Tag: hurricane season
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The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season officially kicks off in just a month, and Gulf Coast communities are still recovering from the damage caused by last year’s back-to-back storms. With another active season on the horizon, now is the time to prepare. Here’s what you need to know: Forecasts Point to Another Active Hurricane Season Researchers…
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A state-hired contractor, Tidal Basin Group, made numerous mistakes assessing hurricane-damaged homes in Pinellas County, causing confusion and delays for residents trying to rebuild. The company’s reports, often based on incomplete or incorrect data-sometimes without entering homes-led to thousands of “substantially damaged” letters, requiring homeowners to either demolish or rebuild to stricter standards. Homeowners across…
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Starting in the 2025 hurricane season, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) will be able to issue alerts for potential tropical cyclones (PTCs) earlier than ever before. The NHC is expanding its criteria for issuing PTC products. For systems likely to impact land, forecasters can now give up to 72 hours of advance notice, an increase…
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Marilyn Mendez Arnett has lived in her Tampa home for over 40 years, raising a family and building a life with her late husband. Her property lies in what FEMA currently designates as a “non-flood zone”—Zone X. But that classification may soon change. Following recent hurricanes, including Hurricane Milton, FEMA is reassessing Tampa’s flood maps,…
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As hurricane season approaches, the Pinellas Beaches Chamber is organizing a special town hall this evening, Thursday, April 24th, to address the state of the county’s coastal communities. The event, dubbed the “State of the Beaches,” will feature mayors from several beach cities, including Treasure Island and Madeira Beach. Key topics on the agenda include…
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The City of St. Petersburg plans to secure an $85 million line of credit from Bank of America to help fund ongoing storm recovery efforts, including debris removal and repairs to Tropicana Field. City officials say the borrowing strategy is a fiscally responsible move amid ongoing federal uncertainty and rising costs. The proposal, discussed during…
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After a brief appearance this past winter, La Niña has officially ended, according to meteorologists. The Climate Prediction Center at NOAA confirmed the shift, citing warming waters in the eastern Pacific and the weakening of cooler temperatures in the central Pacific as signs that La Niña has dissipated. With neither La Niña nor El Niño…
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A comprehensive proposal aimed at improving hurricane readiness and recovery is making progress in the Florida House, just one day after the Senate passed its own version of the legislation. On Thursday, the House Transportation & Economic Development Budget Subcommittee approved the bill (HB 1535), which outlines responsibilities for local governments in areas such as…
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In the Twelve Oaks subdivision of Town ‘n’ Country, the streets are lined with tall laurel oaks—planted decades ago after residents demanded greenery from the original developer. Now, those same trees are reaching the end of their lifespan, and neighbors like Sue Pritchard are taking action to prevent disaster. “We do love them very much,”…
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Every year, Pasco County hosts its Disaster Expo to help residents prepare for the challenges of hurricane season and other natural disasters. This year’s event, held on April 5, 2025, at Pasco Safety Town in Shady Hills, carried heightened significance following a hurricane-filled 2024. Pasco County Emergency Management Director Andrew Fossa emphasized the importance of…
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The Colorado State University (CSU) research team has released its initial forecast for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, predicting above-average activity. While the season is expected to be more active than usual, researchers note it likely won’t match the intensity of 2024. “The 2025 season is currently showing similarities to past years like 1996, 1999,…
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Following last year’s unprecedented hurricane season, the City of Tampa has intensified its efforts to clear storm drains and regrade drainage ditches throughout the city. The heavy rainfall preceding Hurricanes Helene and Milton put significant strain on the city’s stormwater system, resulting in coastal flooding during Helene and rare street-level flooding in parts of Tampa…
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Nearly six months after Hurricane Milton tore through the Tampa Bay area, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) has officially classified it as one of the most intense Atlantic hurricanes on record. According to the NHC’s final storm report released Monday, Milton’s central pressure dropped as low as 895 mb, while its winds peaked at 178…
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Six months after Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck, many residents are still grappling with the aftermath of these storms, compounded by unresolved damage from earlier ones. Among them is Tanya Morales, who continues to wait for insurance funds to address worsening roof issues. Morales frequently climbs onto her roof with a ladder to clear leaves…
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Florida legislators are advancing a proposal aimed at addressing challenges that arose during the destructive 2024 hurricane season. The Florida House took steps on Tuesday to push forward new measures, including property tax relief for rebuilt homes and updated election procedures in post-storm conditions. The House Natural Resources & Disasters Subcommittee unanimously approved HB 1535,…
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As spring break kicks off, students and families are flocking to the beaches of Tampa Bay for the next few weeks, with Treasure Island among the destinations eager to receive them. While some local beaches are still bouncing back from the recent hurricane season, Treasure Island is prepared to host guests once again. City officials…
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As the 2025 hurricane season approaches, organizations across the region are seeking innovative ways to support their communities. In Lakewood Ranch, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is elevating its preparedness efforts with the launch of a groundbreaking initiative—The Drone Program. David Esslinger, a member of the new CERT drone team, will pilot drones to…
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Homeowners facing storm damage are left with a tough choice: elevate their homes or tear them down. Many residents affected by recent hurricanes are struggling to comply with federal rebuilding requirements, and the decision isn’t getting any easier. This week, the Florida Department of Emergency Management is holding meetings to discuss the new Elevate Florida…
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Following the devastation caused by recent hurricanes, officials in St. Petersburg and local maritime businesses are intensifying efforts to mitigate storm surge impacts and safeguard the city’s future. Saildrone, a maritime defense and oceanographic survey company headquartered at the Maritime Defense and Technology Hub in the Innovation District, has launched two 10-meter, solar-powered Saildrone Voyager…
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After last year’s hurricanes, coastal residents faced confusion and frustration due to permitting and recovery delays. With a new hurricane season looming, Tampa Bay lawmakers are proposing legislation to cut through bureaucratic obstacles and help Floridians return to their homes. State Senator Nick Diceglie, R-Indian Rocks Island, emphasized the ongoing struggle: “Even now, some residents…
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The upcoming Atlantic hurricane season, spanning from June 1 to November 30, is predicted to be “near-average,” according to Colorado State University meteorologist Philip Klotzbach. Forecasts from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather suggest a total of 12 named storms and five hurricanes this year. Klotzbach, an expert in Atlantic basin seasonal hurricane forecasting, noted…
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Pinellas County officials recently visited the White House to advance plans for restoring beaches severely impacted by hurricanes. The trip, described as “productive” by County Commission Chair Kathleen Peters, aimed to address the hurdles posed by new federal requirements. The county is seeking an exemption from rules mandating all beachfront property owners to sign easements…
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Pinellas County is pushing to launch a beach nourishment project before hurricane season hits, but resident backing is still needed. Time is ticking for Pinellas County officials to secure construction easements for part of the San Key Beach nourishment effort, covering Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, and Redington Shores. They’re short about 180 signatures and…
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Generac, a top generator manufacturer, anticipates growing residential demand in storm-prone regions and is expanding its workforce by hiring hundreds to meet the need as hurricane season approaches. In the Tampa Bay area, local companies and Pinellas County building officials report a 50% jump in approved residential permits for generators in 2024 compared to the…
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New state data reveals that sky-high deductibles are a major reason for insurance claim denials. After enduring years of high insurance premiums, the recent hurricane season has tested insurance companies. However, many Tampa Bay area homeowners feel let down by their insurance providers. Local news WFTS is delving deeper into why numerous hurricane claims are…
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As the next hurricane season approaches, the City of Tampa is taking proactive steps to address flooding challenges experienced during recent storms. During a recent workshop, city officials outlined a comprehensive plan to improve the city’s stormwater management infrastructure and emergency preparedness. Key Flooding Mitigation Strategies Water Pump Station Upgrades Some water pump stations lost…
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As Florida celebrates Arbor Day on Friday, Duke Energy is taking proactive steps to prepare for hurricane season by trimming trees near power lines. The utility is also giving away 1,000 trees to emphasize the importance of planting “the right tree in the right place” to maintain reliable power. Duke Energy customers may have noticed…
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The 2024 hurricane season is drawing to a close, bringing a sense of relief to Tampa Bay area residents after a year marked by relentless storms. This season produced 18 named storms, with Hurricanes Helene and Milton delivering the greatest impact on the region. “These were major events for us,” said Mark Wool, a meteorologist…
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The 2024 hurricane season left its mark on Pinellas County, with many property owners facing significant damage. As the 2025 hurricane season approaches, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to safeguard your property and ensure you’re prepared for any future storms. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help Pinellas property owners brace for the upcoming season.…
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With just over a week remaining in the 2024 hurricane season, the tropical activity seems to have settled. The National Hurricane Center reports that no new tropical developments are expected in the next seven days. This season has seen 18 named storms, 11 of which intensified into hurricanes. Among these, five reached major hurricane status…
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Tropical Depression 19 formed in the Caribbean Sea on Wednesday and is likely to strengthen into Tropical Storm Sara within the next 24 to 48 hours, according to forecasters. The system is currently about 250 miles east of Isla Guanaja, Honduras, moving west at 15 mph with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph, the Weather…
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A tropical disturbance, Invest 99L, is on the verge of becoming Tropical Storm or Hurricane Sara and could impact Florida’s West Coast next week, according to forecasters. Tropical Storm Sara “could form at any time” in the Caribbean Sea, shared ABC Action News Chief Meteorologist Denis Phillips in a Wednesday morning update. Florida, already battered…
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Forecasters report that an area in the central Caribbean Sea is likely to develop into Tropical Storm Sara, coinciding with an expected cold front arriving in Florida mid-week. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) stated that the tropical wave, currently producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms, has an 80% chance of developing into a tropical depression or…
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As the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season enters its final weeks, forecasters are monitoring a new area of low pressure in the western Caribbean Sea that could strengthen into a tropical depression or storm later this week. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the environmental conditions in the region appear conducive for gradual development of…
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Despite approaching the final weeks of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, two weather systems continue to draw forecasters’ attention: a diminishing Tropical Storm Rafael over the Gulf of Mexico and Invest 98L near the Bahamas. Rafael, which first impacted Cuba last week, has been lingering in the Gulf but poses no significant threat to the…
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Tropical Storm Rafael is gaining strength as it moves through the Caribbean Sea, passing near Jamaica this morning and is forecasted to approach the Cayman Islands later on Tuesday. The storm is expected to bring hurricane-force winds, dangerous storm surges, and large, destructive waves to affected areas. Rafael, the 17th named storm of the 2024…
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Forecasters warn that the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season may not be over yet. AccuWeather says there is a possibility of 1 to 3 additional named storms forming, with the potential for a tropical storm even developing in December. The hurricane season, which typically runs from June 1 to November 30, has already been active and…
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