Tag: hurricane season
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A certified arborist is urging Tampa Bay property owners to inspect the trees on their property for signs of disease and structural weakness before severe weather hits, saying a healthy, well-pruned tree remains the best defense against storm damage. Lee Claxton, a board-certified arborist, walked through warning signs to look for, including branches overloaded with…
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A Florida-based company is offering Tampa Bay residents a new option for hurricane season: a membership that guarantees a seat on an evacuation flight, rather than joining the crowds fleeing by car. PriorityEvac is selling memberships priced at $1,250 per person that cover two storm evacuations per year, with flights departing from Tampa International Airport…
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The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season officially began today, June 1, and while forecasters expect a quieter-than-average year, meteorologists are pointing to several areas where storms could still develop this month. The Gulf of Mexico is considered the most favorable area for tropical development in June, along with the northern Caribbean Sea and the southwestern Atlantic…
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As hurricane season officially gets underway Monday, the City of Tampa used a weekend expo to roll out its first-ever Hurricane Preparedness Guide and remind residents of the lessons learned from the devastating 2024 storm season. City leaders unveiled the guide Saturday at a hurricane preparedness expo at Cordelia B. Hunt Community Center, which drew…
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With hurricane season beginning Sunday, Longboat Key officials are urging residents and business owners to pick up new vehicle decals now, warning that last year’s decals will not be accepted at checkpoints this year. The decals are used to manage access to the barrier island in the aftermath of a storm, controlling when and in…
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With hurricane season less than a month away, local emergency managers and landscaping professionals are urging Tampa Bay area homeowners to trim trees now to reduce the risk of property damage when storms arrive. Overgrown or unhealthy trees pose a significant threat during high winds, which can snap limbs or uproot trees entirely, turning them…
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Hurricane Gabrielle rapidly intensified in warm water in the central Atlantic far from land Monday morning, becoming the second major hurricane of the 2025 season with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph. Gabrielle strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane on Sunday, becoming the second hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season before rapidly intensifying to…
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For decades, the Saffir-Simpson scale has ranked hurricanes only by wind speed, ranging from Category 1 to 5. But experts say that the system overlooks the deadliest threats: storm surge and flooding. University of South Florida geosciences professor Jennifer Collins, working with researchers from a university in the Netherlands, has helped design a new system…
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A tropical wave in the eastern Atlantic, identified as Invest 91L, is expected to organize later this week or over the weekend, according to the National Hurricane Center. The disturbance currently has a 50% chance of development within 48 hours and an 80% chance over the next seven days. It is producing showers and thunderstorms…
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As hurricane season ramps up, state leaders and disaster experts are voicing concerns that Florida may be less prepared than it has been in years past. They point to Governor Ron DeSantis’ recent budget vetoes, warning that reduced funding for recovery and infrastructure projects could leave communities more vulnerable when the next major storm strikes.…
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As another hurricane season begins, many families in St. Petersburg’s Shore Acres neighborhood are still struggling to recover from Hurricane Helene — and waiting to see if state aid will help them stay. More than 550 homeowners applied to Elevate Florida, the state’s pilot program to raise flood-prone houses. However, state officials said that only…
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Tropical Storm Erin has developed in the eastern Atlantic, marking the fifth named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. With maximum sustained winds near 45 mph, Erin is moving west at 22 mph and is expected to intensify as it tracks west-northwest through favorable conditions. Forecasters anticipate it could become the season’s first hurricane…
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As hurricane season ramps up, so does a push to provide safer, affordable housing for families in storm-prone communities. Habitat for Humanity has broken ground on Windhorst Commons, a new 23-home development in Brandon designed to withstand hurricanes and offer long-term security for families still recovering from disasters like Hurricane Milton. For future homeowner Michelle…
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The tropics are quiet this week, offering a temporary lull in activity during the 2025 hurricane season. This pause follows the first signs of life in the main development region—an area of warm Atlantic waters stretching from the African coast to the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, known for generating tropical systems. That disturbance is…
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The City of Tarpon Springs and Pinellas County joined forces Saturday to host a Storm Mitigation Expo aimed at helping residents gear up for hurricane season. Experts were on hand to share practical advice for storm prep, from sandbag placement to post-storm cleanup. “Don’t tie the sandbags too tightly—leave a little space between the sand…
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As storm season ramps up, experts are urging residents to go beyond boarding up windows by preparing their homes, finances, and critical documents before disaster strikes. While much of the focus has been on protecting flood-prone areas, many residents in neighborhoods that rarely see major storm damage still lack the tools and knowledge to prepare…
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Earlier this month, Google DeepMind and Google Labs unveiled a new AI-powered hurricane forecasting model — and they’re making bold claims about its performance. According to Google, this AI system delivers more accurate predictions than some of the world’s most trusted traditional models, both in terms of storm track and intensity. But how well do…
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The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is well underway, and early forecasts suggest it could be another above-average year for storm activity — much like the hyperactive 2024 season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its annual outlook the end of May, predicting a 60% chance of an above-normal season, a 30% chance of…
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Largo resident Nancy Jones doesn’t live in a flood zone or evacuation area—but that didn’t stop her from picking up sandbags as hurricane season began. “I’m not worried about major flooding, but when we get heavy rain and strong winds, water seeps in under the doors,” Jones told WUSF. She joined many others at a…
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For the first time, the National Weather Service is testing artificial intelligence models as part of its storm forecasting tools during hurricane season. NOAA officials say the AI models will supplement existing systems to help meteorologists better predict storm paths and intensities. Wallace Hogsett, a science and operations officer with NOAA, said this marks a…
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As hurricane season ramps up, most Floridians know to stock up on essentials like water, batteries, and nonperishable food. But financial experts warn that one crucial part of storm preparation is often overlooked: safeguarding your financial documents. Michael Esposito, Tampa Bay Market President for Bank of America, says homeowners and renters should gather key financial…
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Pinellas County leaders are reviewing a comprehensive 60-page report detailing lessons learned from the 2024 hurricane season in a push to strengthen emergency response and readiness ahead of future storms. “What we faced last year was unprecedented,” said County Administrator Barry Burton. The report outlines the impact of each storm, highlights successful strategies, and identifies…
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To support hurricane readiness efforts across the state, the Duke Energy Foundation has distributed $163,000 in emergency preparedness and resiliency grants to Florida communities. Twelve organizations—including several in Central Florida—received funding to bolster local emergency response capabilities. The grants will support a range of initiatives such as installing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in public spaces,…
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As hurricane season kicks off this weekend, Pinellas County, in collaboration with the City of St. Petersburg, hosted a free Hurricane Preparedness Expo to help residents get ready for the months ahead. The event offered a hands-on learning experience, connecting attendees with emergency experts and resources to better prepare themselves, their families, and their homes…
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With hurricane season set to begin on Sunday, Florida has yet to schedule any disaster preparedness sales tax holidays due to ongoing delays in finalizing the state budget. Governor Ron DeSantis, speaking in Jupiter on Friday, emphasized the importance of readiness and expressed confidence that the tax holidays—allowing residents to purchase hurricane supplies without paying…
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Business owners recovering from hurricane damage are rebuilding with resilience in mind. At local favorite Ricky T’s, a hugely popular destination in Treasure Island, staff members are celebrating the completion of renovations designed to withstand future storms. Owner Brad Piche prioritized hurricane-proofing the restaurant, a beloved local fixture for decades. To enhance durability, the restaurant’s…
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With forecasters predicting an above-average hurricane season, utility provider Duke Energy Florida is offering a rare glimpse inside its high-tech Distribution Control Center in St. Petersburg — the hub responsible for managing power outages and restoring service when major storms hit. This state-of-the-art facility operates around the clock, monitoring the electrical grid in real time…
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With hurricane season nearing, Pinellas County is revamping its permitting process to help residents in unincorporated areas return home faster after storms. County officials plan to implement upgraded software, simplify procedures, and use a proprietary damage assessment tool to speed up permit approvals. The new approach leverages a FEMA-approved option allowing residents to submit contractor-prepared…
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With hurricane season beginning this Sunday, Visit Central Florida is getting ahead of the storms by launching its annual Hurricane Prep Week, offering free resources to help local families get ready. Throughout the week, families who stop by the center will receive a complimentary hurricane preparedness bag. Each bag contains vital items including a Polk…
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Nearly a year after a series of hurricanes battered the Tampa Bay area, the city of Gulfport is still grappling with the aftermath. Hundreds of boats were wrecked or washed ashore, and while significant progress has been made in cleanup efforts, the scars remain—both environmental and financial. Gulfport has removed over 50 derelict vessels from…
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In Bay Pines’ Harbor Lights Club, a once-idyllic waterfront mobile home park, the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton is still painfully evident. Nearly eight months since the storms hit, broken docks, shattered homes, and sunken boats remain scattered across the community. “It was like a resort to be down there,” longtime resident Victor Docherty…
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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will release its official forecast for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season during a news conference at 11 a.m. on Thursday. The announcement comes just days before the season’s official kickoff on June 1. Last month, Colorado State University issued its own forecast, calling for an above-average season. Based…
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Phillippi Creek Residents Demand Urgent Action from Sarasota County to Prevent Repeat of 2024 Floods
Residents along Phillippi Creek are frustrated, accusing Sarasota County of neglecting critical maintenance like clearing sediment and vegetation from waterways, which they say exacerbates flooding during heavy rains. Kristy Molyneaux, drawn to Phillippi Creek a decade ago for its serene wildlife and waterfront charm, now faces recurring nightmares after her home flooded three times in…
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Just weeks before the official start of hurricane season, a newly surfaced internal review is casting doubt on FEMA’s ability to respond effectively to major disasters. The report, initially reported by CNN and later obtained by CBS News, flags critical concerns about staffing shortages and confusion over FEMA’s role, as the Trump administration signals a…
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The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has announced several updates to its forecasting tools as the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season approaches. Among the key changes: a refined “cone of uncertainty” and enhanced communication of inland wind threats. Following positive feedback from the 2024 season, the cone of uncertainty graphic will now include inland watches and warnings.…
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After Hurricane Helene tore through Florida last year, many residents along the coast are still displaced and working to rebuild before the next hurricane season begins on June 1. Experts say the aftermath could lead to major changes in local and state land development codes, aimed at making homes stronger and more flood-resilient. In response…
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As the start of hurricane season nears, Tampa officials are intensifying efforts to improve the city’s stormwater system and avoid the kind of severe flooding experienced during last year’s Hurricane Milton. Recent heavy rains have helped pinpoint trouble spots, allowing crews to target areas most prone to flooding. Teams are now working six days a…
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The City of St. Petersburg is fast-tracking major flood infrastructure projects to better withstand future storms and keep vital sewer systems running, ahead of this year’s hurricane season, Mayor Ken Welch announced Tuesday. “Many of these upgrades were originally slated for completion within the next 3 to 5 years,” Welch said. “Now, we’re accelerating timelines,…
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With hurricane season set to begin June 1, Sarasota County is hosting a community event on Thursday, May 8, to help residents prepare and stay informed. Officials will also discuss the region’s ongoing recovery from last year’s storms. Leaders from FEMA, the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the National Weather Service, the Small Business Administration,…
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As Florida observes Hurricane Preparedness Week, many Tampa residents—especially those in the hard-hit Westshore neighborhood—say they’re still struggling to recover from last year’s storms and feel unprepared for the hurricane season ahead. With the 2025 tropical storm season just three weeks away, anxiety is mounting. In Westshore, where Hurricanes Helene and Milton left a trail…
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Following the impact of three hurricanes in 2024, Florida lawmakers have approved legislation aimed at improving disaster preparedness and recovery efforts, including debris removal and post-storm rebuilding. On Friday, the House unanimously passed the bill (SB 180) with a 106-0 vote, while the Senate approved it 34-1. The measure now heads to Governor Ron DeSantis…
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With hurricane season just weeks away, a new AAA survey reveals that over a quarter of Florida residents are more concerned about the upcoming storms than they were last year. The heightened concern follows a punishing 2024 season that brought three hurricanes ashore along Florida’s Gulf Coast. According to the survey, 28% of respondents said…
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With hurricane season officially starting on June 1, now is the time to prepare — and the City of Treasure Island is here to help. If you live on this beautiful stretch of Florida’s Gulf Coast, don’t miss the upcoming Hurricane Expo on Wednesday, May 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. at City Hall (10451…
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