Coast along the Peninsula will likely experience gusty winds, rough surf, and an increased risk for high rip currents.

If necessary, an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft is scheduled to investigate the system later today. It would be named Arlene if development and organization continues.

With hurricane season officially underway, please continue preparing and always be ready to take action when necessary. Here are some great safety and prep resources.

https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/preparing-for-hurricane-season/

https://fpren.prod.npr.psdops.com/2023-05-02/hurricane-preparedness-week-underway-with-goal-to-prepare-floridians-before-season-starts

https://www.weather.gov/safety/hurricane

Know Your Zone, Know Your Home

The Florida Storms app is a one-stop shop for all of your hurricane preparation and safety needs along with helping you track everything going on in the tropics.

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A system in the Gulf of Mexico will bring periods of heavy rain and gusty winds to much of Florida in time for the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is closely monitoring a disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico that has a low chance of development over the next seven days. Analysis of the area being monitored Tuesday afternoon depicts an area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms associated with a mid- and upper-level trough in the area. A surface low pressure may develop as early as Tuesday night or Wednesday in the south-central or southeastern Gulf of Mexico, where sea surface temperatures are generally in the lower 80s. The NHC anticipates the environment will become only minimally favorable for tropical development, thus leading to the low chance designation in the latest Tropical Weather Outlook. Uncertainty does exist regarding potential development, but impacts to the Sunshine State are expected later this week and into the weekend.

Model guidance indicates the low pressure lingers over the Gulf of Mexico through Friday before eventually pushing eastward toward Florida by the upcoming weekend. Moisture will be pulled into the state through late week, resulting in more widespread shower and thunderstorm chances across the state. Rainfall totals could be heavy across portions of the state, especially areas in close proximity to the potential low pressure. The Panhandle and North Florida are likely to see an inch or two, with higher amounts possible across Central and South Florida. Specifics will come into view as the week goes on, but the potential for flash flooding is present across much of the Peninsula on Thursday as tropical moisture gets pulled into the state. Aside from the risk of heavy rains, wind gusts Saturday into Sunday could approach 30 or 40 miles per hour as of publishing Tuesday afternoon. Similar to the Memorial Day Weekend system, dangerous surf and an elevated rip current risk is possible into early next week as the system pulls away from Florida.

The official start of the Atlantic hurricane season begins Thursday, June 1. While this system may not develop into a named system over the next seven days, it is a reminder that hurricane season is around the corner. Residents are encouraged to use any tranquil stretches of weather to ensure hurricane preparedness work is completed before a tropical system is forecast to move ashore.

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LISTEN HERE:National Hurricane Center monitoring potential tropical developmentsThe National Hurricane Center forecasters are monitoring low pressure off the Southeast Coast for potential tropical developments. “Regardless if development, conditions over the peninsula will be unsettled today,” stated Florida Public Radio Emergency Network Meteorologist Megan Borowski. “The system should pull northward over the holiday weekend, and that conditions over our area will improve. Rough surf and rip currents could linger at Atlantic beaches.” Borowski added.

DeSantis’ signs off on breastfeeding billGov. Ron DeSantis signed a measure last week that would require courthouses to provide private, clean spaces for nursing mothers to pump or breastfeed. This is a part of Florida’s effort to help women in the legal system reports WMNF’s Chris Young.

DeSantis calls for judge overseeing Disney v DeSantis to be disqualified The judge overseeing Walt Disney Parks and Resorts’ lawsuit against Gov. Ron DeSantis and his appointees should not leave the case, Disney argued in a document filed yesterday. Attorneys for DeSantis and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District last week asked Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker to disqualify himself, pointing to comments he made in unrelated legal matters about the state retaliating against Disney. Lawyers for Disney argued yesterday that Walker’s remarks did not meet the high standards for a judge to be disqualified. Walker’s comments came as lawmakers last year moved to strip Disney of its special governing status through the former Reedy Creek Improvement District. Walker on Tuesday issued an order saying he would take no further action until he ruled on the motion for disqualification.

University of South Florida teams up with the Crisis Center of Tampa BayThe COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted many individual’s mental health. The University of South Florida is teaming up with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. In June, USF will offer free public courses covering behavioral health in the workplace as reported by Meghan Boweman

New law is disrupting trans adult’s healthcareA new law that criminalizes providing gender-affirming care to most children is disrupting access for trans adults. Some health centers say they are having to pause gender affirming treatments.

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ABC Action News meteorologist Denis Phillips was a guest on WMNF WaveMakers on Tuesday, May 9, to discuss Hurricane Ian, the upcoming hurricane season, climate change and how he developed his famous Rule No. 7.

Phillips said there is no doubt climate change is producing more intense storms like 2022’s Hurricane Ian, and that the concurrent sea level rise will likely mean more devastation from storm surge and flooding.

Phillips had advice for how to prepare for hurricanes and what to look for as storms threaten Florida. And that includes following his Rule No. 7: “Don’t freak out until I tell you to. We’re fine.”

Listen to the interview.

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TALLAHASSEE — In just under 13 minutes, the Florida Senate on Tuesday discussed and unanimously approved two bills that call for spending $1.25 billion on such things as assisting homeowners ravaged by Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole and giving discounts to toll-road drivers.

Sen. Lori Berman, D-Delray Beach, expressed concern that a bill (SB 6-A) to provide $500 million in tax dollars to cover lost revenue from providing credits to frequent toll-road users will benefit “maybe” 500,000 people.

“I wish we had also looked at the idea of just lowering tolls throughout the state for the benefit of everyone,” Berman said. “But I will support the bill today. But I think it’s an idea that we should consider if we find ourselves in a position where we are so lucky to have an extra half a billion dollars to be able to use.”

The other bill (SB 4-A) calls for spending $751 million, including providing property-tax refunds for homes that sustained major damage in Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole. Sponsor Travis Hutson, R-St. Augustine, vowed lawmakers in 2023 will consider further relief for areas outside of the counties that sustained the heaviest hurricane damage.

“If your local government is not in this bill today. There is still plenty of time later,” Hutson said. “Today is about triage and stabilization.”

The Senate votes came on the second day of a special legislative session that focuses heavily on issues in the property-insurance system.

The House is expected Wednesday to approve bills (HB 3A and HB 5A) aimed at helping hurricane victims and providing toll credits. Those bills are identical to the Senate versions.

Under Hutson’s bill, property-tax refunds would be available for homes that were left uninhabitable for at least 30 days after Ian and Nicole. Ian made landfall Sept. 28 in Southwest Florida as a Category 4 storm, while Nicole made landfall Nov. 10 near Vero Beach as a Category 1 storm.

In October, Gov. Ron DeSantis called for the tax break to be timed so residents who sustained damage in Ian can benefit from an earlier-approved tax change that will take effect Jan. 1.

Crafted as part of the response to last year’s fatal condominium collapse in Surfside, that tax change creates rebates when residential properties are rendered uninhabitable for 30 days or more by catastrophic events.

The property-tax refunds proposed in the new bill likely would most affect Lee County, where Ian made initial landfall. In addition, the bill includes such steps as delaying tax deadlines for property destroyed or rendered uninhabitable by the hurricanes and designating $350 million so the state Division of Emergency Management can provide a full match for Federal Emergency Management Agency public-assistance grants to local governments affected by the two hurricanes.

Another $150 million would go to the Florida Housing Finance Corp. Of that amount, $60 million would go to local governments to help storm-impacted residents with housing repairs and relocation costs and $90 million would go for a rental-recovery loan program.

Among other things, the bill would designate $100 million for beach-erosion projects, without the need for a local match from governments in Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Collier, Duval, Flagler, Indian River, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Nassau, Palm Beach, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sarasota and Volusia counties.

The measure also would create a direct-support organization within the Division of Emergency Management for disaster response, recovery and relief efforts.

The toll bill would expand on a current six-month program that DeSantis put in place. That program offers a 20 percent to 25 percent discount to SunPass and other Florida transponder accounts that surpass 40 toll transactions a month.

Senate Transportation Chairman Nick DiCeglie, an Indian Rocks Beach Republican who is sponsoring the measure, said Tuesday he couldn’t give an estimate on the number of motorists who could benefit from the credits.

Under the bill, a discount of 50 percent would be in effect for a full year starting Jan. 1. The discount would be offered to motorists who record 35 or more transactions a month.

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Hurricane Nicole made landfall early Thursday south of Vero Beach and started traveling up the state as a tropical storm.

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Tropical Storm Nicole is expected to strengthen to a hurricane as it approaches Florida and crosses the state toward the Tampa Bay area.

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Red Tide is still being reported in Sarasota County. The Florida Department of Health issued a public notice to caution guests about red tide.

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Red tide has been identified off Southwest Florida’s coastline. Researchers want to know how Hurricane Ian muddled the Gulf of Mexico.

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More than 700,000 Florida households have applied for individual federal assistance after Hurricane Ian and 130,000 are expected to apply.

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We talked with our cohost, Samar Jarrah. This week we talked about Hurricane Ian and what she went through during the storm.

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Medical examiners have confirmed 114 deaths in Florida from Hurricane Ian, with nearly half of them in Lee County.

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Monopolistic electric utilities in Florida have been caught cheating, scamming, and funding ghost candidates in our elections to maintain their outsize influence in State politics and keep their profits soaring.

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More than 1 million voters in 3 Southwest Florida counties slammed by Hurricane Ian will have more options to cast ballots in the election.

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Registered nurse Cynthia Butler of Port Charlotte shares the impact of Hurricane Ian on her hospital and hopes for its recovery.

The post Florida nurse reflects on impact of Hurricane Ian, hospital recovery appeared first on WMNF.

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Hurricane Ian caused a lot of tree damage. Here are tips to help differentiate an expert tree service from an incompetent one.

The post Tips for hiring an arborist for Hurricane Ian damage appeared first on WMNF.

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Mutual Aid Disaster Relief talked with WMNF about humanitarian relief and solidarity in Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.

The post Mutual Aid Disaster Relief helps Florida victims of Hurricane Ian by “sharing power with each other” appeared first on WMNF.

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Hillsborough County Solid Waste Services is providing information for residents and business owners who are cleaning up after Hurricane Ian.

The post Cleaning up debris after Hurricane Ian – details for Hillsborough County appeared first on WMNF.

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Most Florida school districts that closed last week because of Hurricane Ian had reopened campuses by Monday.

The post Most Florida schools open again after Hurricane Ian appeared first on WMNF.

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In Hardee County, Hurricane Ian claimed two lives. Many Hardee communities are flooded and more than 99% were without power Friday morning.

The post Hurricane Ian causes two deaths in Hardee County appeared first on WMNF.

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A major-disaster declaration from President Joe Biden for Hurricane Ian recovery will be expanded to more areas in Florida.

The post Disaster aid to Florida will expand in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian appeared first on WMNF.

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On Monday, St Petersburg will start collecting tree and plant debris from residential homes because of hurricane Ian.

The post Here’s how to get your Hurricane Ian debris picked up in St. Pete appeared first on WMNF.

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On land, the “eye” of a hurricane is the calmest part of the storm and is mostly clear of clouds, wind, and rain. Although the “eye of the storm” is relatively calm, it is “The EyeWall” that is the most devastating part of the hurricane, particularly the upper right hand quadrant due to the counterclockwise rotation of the wind. It is easy for those in the... Read more »

The post “In The Eye Of The Storm” on Morning Energy appeared first on WMNF.

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Outgoing State Sen. Jeff Brandes thinks Hurricane Ian will shake the already-fragile property insurance market in Florida.

The post After Hurricane Ian: Florida’s insurance system is in the crosshairs appeared first on WMNF.

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Hurricane Ian struck Southwest Florida around 3:05 p.m. Wednesday near Cayo Coasta as a Category 4 hurricane with winds of 150 mph.

The post Hurricane Ian slams into Florida as a major Category 4 storm; here’s what you need to know appeared first on WMNF.

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Hurricane Ian is expected to affect the Tampa Bay area from Tuesday evening through at least Thursday night.

The post Have questions about Hurricane Ian? The latest from a Florida Public Radio Emergency Network meteorologist on WMNF’s Tuesday Café. appeared first on WMNF.

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Here's where you can fill sandbags before Tropical Storm Fred approaches the Tampa Bay area over the weekend.

The post Where to fill sandbags ahead of Tropical Storm Fred appeared first on WMNF.

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Each year June 1st marks the beginning of the Atlantic Hurricane Season. The Atlantic Hurricane Season usually last until November 30th, with September being the most common month for hurricanes. According to the The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center, an above average Atlantic Hurricane Season is being predicted for 2021 with... Read more »

The post “The Storms of Life” on Morning Energy appeared first on WMNF.

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Below is a media release from Pasco Media Relations & Communications: * Pasco County Opens Self-Serve Sandbag Sites The Pasco County Department of Emergency Management is closely monitoring Hurricane Elsa as it approaches Florida. There is still uncertainty in the forecast models; however, The National Weather Service indicates Elsa could bring strong winds and heavy... Read more »

The post Sandbags available in Pasco, Hernando & elsewhere ahead of Elsa appeared first on WMNF.

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Much of the area is under a Hurricane Watch due to Eta. Hurricane Eta downgraded to a Tropical Storm Wednesday afternoon southwest of Tampa Bay in the Gulf of Mexico. It is expected to make landfall north of the Tampa Bay region Thursday. The following counties are under a Tornado Watch until 5:00 p.m. Wednesday:... Read more »

The post Tampa Bay area under Hurricane Watch and Tornado Watch from Eta; here’s what you need to know appeared first on WMNF.

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August 26, 2020 What if a Category 5 hurricane struck the Tampa Bay region? How would the events unfold, and what would the region look like in the aftermath of the storm? In 2009, the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (TBRPC) developed the Tampa Bay Catastrophic Plan: Project Phoenix, a plan to address the challenges... Read more »

The post Radioactivity Wednesday: Could we survive a Hurricane Phoenix? appeared first on WMNF.

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Find the latest storm info here. Here’s where you can get sandbags in the Tampa Bay area for Tropical Storm Laura; we’ll update this as we get more info: Polk County: Sandbags will be provided to Polk County residents at all Roads and Drainage maintenance units and another site in Poinciana from 8 a.m.... Read more »

The post Where to get sandbags in the Tampa Bay area for Tropical Storm Laura appeared first on WMNF.

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Here’s where you can get sandbags in the Tampa Bay area for Tropical Storm Isaías; we’ll update this as we get info: Polk County: Sandbags will be provided to Polk County residents at all Roads and Drainage maintenance units from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; July 31 and Aug. 1. A... Read more »

The post Where to get sandbags in the Tampa Bay area for Tropical Storm Isaías appeared first on WMNF.

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From the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) – Scientists say this year’s Atlantic hurricane season could be more active than normal but stress the role uncertainty plays 60 days out. If your browser does not redirect to the full story by FPREN within 10 seconds, click here. WMNF is a proud member of FPREN,... Read more »

The post Early Signs Point to an Active Hurricane Season Ahead appeared first on WMNF.

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Hurricane Dorian parked over the northern Bahamas over the Labor Day weekend, pounding the islands with wind, rain and storm surge. To find out more about what the people in the Bahamas are dealing with, WMNF spoke with Cardinal Albury, who is from the Bahamas but now lives in Tampa. “It’s really bad. Sandy Point,... Read more »

The post Hurricane Dorian pounds Bahamas: Reaction and relief efforts in Tampa Bay appeared first on WMNF.

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Recently, University of South Florida researchers published their findings that the largest algae bloom ever seen peaked last summer in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean; the floating seaweed Sargassum formed a belt stretching more than 5,000 miles from nearly the coast of Africa to the Gulf of Mexico. So, how will Hurricane Dorian affect the... Read more »

The post Scientist unsure how Hurricane Dorian could affect largest-ever algae bloom appeared first on WMNF.

Hurricane Archives - WMNF 88.5 FM: Recent Episodes

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Debby made landfall just 15 miles from where Idalia did almost 1 year ago.

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