Tag: hurricanes
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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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Zombie foreclosures—homes abandoned by owners before the foreclosure process concludes—have decreased by 20% over the past year, according to real estate analytics firm ATTOM. As of the fourth quarter, 215,601 residential properties across the U.S. are in foreclosure, marking a 32.8% decline from the same period last year, according to ATTOM’s October 31 report. Of…
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Pinellas County crews are actively collecting hurricane debris in areas with narrow roads, including Ozona, Indian Bluff Island, and Crystal Beach. Residents in these neighborhoods should move private vehicles off the roadway and place storm debris in the right-of-way (not in the street) to help collection crews reach as much material as possible. Please note,…
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When disaster strikes, many property owners rush to fix the damage. But what happens when the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) places a stop work order on these repairs? Understanding this can save you a lot of headaches down the road. What Is a FEMA Stop Work Order? A FEMA stop work order is a…
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After two months away, the students and staff of Anna Maria Elementary School are finally returning to their campus on Monday, following disruptions from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. “Since Monday, September 30, 2024, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Anna Maria Elementary’s students and staff have been attending classes at Stewart Elementary, the nearest mainland…
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The National Hurricane Center or the NHC is tracking Invest 97L in the southwestern Caribbean Sea, which is likely to become Tropical Storm Rafael this week. Here’s what we currently know: Current Status Florida Impact Timeline (Wednesday-Thursday) Track Projections FOX 35 Orlando Meteorologist Brooks Garner notes the following: Special Concerns “Many homes in these counties…
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St. Petersburg’s Parks and Recreation Department released staggering damage assessments Thursday, revealing the extensive impact of recent Hurricanes Helene and Milton on the city’s nationally recognized park system. Storm Damage By the Numbers: Major Facility Impacts: Closed Playgrounds: Recovery Efforts: Community Enrichment Administrator Mike Jefferis reported that while all city parks and athletic facilities have…
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The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is currently monitoring three areas for possible tropical development, with the Caribbean system showing the highest potential for strengthening into Tropical Storm Patty. Caribbean System Most Likely to Develop A low-pressure system in the southwestern Caribbean presents the strongest chance of development, with forecasters giving it a 70 percent probability…
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This Saturday, a stretch of St. Petersburg’s Beach Drive NE will transform into a hub of community support as six local businesses host a Hurricane Relief Block Party. The event, running from 4 to 8 p.m. on the 300 block, aims to raise funds for those affected by recent hurricanes in the Tampa Bay area.…
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Florida Power and Light Company (FPL) has proposed a temporary additional charge on customer bills next year due to the recent hurricanes. Over the past 14 months, Florida has been hit by four hurricanes, causing extensive damage. If approved by state regulators, a $12 fee would be added to the typical 1,000 kilowatt-hour residential customer’s…
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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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FEMA has mobilized an unprecedented $2 billion in federal assistance for Hurricane Helene and Milton victims, establishing multiple disaster recovery centers to support affected communities. One such location is at the Florida Botanical Gardens in the Magnolia Room, at 12520 Ulmerton Road in Largo, which operates Monday through Sunday 9 am to 7 pm. FEMA,…
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A low-pressure area in the southwestern Caribbean Sea could strengthen into a tropical depression or storm later this week, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). Forecasters say there’s a 40 percent chance that the system will develop into a tropical depression or storm within the next seven days, though no immediate development is expected…
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The Florida Department of Health (FDH) in Hillsborough County has reported a fourth human case of dengue fever, a mosquito-borne illness, sparking aerial spraying efforts to curb the spread. Flooding from Hurricanes Milton and Helene left behind extensive standing water in Tampa Bay, creating ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. Both Hillsborough and Polk counties are…
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As Tampa Bay continues recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, “For Sale” signs are appearing in storm-affected neighborhoods, with many properties listed “as-is” and seeking cash offers with no contingencies. Flooded homes are being sold across the region, from Sarasota to Pasco, often at prices significantly below their original purchase value. Some owners are even…
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Nearly a month after Hurricane Helene, Tampa Bay’s coastal restaurant and hospitality sectors remain hard-hit, and countless residents who lost jobs on the beaches are still searching for work as businesses struggle to reopen. The Saltwater Hippie bar in Madeira Beach reopened a week ago, but across the street, its sister property, the Brass Captain…
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Following the impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, several Tampa Bay area restaurants, including Caddy’s, Capogna’s, Frenchy’s, and Rod & Reel Pier, face ongoing closures due to extensive storm damage. The back-to-back hurricanes hit the region with severe flooding, high winds, heavy rain, and power outages, significantly affecting local businesses and residents. While many restaurants…
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As recovery efforts continue across the Bay Area following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, several local beaches are beginning to reopen. Manatee County Public Beach reopened earlier this week, though parking may be limited due to ongoing sand and debris clearance. Several businesses, including Anna Maria Island Beach Café, have also reopened. County officials hope to…
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Residents of Gulfport have reported that their water bills have dramatically increased this month, doubling or even tripling, despite not being home to use water due to recent storms. Patrick Barrett noted that his water usage last month was 2,200 gallons, which surged to 4,200 gallons this month. “Which doesn’t make any sense because I…
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According to new data from the Allbritton Journalism Institute, Citizens Property Insurance denied 77% of homeowners’ claims following Hurricane Debby, the first major hurricane to hit Florida in August. The storm caused an estimated $1.4 billion in damages: Why Claims Were Denied Citizens Property Insurance confirmed to News4JAX that the high denial rate was due…
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To spite two back-to-back hurricanes, life continues, and Halloween is around the corner on Oct. 31, ready or not. St. Petersburg will host a large, free event this Sunday, October 27, to remind kids of the joys of costumes, family time, and trick-or-treating. The fourth annual Halloween on Central will take place this Sunday from…
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Back-to-back hurricanes Helene and Milton have pushed many Florida residents to their breaking point, with homeowners in flood-prone areas rushing to list their properties and relocate to safer ground – or leave the state entirely. “We’re not going to move back into this house, it was very traumatic, and I don’t want to go through…
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Florida health officials reported Tuesday that 13 people have died this year from Vibrio vulnificus infections, following flooding from hurricanes Helene and Milton. The state has documented 74 cases of the potentially lethal bacteria, matching the record set during Hurricane Ian in 2022. Vibrio vulnificus, which thrives in warm seawater, can cause necrotizing fasciitis—a severe…
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Hurricane shutters are handy for home protection. They are usually simple to install and when customized, are ready to go on short notice. These storm-proofing shutters are made from a variety of materials and when danger is nigh, can help protect residential and commercial properties alike from extensive damage. However, such utilitarian items are intended…
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The recent onslaught of Hurricanes Helene and Milton has left many Tampa Bay area families displaced and searching for housing assistance and resources. The back-to-back storms have caused widespread flooding and damage, preventing numerous residents from returning to their homes. Unprecedented Demand for Housing Assistance Mike Sutton, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Tampa…
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Local city officials are cautioning residents to stay in their homes and not to venture out due to hazardous conditions. Here is a message from the City of Clearwater: “Please stay in place and avoid venturing out right now, as many areas are without power and significant dangers remain, including downed power lines and fallen…
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With Hurricane Milton bearing down on Florida’s Gulf Coast, authorities have taken proactive measures to ensure public safety. The Florida Highway Patrol has announced the closure of several critical bridges in the Tampa Bay region. (photo credit FHP) The iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge, a vital link between Pinellas and Manatee counties, was shut down early…
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Hurricane Milton remains a Category 5 storm and is expected to make landfall as either a Category 4 or strong Category 3 this evening. Forecast models suggest that increasing vertical wind shear will weaken Milton later today, but it will still hit the coast as a very dangerous hurricane. Expect major wind damage where the…
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As Hurricane Milton menacingly churns across the Gulf of Mexico, meteorologists are sounding the alarm about its potentially catastrophic impact on Florida’s west-central coast. The storm, which briefly weakened overnight, has regained strength and now boasts maximum sustained winds of nearly 155 mph. (image credit NPR) As of Tuesday afternoon, Milton was located approximately 520…
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As Hurricane Milton intensifies, Pinellas County officials have announced the opening of two additional emergency shelters to accommodate evacuees. The newly activated facilities are located at Lealman Innovation Academy in St. Petersburg and Clearwater Fundamental Middle School. With these additions, the county now offers eight shelter locations for residents seeking safe haven from the impending…
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With Category 5 Hurricane Milton advancing across the Gulf towards Florida, evacuation orders have been issued throughout the Tampa Bay area. (photo credit Shutterstock) As Hurricane Milton, expected to impact Florida’s west coast mid-week, churns through the Gulf of Mexico, evacuation directives are already being enforced in the broader Tampa Bay region. If you’re unsure…
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Pinellas County officials have issued mandatory evacuation orders for special needs residents in Zones A, B, and C, effective at noon today. Evacuations for long-term care facilities are also underway. To find your evacuation zone, click here. Voluntary evacuations are encouraged for residents in Zones A, B, and C, and for those in mobile homes,…
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Milton rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane on Monday in the Gulf of Mexico, heading toward Florida. This has prompted evacuation orders, long gas lines, and an increased urgency to clear debris from Hurricane Helene, which affected the same area less than two weeks ago. A hurricane warning is in place for parts of…
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Hurricane Milton has just been upgraded to a major hurricane with top winds reaching 120 mph. (image credit NOAA) Hurricane and storm surge watches are now in effect for our west coast. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasts an 8 to 12-foot storm surge from the Anclote River to Englewood, but this could change as…
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With Tropical Storm Milton spinning and soon forming into Hurricane Milton in the Gulf of Mexico and on a path to the west coast of Florida, residents of the Sunshine State, still reeling from Hurricane Helene, must prepare for another powerful tropical weather event and many projected to be potential victims will board up windows,…
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As of 11 a.m., the latest tracking information shows Tropical Storm Milton, which is anticipated to develop into a hurricane soon in the Gulf of Mexico. While our area is likely to experience effects, the exact nature of these impacts is still uncertain. Now is the ideal time to prepare your home and devise a…
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Tropical Storm Milton is projected to become a hurricane tonight as it moves eastward over the Gulf of Mexico, tracking toward the central Florida Peninsula by Sunday morning. Early Sunday, the storm was intensifying with winds reaching 60 mph. Heavy rain is expected on Sunday and Monday, well before Milton’s arrival, as noted by the…
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The recent tropical system that swept through Tampa Bay left a wake of destruction, particularly affecting the tight-knit Davis Islands community. As the area begins to rebuild, a heartening display of solidarity has emerged, with residents, business owners, and local leaders coming together to support those hardest hit. From providing essential supplies to offering shelter…
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This morning’s satellite imagery shows that INVEST 92L is looking robust. It wouldn’t be surprising if advisories are issued soon, naming it “Milton.” A hurricane will likely form in the Gulf over the next few days. The storm’s projected path is unusual; few storms originate in the Bay of Campeche and head towards Florida. Typically,…
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By early next week, there’s a strong likelihood of a tropical cyclone forming in the Gulf of Mexico. Current forecast models suggest that either a tropical or subtropical cyclone could develop between Saturday evening and Monday. (photo credit WTOK) Although some wind shear could impede its formation, there’s a chance it could develop just south…
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The aftermath of last week’s devastating tropical system continues to unfold across the southern Appalachians, with western North Carolina bearing the brunt of the catastrophe. As of Friday, search and rescue operations persist in their grim task of locating hundreds of missing individuals amidst a rising death toll that has surpassed 200, making this the…
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Hurricane Helene’s extensive devastation along the Gulf Coast has led researchers at the University of South Florida (USF) St. Petersburg campus to unveil a groundbreaking web application that harnesses the power of crowd-sourced data to forecast future flood risks. (photo credit http://www.flood-report.cris-hazard.org) CRIS-HAZARD: A Collaborative Approach to Flood Mapping The CRIS-HAZARD app, launched in 2023…
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A low-pressure system lurking in the Gulf of Mexico is poised to drench parts of Florida, including the Tampa Bay region, as early as next week. This comes despite the National Hurricane Center’s downgraded forecast, now giving the system only a 30% chance of developing into a named storm over the coming week. (photo credit…
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The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a low-pressure system forming in the Caribbean and moving into the Gulf of Mexico, which could develop into a tropical storm. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact across the Southeastern United States, the confirmed death toll has risen to 182, spanning six states. Reports indicate that Florida…
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