ReportWire

Tag: Storm Season Resources

  • Could a retractable wall in Tampa Bay prevent storm surge flooding?

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The immediate past president of the Shore Acres Civic Association, Kevin Batdorf, has pitched lawmakers on a big idea to install a retractable wall at the entrance of Tampa Bay to protect against storm surge flooding from hurricanes.  

    Batdorf lives in the lowest lying neighborhood in St. Petersburg, Shore Acres, which has experienced repeated flooding from storms in the past five  years. Batdorf said he’s constantly looking for solutions to mitigate the rising problem.

    “Create a floodgate system that crosses from Pinellas County to Manatee or Hillsborough County at the narrowest point that rises 12-to-15 feet high when a storm is coming,” he said. “It would prevent the water from coming into Tampa Bay and save billions of dollars of damage.”

    What You Need To Know

    • Kevin Batdorf has pitched lawmakers on a big idea to install a retractable wall at the entrance of Tampa Bay

    • Batdorf wants the 14 mile long wall to be 12-to-15 feet high to prevent storm surge flooding from hurricanes  

    • State Senator Nick DeCeglie said “it’s a great concept” but he’s skeptical it could actually be implemented

    • Sen. DeCeglie said he’s focused on more realistic solutions which include stormwater and seawall infrastructure improvements


    “In the Netherlands, they had a similar situation to us,” he said. “Meaning they were inundated by rising tides, changing climate. So they had their engineers come up with a solution.”

    State Senator Nick DeCeglie, R-Indian Rocks Beach, represents District 18, which covers most of Pinellas County. Senator DeCeglie said “it’s a great concept” but he’s skeptical a 14 mile long retractable wall in Tampa Bay could actually be implemented.

    “Something like this would be billions and billions of dollars,” he said. “My question is immediately, what about the coastal communities? How does the water interacting with a dam, essentially, how does that impact areas North of the Bay? South of the Bay? That water has to go somewhere.”

    DeCeglie said he’s focused on more realistic solutions and has been working on a permitting bill this session to make it easier for homeowners to install flood barriers.

    “What we can actually accomplish in the near mid and long term is infrastructure improvements,” he said. “Whether that be stormwater, whether that be seawalls.”

    Batdorf said he realizes there are big challenges with his idea from jurisdictional, funding and environmental.

    “I think it’s going to be the State of Florida and the federal government that are going to have to come in and do the engineering and frankly, pay for it,” he said. “FEMA’s paying out billions of dollars in claims, there’s money available to stop paying those claims.”

    “There are going to be environmental concerns and I get that it’s going to disturb the environment by installing it,” he added. “But I think it’s going to enhance the environment for sea life. Once it’s built, becomes a natural reef.”

    Batdorf points out Tampa General Hospital and the City of St. Petersburg have purchased an Aqua Fence to prevent flooding and he wants to do the same for residents on a much larger scale.

    “This idea is just common sense. If there’s a wall of water coming in, you put something up to stop it from coming in,” he said. “You see all these other entities putting up barriers to keep water out. Here’s a barrier to keep it out of everybody’s home.”

    Batdorf has announced he’s going to run in the St. Petersburg mayor’s race but has not yet officially filed.

    Josh Rojas

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  • El Niño is set to reappear in time for hurricane season

    ORLANDO, Fla. — We’re just 100 days away from the start of the Atlantic hurricane season and while the Atlantic remains quiet right now, it could be quieter later this year for a whole different reason.

    To understand why this year could be a quieter hurricane season, you must first understand ENSO – or the El Niño Southern Oscillation. It’s a climate index that monitors fluctuations of water temperatures in key areas of the Pacific basin.

    What You Need To Know

    • La Niña continues in the Pacific with an expected end by this Spring

    • NOAA forecasts El Niño could develop by the peak of hurricane season

    • This could become the first strong El Niño since 2023 to develop

    • El Niño typically makes the Atlantic more hostile for hurricane development

    There are three key states of ENSO – El Niño, La Niña and Neutral. They all signal a different temperature pattern in the Pacific basin, which can influence not only tropical patterns in the Atlantic, but globally.

    It works like this: things that are warm like to rise, while things that are cold like to sink. And this rising and sinking motion works in tandem between the atmosphere and ocean.

    So, when the Pacific basin warms up more than it should, it helps to promote rising air over the Pacific Ocean. Rising air helps to develop clouds and thunderstorms, which, if conditions are right, can further develop into a tropical system. This is known as El Niño.

    Conversely, when the Pacific is colder than it should be, it promotes sinking motions. This sinking motion in the atmosphere helps to suppress rising motion, making it tougher for clouds and thunderstorms to form, and consequently harder for tropical systems to develop. This is known as La Niña.

    When the Pacific basin is near its normal temperature state, we call this ENSO Neutral. Neutral states don’t typically have a big push one way or the other in supporting or suppressing tropical development.

    How does this Pacific index drive Atlantic development?

    ENSO may be measured in the Pacific Basin, but it has impacts across the global tropical pattern. When rising or sinking motions are set up in the Pacific basin, the opposite sets up in adjacent basins.

    It’s just like the saying: what goes up, must come down.

    So, when La Niña gets declared in the Pacific basin, that typically means rising motion is supported in the Atlantic basin, allowing for more clouds and thunderstorm development. While this doesn’t solely mean hurricane development is more likely, it is a key factor in helping to enhance the total storm count for the season.

    Conversely, when El Niño gets declared in the Pacific – like we expect to happen this year – the rising motion moves to the Pacific basin. This should lead to sinking air across the Atlantic basin, which not only causes enhanced wind shear, but limits upward movement, which can reduce cloud and thunderstorm development. We typically see reduced storm count in these years as a result.

    When does El Niño arrive?

    According to the February report put out by the Climate Prediction Center last week, NOAA suspects the ongoing La Niña will come to an end by March or April. As the Pacific basin returns to a neutral state.

    A growing pool of very warm water near Papua New Guinea and the Philippines should continue its trek eastward over the late Spring and early Summer months, gradually warming the east Pacific waters up further. The waters should reach a state of El Niño by the peak of hurricane season – which is between the middle of August to the middle of October.

    This means while the start of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season isn’t expected to see much of an influence from ENSO, the back half of the season might. Remember, ENSO patterns alone do not drive how a hurricane season could go. It’s just one piece of the puzzle, but it can be a big piece.

    As we near the upcoming hurricane season, your Weather Experts will share tips and tricks to getting you hurricane ready. Remember, it only takes one storm to make it a bad season.

    Meteorologist Zach Covey

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  • Taking spaghetti models with a grain of salt

    During hurricane season, spaghetti models are a frequently cited resource for helping forecast tropical systems. But there’s a lot you should know about spaghetti models and specifically, when and how best to use them.

    What You Need To Know

    • Spaghetti models plot individual computer forecast models on one map

    • They can be a very useful tool for forecasting tropical systems

    • There are key limitation to spaghetti models, however

    • Be careful with how you use and interpret spaghetti models

    Spaghetti models – also commonly referred to as spaghetti plots – can offer easy-to-digest (no pun intended) insight about a tropical system’s potential path. 

    They’re often cited by meteorologists during hurricane season, but there are also important distinctions about when and how best to use them.

    First things first, the spaghetti models show a series of individual computer forecast models, all overlayed together on one map. Each line on the map represents a separate computer forecast model or simulation.

    Spaghetti models are a key tool to help forecasters determine where a storm might be headed, and how much confidence those forecast models might have on a given storm. 

    But with all the help spaghetti models can offer a forecaster, they can also be equally as deceptive, or even misleading, to the untrained eye.

    Spectrum News chief meteorologist Mike Clay offered a strong word of caution on spaghetti models, along with when and how best to interpret them.

    “The only thing the spaghetti [model] is good for is telling how much confidence we have in the models,” Clay said. “If all of the lines are on top of each other, it tells you the atmosphere is in a state that can be modeled and you should have greater confidence.”

    “If the lines are all over the place,” Clay continued, “It tells you there is low confidence and pay attention to changes.”

    In particular, there is one individual ‘model’ that is actually a climatological representation of where a storm should go. However, that model, the so-called CLIP model, appears as a single line. But, this isn’t really a forecast model.

    The CLIP, because it’s exclusively based on climatology, fails to take into account current weather conditions and factors. Because of that, it often shows up as an outlier.

    Other models, like the Global Forecast System (GFS), are known for being not as strong at forecasting tropical systems. Some of the spaghetti models may be better with track, while others may specialize in intensity. 

    In other words: take the spaghetti models (and especially outliers) with a grain of salt, and leave the interpretations of them to the experts.

    Italian for dinner?

    If the spaghetti models look like, say, a messy bowl of linguine pasta (like the example map below), that’s usually an indicator that there’s overall lower confidence about where the storm might be headed.

    On the other side of things, if the spaghetti models resemble a straight line, that’s a good sign that the models may have a better idea about a storm’s possible path. 

    Think of it like an unopened package of grocery store spaghetti, a clustered, linear shape to the models is a signal of a higher confidence forecast.

    In the map below, the initial clustering of lines shows a stronger confidence forecast. Later on, in the Caribbean Sea, the divergence of the models shows a lower confidence forecast.

    Use with caution

    Another key reminder about spaghetti models is that they are purely in reference to a specific storm’s track. They don’t, for example, consider a storm’s potential strength or other possible impacts, like flooding or storm surge. 

    “The spaghetti [models] have nothing to do with intensity,” Clay said.

    When you see a spaghetti model map, also consider the other factors that could potentially make a storm dangerous, like intensity, forward speed and potential flooding, and storm surge.

    So the next time you see spaghetti models, use them, but use them wisely.

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • It’s the first day of Atlantic hurricane season

    Today is the first day of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. Here are some helpful resources to help you and your family prepare.

    How to prepare?

    Even if you are not in a storm’s path, there are ways to prepare in advance that will make it easier for you when the time comes. It’s important to know if you live in an evacuation zone, and if so, to develop an evacuation plan for you and your family.

    You can assemble a hurricane kit, including items like non-perishable food for your family and pets, water, flashlights, a first aid kit and more.

    Also, reviewing your insurance plans if you own a home and to sign up for flood insurance if it is a separate plan.

    Here is a full breakdown of how to prepare you and your family and what you can do today.

    This year’s forecast

    NOAA and Colorado State University are both predicting above normal activity this season.

    This year’s forecast includes several factors, primarily continued ENSO-neutral conditions, warmer than average ocean temperatures, forecasts for weak wind shear and the potential for higher activity from the West African Monsoon, a primary starting point for Atlantic hurricanes.

    More resources

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

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  • Tampa Bay’s complete guide to Storm Season 2025

    TAMPA, Fla. — It’s that time of the year again, Hurricane Season! Coming off of a tough 2024 season that had 18 named storms, 11 hurricanes and five of those reaching major status, the Tampa Bay community has been forever changed. The biggest impacts to our area were Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton.

    Hurricane Debby brought an impressive amount of rainfall, as well as flooding, to the Tampa Bay area. Some of the highest rainfall totals were in Myakka City (21.70″), Parrish (18.86″), Lakewood Ranch (16.56″) and Pinellas Park (14.04″). This led to historic flooding of the Manatee River, with a record crest of 20.1 feet at Rye Bridge, producing major flooding. The Alafia River and Little Manatee River in Hillsborough County also saw major flooding.

    Hurricane Helene made landfall in Perry, Fla. on September 26th, with winds of 140 mph at its peak. This was the strongest storm to ever make landfall along the Big Bend coast of Florida. Even though it didn’t make landfall in the Tampa Bay area, it still brought six to eight feet of storm surge in some areas that caused a lot of flooding and damage to our coastline. After the storm had passed, many residents of the barrier islands were shocked at the amount of sand that was brought in and deposited in the streets and in homes.  

    Just two weeks after Helene, Hurricane Milton would bring heavy rainfall, damaging winds and some strong tornadoes throughout southeastern Florida. Milton would become one of the strongest hurricanes on record in the Atlantic Basin, reaching Category 5 intensity in the Gulf on October 7th with winds peaking at 180 mph. Two days later, Milton would make landfall on October 9th at 8:30 p.m. as a Category 3 storm with winds of 115mph.

    Milton hit so close to Helene that it wrecked many communities that were already struggling to recover. The winds were so strong, they even ripped the roof off of Tropicana Field. The skeleton of the roof can still be seen today, as the city is still working to repair it. The NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) estimates that Milton caused $34.3 billion in damage in the United States, almost exclusively in Florida.

    The roof of the Tropicana Field is damaged the morning after Hurricane Milton hit the region, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

    2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season (June 1 – Nov. 30)

    As we begin to prepare for the upcoming season, it’s good to have an idea on what we could be dealing with. Earlier this year, Colorado State University released their yearly forecast and they are expecting 17 named storms, 9 of those storms becoming hurricanes and 4 of those reaching major hurricane intensity (Category 3+).

    The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released their outlook on May 22nd. They are calling for an above normal season this year with 13-19 named storms, 6-10 becoming hurricanes and 3-5 reaching Category 3+.

    And while a lot of the Bay area is still recovering from last year, we are here to help get you ready. Now is the time to get prepared for anything that may come our way this year.

    Now is a great time to create your hurricane kit or stock up one you may already have. You don’t want to wait for a storm to get a name because all eyes will be on the tropics. As the storm approaches, store shelves could empty. So, it’s best to buy everything you’ll need — and want — to have on hand way ahead of time. You don’t want to be caught trying to stock up last minute.

    Here’s a list of all the basics:

    Supply Kit Checklist

    • Flashlights and extra bulbs
    • Battery-operated radio
    • Battery-operated lanterns
    • Extra batteries (various sizes)
    • Wind-up or battery-powered clock
    • Matches
    • First aid kit
    • Duct tape
    • Rain gear
    • Plastic garbage bags
    • Fire extinguisher
    • Scissors
    • Can opener
    • Clean clothes
    • Extra blankets and pillows
    • Heavy gloves
    • Food
      • Bottled water (one gallon/person/day)
      • Two coolers (one for drinks, one for food)
      • Canned foods
      • Bottled juice
      • Dry pet food

    Some residents who are in a low flood risk areas, or maybe not in a flood zone at all, had major flooding problems last year.

    We spoke to a Manatee County resident who is installing pumps on his property to move the water out and prevent issues in the future. Heavy lifting is part of Bradley Anderson’s new plan.

    In this case, he’s creating a drainage path by moving dirt. Read the full story…

    Bradley Anderson moves dirt to create a water drainage path on his Parrish property. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Julia Hazel)

    So many of our neighbors are still trying to repair or rebuild their homes from last year. For those who have substantial damage, it’s even tougher with FEMA offering only three choices: Demolish and rebuild, relocate all together or elevate. This has left thousands of bay area homeowners and businesses in a difficult, costly situation, especially if they choose to remain in their neighborhoods.

    Communities are required to comply with floodplain management regulations to continue participating in the National Flood Insurance Program, which means substantially damaged properties must be relocated, demolished and rebuilt, or elevated to meet or exceed FEMA’s Base Flood Elevation.

    With a substantial damage determination of nearly 75%, Gulfport resident and business owner Barbara Banno is finally starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel after deciding to elevate her hurricane-damaged home. Read the full story…

    Elevated home under construction in Gulfport (Jeff Joiner / Spectrum News)

    When it comes to hurricanes, they are usually rated by their sustained wind speed. But, water is the number 1 reason why people die during tropical cyclones and that could be from storm surge, flooding or high surf.

    Spectrum Bay News 9 Meteorologist Kyle Hanson explains storm surge:

    As a storm approaches the Tampa Bay area, you may be asked to evacuate. The threat of storm surge is why our coastline communities are asked to leave. Hurricane Helene caused storm surge that trapped people in their homes. In Crystal River, emergency officials performed several water rescues the morning after the storm passed. That’s why it is important to listen to officials when evacuation orders are given. We spoke with two Pasco County residents and they explained why they will always heed the warnings. Read the full story…

    It’s a critical question many Floridians contemplate during hurricane season— should I stay or should I go? Evacuating during a storm can have its setbacks but, ultimately, can be the difference between life and death. Two Pasco women share their stories of survival.

    It’s important to know if your home is in a Flood Zone or an Evacuation Zone. A Flood Zone indicates a property’s risk for flooding from rain. But, Evacuation Zones are mapped by local emergency managers to identify areas that could be affected by storm surge.

    To learn if you’re in an evacuation zone, type your address in the map below:

    In Pinellas County, when barrier island residents and business owners evacuate, they must have a permit to re-enter evacuated areas after the storm. 

    In Manatee County, this year, Longboat Key is implementing a new re-entry program. The center of Hurricane Milton’s eye passed just miles south of Longboat Key. Fortunately, many people evacuated, but police say returning to the island after the storm wasn’t a smooth process. There will now be three levels of re-entry.

    • TIER 1: Emergency responders – Don’t need a decal
    • TIER 2: Green Decal for relief workers, health care workers and those who play a role in recovery (Insurance agents, businesses like Ace Hardware)
    • TIER 3: Red Decal for other business owners and residents

    Since the Tampa Bay area has experienced significant impacts from two major hurricanes, a lot of residents are preparing differently for this upcoming season. We got with Manatee County Emergency officials to talk with them on how they are preparing and what they learned last year and how they upgraded the work flow to respond more efficiently. Read the full story…

    Six monitors provide Manatee County real-time hurricane data in one place

    Six monitors provide Manatee County real-time hurricane data in one place

    Every Floridian knows the value of good weather forecasting. This hurricane season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is facing staffing shortages. Earlier this year more than 1,000 NOAA employees were laid off,  and others were offered voluntary retirement, including many here in Florida. We spoke to a meteorologist from the National Weather Service office in Ruskin, who took that voluntary retirement option, about the impact that these job cuts could have on forecasting weather events. Read the full story…

    Brian LaMarre opted to take a voluntary retirement this year after a 17-year career with NWS Tampa. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Erin Murray)

    Another federal agency that could see changes coming is FEMA. FEMA is the government organization responsible for dealing with national emergencies.

    In Washington, there’s a piece of legislation to reform the agency. The FEMA Independence Act would turn FEMA into an independent agency, removing it from the Department of Homeland Security.

    The bill would also grant the agency a cabinet ranking, with the director reporting to the president.

    President Trump announced a FEMA review council, which includes Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and Florida Division of Emergency Managment Director Kevin Guthrie.

    A FEMA workers walks through the Disaster Recovery Center at Pasadena City College Community Education Center on January 12, 2025. (Spectrum News)

    A FEMA worker walks through the Disaster Recovery Center at Pasadena City College Community Education Center on January 12, 2025. (Spectrum News)

    Getting up-to-the-minute news can be paramount during a storm crisis, so be sure to download the Spectrum News app (iOS) (Google Play Store). With national reach, boots-on-the-ground local coverage and an unimpeachable weather team, we’ve got you covered all storm season long.

    The Spectrum News App’s Storm Season section is designed specifically to provide everything you need to know about hurricane season, from breaking weather reports to the latest news on what you’ll need to prepare for and get through any worst-case scenario, who to contact in an emergency and more. Our dedicated Weather section provides even more comprehensive year-round coverage, including hour-by-hour forecasts and daily updates, facts and knowledge from hometown meteorologists with the experience and expertise residents have trusted for decades. Klystron 9’s cutting-edge radar technology features hyperlocal data and temperature overlays, as well as long-range tropical system cone forecasts to help you plan ahead.

    Download the Spectrum News App

    Download the Spectrum News App

    Spectrum News Staff, Dan Trotter

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  • Floridians mark Hurricane Preparedness Week before season starts

    TAMPA, Fla. – As Floridians continue to prepare for the upcoming storm season, state officials are focusing on safety with Hurricane Preparedness Week.

    This week’s Hurricane Preparedness Week 2025, which runs through May 10, focuses on a different topic each day. 

    What You Need To Know

    Here’s how the week breaks down:

    May 4:  Know your risk: Wind and water

    May 5:  Prepare before hurricane season

    May 6:  Understand forecast information

    May 7:  Get moving when a storm threatens

    May 8: Stay Protected during storms

    May 9: Use caution after storms

    May 10: Take action today


    The Spectrum Bay News 9 Weather Experts stress the best time to prepare for hurricanes is before hurricane season starts.

    In conjunction with that message, the Bay News 9 Weather Experts will host hurricane expos throughout the Bay area, answering questions and giving a seasonal outlook.

    See the listed dates and locations here.

    Also, before storm season kicks off, now is a good time to download the Spectrum News App.

    The Bay News 9 meteorologists are always providing updates heading into the rainy season and sharing what you should know if anything developments and heads our way.

    Spectrum News Staff

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  • It’s National Hurricane Preparedness Week

    The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is less than one month away, and the time to prepare is now. National Hurricane Preparedness Week began on May 4 and runs through May 10. 

    What You Need To Know

    • It is National Hurricane Preparedness Week

    • Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1

    • It’s time to review your hurricane preparation plans


    How to prepare?

    Even if you are not in a storm’s path, there are ways to prepare in advance that will make it easier for you when the time comes. It’s important to know if you live in an evacuation zone, and if so, to develop an evacuation plan for you and your family.

    You can assemble a hurricane kit, including items like non-perishable food for your family and pets, water, flashlights, a first aid kit and more.

    Also, reviewing your insurance plans if you own a home and to sign up for flood insurance if it is a separate plan.

    Here is a full breakdown of how to prepare you and your family and what you can do today.

    This year’s forecast

    Colorado State University released its outlook for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season in April, and their researchers are forecasting slightly above normal activity this season.

    This year’s forecast includes several factors, primarily the relatively warm Atlantic and likely the absence of El Niño.

    CSU researchers state that the biggest question marks with this season’s prediction is if the anomalous warmth in the Atlantic and Caribbean persists and expands to the Main Development Region or begins to weaken.

    As always, it only takes one storm to make it a bad season. Here is a full breakdown of this year’s Atlantic hurricane season forecast.

    Changes this season

    The National Hurricane Center is introducing some fresh changes to the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season you can expect to see.

    One new names is on the list this year after Dorian was retired after the 2019 season. The new name replacing it will be Dexter. Here is what to know about the 2025 Atlantic hurricane names.

    Along with the new names, the National Hurricane Center will be making changes to to potential tropical cyclone (PTC) forecasts, issuing them up to 72 hours out, which is 24 hours greater than before.

    Here is a full breakdown of the changes you can expect to see this hurricane season.

    Learn More About Hurricanes


    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

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  • Iconic St. Pete Don CeSar hotel partially reopens six months after 2024 storms

    ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. — After more than six months, the iconic Don CeSar Hotel is reopening on Wednesday in a limited capacity.

    Due to the amount of damage sustained during Hurricanes Helene and Milton in different parts of the 1920s Gatsby-Era building, the hotel’s management team decided to bring guests back with a phased reopening.

    What You Need To Know

    • Maritana Restaurant, Lobby Bar, spa, pool & beach access now open

    • Hotel reservations begin April 1

    • Work will continue to ballroom and remaining restaurants and shops

    • MORE: Don CeSar set for late March reopening


    Starting Wednesday, the Maritana Restaurant, spa, Lobby Bar, and access to the beach and pool along with poolside dining are available. On April 1, the hotel will begin taking room reservations.

    Management expects renovations to the newly designed ballroom, the remaining restaurants and bars, as well as the shopping boutiques to continue for the next several months.

    This is the first time the Don CeSar has been seriously damaged from a hurricane in its 97-year history. Built in the late 1920s, the hotel was bought by the U.S. Army in the 1940s and used as a sub-base hospital. After that, it fell into disrepair before it was bought and restored in the early 1970s.


    Since then, it’s been an icon of Pinellas County’s beach community. Charlie Justice of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce says the Don CeSar opening is what the area needs right now.

    “It is a symbol that we are back and the beaches are ready to go,” he said. “It is an important symbol for all of our community and for all of Tampa Bay to say ‘please come visit and the doors are open for you.’”

    Work will continue in areas of the hotel through the fall.

    _

    Angie Angers

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  • Polk County residents grow weary of hurricane debris pickup

    Polk County residents grow weary of hurricane debris pickup

    LAKELAND, Fla. — While debris pickup is underway in parts of Polk County, residents living on Pineville Lane are growing weary.

    What You Need To Know

    • Piles of debris still linger on the curb of Pineville Lane in Lakeland

    • Residents says the debris has taken an emotional toll on him and his neighbors

    • Polk County has several debris pickup and drop off options to ensure roads are clean


    Piles of clothes and furniture still linger on neighbors’ curbs, some just outside of Michael Caudy’s door.

    “I have anxiety issues, and this makes it a lot worse because I see that stuff. I just don’t like it,” he said.

    Caudy said water from a nearby creek flooded his home during Hurricane Milton, destroying most of his belongings, including his Bibles.

    “I had all kinds of religious books, and they’re all gone. It really plays mind tricks on you,” Caudy said.

    Now, he and his neighbors must relive their loss every time they step outside.

    “It’s about time they come and pick it all up because it hurts all of us to look out there and see all of our stuff out in the road,” Caudy said. “I thought they would pick it up by now.”

    Polk County officials say the goal is to have all storm debris picked up by Nov. 24. Their focus is to pick up debris from the most heavily damaged areas first, then move to other parts of the county.

    To ensure everything gets removed, they advise residents to separate their debris into the following categories:

    • Vegetative debris: unbagged leaves, logs, plants, and tree branches

    • Construction and demolition debris: building materials, carpet, drywall, furniture, lumber, mattresses, plumbing, etc.

    • Appliances: A/C units, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers, etc.

    • Electronics: televisions, computers, etc.

    • Household hazardous waste: cleaning supplies, batteries, paints, pesticides, etc.

    Residents also have the option of dropping off debris at the following locations:

    • Polk County’s North Central Transfer Station, 3131 K-Ville Ave., Auburndale, Fla., 33823

    •  Polk County Strickland Avenue, 5901 Strickland Ave., Lakeland, Fla., 33812

    •  Polk County Marigold, 9500 Marigold Ave., Poinciana, Fla., 34759

    As for Caudy, he’s unable to travel far or lift much with his walker. In the meantime, he said he’ll just wait at home for crews to arrive.

    “If they would just pick that stuff up, everybody would be much happier,” he said.

    For additional information on how to dispose of debris and residential waste, visit the Polk County’s website.

    Keep track of debris pickup in Polk County with the debris removal map below.

    Alexis Jones

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  • Tips for Florida homeowners rebuilding after Hurricane Milton

    Tips for Florida homeowners rebuilding after Hurricane Milton

    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Florida homeowners impacted by back-to-back hurricanes might be overwhelmed with how to start the rebuilding process.

    What You Need To Know

    • Tips from the Federal Trade Commission
      • Verify your insurance coverage
      • Be skeptical of promises of immediate cleanup and repairs
      • Verify licensing and insurance of contractors
      • Get estimates from more than one contractor
      • Get a contract and read it carefully


    David Clements is rebuilding his house a second time after flooding. The 28 year old and his girlfriend have only lived in the Shore Acres house about two years.

    “You lose a lot in these storms, not just the house, your safety, just the way you feel about where you live,” said Clements, who was just getting comfortable again after moving back in post-Idalia.

    “It’s hard. I mean, it’s your first house. We’re both 28, thought we were in a good spot getting our first place and losing it for the second time in twelve months hurts,” said Clements, who initially had issues with crews hired to do that work.

    “We unfortunately came in with some bad contractors last year and took quite a big hit financially and emotionally,” said Clements.

    The Federal Trade Commission reminds homeowners cleaning up to confirm the licensing and insurance of those hired to rebuild.

    Tommy Whitehead, president and CEO of TomCo Solutions, agrees. Whitehead is now Clements’ contractor and said it’s essential that the firm is familiar with flood claims.

    “A flood claim is very different than just remodeling your kitchen because you want a new look,” said Whitehead. “A flood claim has a very specific guideline in what you have to do all the way from tear out to dry out, to build back.”

    A lot of homeowners ask where to even begin. Whitehead says the first step after a disaster is documentation.

    “You should have a few hundred pictures and very thorough video from the ceiling all the way to the floor of your home,” said Whitehead.

    From payouts to permitting and supplies, every case will be different, but Whitehead says homeowners should expect some delays.

    “If it was a normal storm or a normal renovation project, I would say factor about six months after your permits issued and permits can be a few weeks to a few months,” said Whitehead. “Right now, we’re not quite sure how fast money is coming, how fast permits are coming, so this could be more than a year to get you reestablished.”

    Getting reestablished is a process Clements is, unfortunately, familiar with.

    “You just try to move on, try to be strong and rebuild the best you can,” he expressed. 

    Melissa Eichman

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  • Donation site across from the Standard Apartments in Clearwater being moved

    Donation site across from the Standard Apartments in Clearwater being moved

    TAMPA, Fla. — It’s been one week since Hurricane Milton hit the Tampa Bay area and one week since people in some communities lost everything.

    What You Need To Know

    • A donation site was set up behind Best Buy on Drew Street, but the group who organized it were told they had to shut the unauthorized site down for several reasons, mainly safety and being on private property

    • Organizers say they are relocating to established donation centers 

    • Donations that were brought to the site behind the Best Buy are being taken to a synagogue located at 3190 Gulf to Bay Boulevard in Clearwater


    Residents in a Clearwater community were impacted by flood water levels that got so high, it reached the second-floor balcony of some buildings. More than 540 residents had to be evacuated from The Standard at 2690 Apartments. It was what the Pinellas County sheriff called the most significant rescue effort in the county’s history.

    Images of the dramatic flooding have people coming from all over wanting to help, which has resulted in a makeshift donation site.


    A donation site was set up behind Best Buy on Drew Street, directly across the street from The Standard 2690 apartments. The donation site had been there for a couple of days and volunteers said the store allowed them to keep items inside overnight.

    People had donated items like cleaning supplies, toiletries, and other items needed after losing your belongings during a hurricane.

    But on Wednesday, the group of community members who organized the donation site were told they had to shut the unauthorized site down for several reasons, mainly safety and being on private property.

    “We hope that relocating the donation site to some of the established donation centers will encourage residents to seek shelter and seek a safe place to stay until their housing situation can be resolved,” said David Hale, the executive director of Maddie Williams Neighborhood Family Center.

    Hale’s organization was just one of the community organizers coming together to collect and distribute the donated items. He said after the storm, some residents have been sleeping in flood damaged apartments and sometimes camping outside.

    Elvira Scott and her family evacuated their second-story apartment at The Standard at 2690 just as the water was rising last week.


    “It was pitch black. I mean, it was black, windy, stuff was just moving around or whatever, but we took a chance and we was able to get away,” she said.

    Since then, they’ve been staying with family. But she can understand those who are staying with their stuff.

    “It’s not safe, but I understand because this is our home. This is where our life and everything we own is here. So, if you don’t have anywhere to go, of course we’re gonna camp out here,” she said.

    Her apartment has water damage and mold and has been deemed unlivable. So, she had to utilize the donation site across the street.

    “I went over there to be nosey. And then after that I picked up a few little things, but then after that I ended up actually helping out,” she said.

    When she showed back up to the donation site later in the day, it looked a lot different. The donations were packed up and taken to another location. Elvira plans to help out there too, ensuring her neighbors get what they need.

    Spectrum Bay News 9 was told the donations that were brought to the site behind the Best Buy are being taken to a synagogue located at 3190 Gulf to Bay Blvd Clearwater, FL 33759.

    Government officials are encouraging people who want to donate or need donations, to go to the county’s disaster recovery website for a list of locations.

    Saundra Weathers

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  • Track and report power outages in your area

    Track and report power outages in your area

    Stay up-to-date on power outages across the state.

    Justin Pryor

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  • Pinellas barrier islands reopen for public access Tuesday afternoon

    Pinellas barrier islands reopen for public access Tuesday afternoon

    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — The Pinellas County barrier islands will reopen to the public Tuesday at 4 p.m. since Hurricane Helene sent floodwaters onto the coast.

    Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri and county emergency management staff are warning residents not to go out to the beach communities if they don’t need to be there.  

    What You Need To Know

    • Barrier island reopen to the public at 4 p.m. Tuesday

    • Emergency management officials ask that you do not come unless you live or work in an island community 

    • 60+ deputies will be patrolling barrier island from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. 

    • Even with checkpoints, PSCO has already made multiple arrests for looting and stealing in beach communities 


    The island communities still do not have power, and have issues with water access and sewer systems.

    “We’re going to have a lot of response agencies out there, so you really don’t need to be out there. So please don’t go,” Emergency Management Director Cathie Perkins said.

    Gualtieri plans to have at least 60 deputies out in the Gulf beach communities from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. to help keep the area safe. Deputies will be in marked vehicles and undercover cruisers as they patrol the barrier islands.

    “If you want to come out here, it’s not going to work out real well if you want to do bad things and try to steal,” he said.


    Deputies have been manning access points at each of the barrier island bridges for the last four nights, only allowing access to residents and registered contractors. Even with the restricted access, Gualtieri says they have already had looters in the area.

    “We’ve already made arrests out here and have seen people trying to loot and we’re locking them up and putting them in jail,” he said. “This is not the time to mess around.”

    Capt. Dylan Hubbard, who runs Hubbard’s Marina in John’s Pass, said when the bridges first reopen after a storm, it’s very overwhelming at first with the amount of people coming to take photos and try to talk with his team. The flip side, he said, is the support and helping hands that he and other businesses and homeowners will get.

    “Once we get through that initial rush, then all of a sudden we’re able to get people down here. We have more people here, more hands on deck and as long as we can keep areas clear to work, then generally, the more the merrier and we can come together as a community and knock this out even faster,” Hubbard said.

    If you need help to clean up, you can contact a volunteer agency at the Crisis Cleanup Hotline at (844) 965-1386.

    Angie Angers

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  • Recovery from Helene ongoing as FEMA begins accepting applications

    Recovery from Helene ongoing as FEMA begins accepting applications

    PALM HARBOR, Fla. — FEMA announced Sunday that President Biden approved federal disaster assistance for hard-hit areas in Florida.

    This means people in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties can start applying.

    Residents that applied to FEMA after Hurricane Debby and have additional damage from Hurricane Helene will need to apply separately for Helene and provide the dates of their most recent damage.

    Apply for either storm online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

    Applications can also be submitted by using the FEMA mobile app or by calling FEMA’s helpline toll-free at 800-621-3362.

    For people like Tina Granata and others in her Palm Harbor neighborhood, the recovery is still in its early stages.

    Describing the condition of her house, every part of Granata’s home ended up multiple feet underwater because of storm surge.

    “All of this stuff was just toppled on top of each other.”

    The water marks left from the flooding remind Granata of the moment she knew that she needed to escape with her daughter from her home Thursday night.

    “Mainly the thing that goes through my mind is me running out this door with my daughter, with my 12-year-old-daughter and the water was up to here and she was really scared,” she said.  

    Holding her daughter’s hand with one arm and her cats in the other, she did everything she could to get away.

    “My tires were fully submerged in water as I’m driving down the street to the stop sign,” she said. “I wasn’t sure that we were going to make it.”

    Despite cleaning since Friday, there’s no end in sight, as nearly everything in the home has to be thrown out.

    Granata does not have flood insurance.

    She’s hoping that with FEMA accepting applications for those affected by the hurricane, she’ll be able to receive assistance.

    “It’s life changing,” she said. “You see, the things that you’ve worked really hard for just all gone in a matter of hours. It’s just devastation.”

    Granata wanted to emphasize that she is not the only facing this kind of damage.

    Almost everyone on her street has belongings lined up on the curb that need to be thrown away.

    Matt Lackritz

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  • Crystal River braces for storm surge from Helene a year after Idalia

    Crystal River braces for storm surge from Helene a year after Idalia

    CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — With the floodwater from two recent hurricanes still fresh in everyone’s minds, both residents and business owners in Crystal River are preparing for would could be a significant storm surge.

    As of Wednesday morning, storm surge is predicted to reach between 6-10 feet in Citrus County.

    Residents living in Zone A are under a mandatory evacuation order and are being asked to leave the area by 2 p.m. Wednesday.

    What You Need To Know

    • Much of downtown Crystal River is under a manditory evacuation

    • Businesses flooded during Hurricane Idalia are bracing for storm surge

    • As of Wednesday morning, storm surge is predicted to reach between 6-10 feet 

    • MORE on the Latest from our weather experts


    In the heart of Crystal River, restaurants and businesses are heeding the warnings and doing their best to board up and add sandbags to help keep the floodwater out.

    Morgan Sundberg, owner of Kane’s Cattle Co, is fearing a repeat situation of what happened to her steakhouse during Hurricane Idalia in 2023.

    “If we see 10-15 feet of surge…that’s something this area has never seen before,” she said.

    Despite having reinforced doors and flood panels, 2 feet of water inundated her restaurant during Hurricane Idalia. Sundberg had to replace all of her equipment and pull out four feet of the interior wall just to dry everything out. They were closed for 3 months and still haven’t recovered finacially.

    “We have flood panels we’ll be installing and we have sandbags and plastic and we’re just doing as much as we can,” she said. “We know 7 1/2 feet made it in here and we’re looking at a substantial increase to that surge, and still expect the unexpected. We’re going to do as much as we can to prepare.”

    Emergency officials are asking residents to take the evacuation notice seriously, as rescue crews can’t always get to people in need at the height of a hurricane.

    Angie Angers

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  • LIVE CHAT: Tropical storm expected to form in the Gulf soon

    LIVE CHAT: Tropical storm expected to form in the Gulf soon

    A tropical storm is expected to form in the Gulf of Mexico soon. The next name on the list is Helene.

    It’s expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it moves north in the eastern Gulf, eventually making landfall along the Gulf Coast around Thursday evening.

    Rain and wind impacts will begin around Tampa Bay on Wednesday, with worsening conditions and dangerous storm surge possible beginning Thursday.

    Bay News 9 Meteorologist Kyle Hanson will be here at 1 p.m. on Tuesday to answer your questions about the storm and let you know what to expect where you live.

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Weather Explained: Understanding the forecast cone

    Weather Explained: Understanding the forecast cone

    The forecast cone is one of the most recognizable forecast tools each hurricane season. It shows the public the uncertainty with time of where a tropical cyclone may head. 

    Fortunately, the average forecast error has improved considerably over the last decade thanks to advancements in satellites, weather models and forecasting.

    Watch the video above to learn more about the meaning of the forecast cone.

    Meteorologist Nick Merianos

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  • Rebuilding Together to give away hurricane supply kit in St. Pete

    Rebuilding Together to give away hurricane supply kit in St. Pete

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — As the peak of hurricane season approaches, Tampa Bay residents can pick up free hurricane supplies in St. Petersburg on Thursday.

    Rebuilding Together is holding a hurricane supply giveaway on July 11 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at their St. Pete office, 1350 22nd St. South.

    Residents will pull through the parking lot for a drive-thru style giveaway and pick up a large Home Depot bucket containing cleaning supplies, tarps, bug spray, bungee cords, safety gear, scissors, sanitizing wipes, a large flashlight and more. Supplies will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis until they run out.

    Need hurricane supplies? 

    • Rebuilding Together to give away hurricane supply kit on July 11 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
    • The event will be held at 1350 22nd St. South in St. Pete while supplies last

    • A second giveaway will take place on July 18 in Tampa


    Brandy Canada, chief operating officer of Rebuilding Together, said state and local partners, along with Home Depot, made the giveaway possible.

    Rebuilding Together repaired over 1,000 homes damaged by storms since Hurricane Ian ripped through the state in 2022, while also focusing on storm preparation.

    Through their work, Canada said her team has a good eye for what the most necessary hurricane prep supplies are and included those items in the free kits.


    Team members will also educate residents during Thursday’s event to make sure they have hurricane plans in place and know their evacuation zone.

    They will also direct people to resources if they need extra help.

    “Not only do we give them supplies, but we also educate them,” she said. “Different scenarios: How to be ready? What’s your food zone?”

    Canada said they chose St. Pete as the location because of how prone the area is too flooding.

    “It doesn’t take much more than a big rainstorm to flood some of these streets. So we want to make sure people have what they need,” she said.

    A second giveaway will take place on July 18 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 9330 E. Columbus Drive in Tampa. 

    Angie Angers

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  • Tampa Bay Hurricane Season 2024: Supplies, Shelters, Tracking & More

    Tampa Bay Hurricane Season 2024: Supplies, Shelters, Tracking & More

    TAMPA, Fla. — Hurricane Season is back! This comes off of a 2023 season that had 20 named storms and was ranked 4th for the most-named storms in a year since 1950. During the 2023 Hurricane Season, Florida only had one major storm impact the state, and that was Hurricane Idalia. It made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region as a Category 3 on August 30th near Keaton Beach, Florida. The powerful storm left a trail of debris. In the town of Horseshoe Beach, houses were split in half and canals were filled with cars and debris. Water rushed into nearby cities and towns like Steinhatchee. The storm surge levels reached levels near 10-feet! Devastating storm surge was seen across Taylor and Dixie Counites as well.

    Video Courtesy of WCJB via CNN

    As many here in Florida continue to rebuild from the damage these past couple years, local, state and federal authorities all say now is the time to get ready for whatever may come our way this year.

    From supply kits to home insurance, preparing for the Atlantic Hurricane season isn’t a one-day project, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. Spectrum Bay News 9 has everything you need to know to stay safe.

    2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season (June 1 – Nov. 30)

    Plan ahead and stock up

    When a storm gets a name, all eyes are on the tropics. As the storm approaches, store shelves could empty. So, it’s best to buy everything you’ll need — and want — to have on hand way ahead of time. You don’t want to be caught trying to stock up last minute.

    Here’s a list of all the basics:

    Supply Kit Checklist

    • Flashlights and extra bulbs
    • Battery-operated radio
    • Battery-operated lanterns
    • Extra batteries (various sizes)
    • Wind-up or battery-powered clock
    • Matches
    • First aid kit
    • Duct tape
    • Rain gear
    • Plastic garbage bags
    • Fire extinguisher
    • Scissors
    • Can opener
    • Clean clothes
    • Extra blankets and pillows
    • Heavy gloves
    • Food
      • Bottled water (one gallon/person/day)
      • Two coolers (one for drinks, one for food)
      • Canned foods
      • Bottled juice
      • Dry pet food

    What we could be up against

    Now, as we prepare for this storm season, it’s good to know what we could be up against. Here’s a look at NOAA’s 2024 predictions, released just over a week ago.

    Earlier this year, Colorado State University released their own predictions saying they expect 23 named storms this year. Researchers there say there could be 11 hurricanes and five category three or higher “Major” hurricanes. 

    Back on May 23rd, the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration released their outlook as well. They are predicting an 85% chance of an above normal season. They are also forecasting a range of 17-25 named storms, of which 8 – 13 could become hurricanes, including 4 – 7 being major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher).

    ACE Formula

    When it comes to how active a hurricane season will be, there is a lot more to it than just counting how many storms form. There’s a formula that meteorologists use and it is called “Accumulated Cyclone Energy” or ACE. Specturm Bay News 9 Meteorologist Josh Linker explains the formula:

    Tracking storms

    One of the things that has changed over the years is how we track storms. We always try to make things very simple and clear for our viewers, so you feel prepared and safe.

    Spectrum Bay News 9 Meteorologist Diane Kacmarik explains how our techniques have improved:

    LA NIÑA Impact

    Global weather patterns impact our hurricane season. Our weather experts are predicting that La Niña is on its way this summer.

    La Niña and El Niño have to do with the water temperatures of the tropics in the Pacific Ocean. Spectrum Bay News 9 Meteorologist Brian McClure explains how this could impact this hurricane season:

    More Storm Season Coverage

    Protecting your home

    You always want to prepare, no matter what the hurricane season is expected to look like. And that means making sure your home is secure.

    In April, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law approving $200-million more for the “My Safe Florida Home Program.”

    The program helps Floridians replace roofs, harden their windows and doors, and make other improvements to their houses and ultimately lower insurance costs.

    Since May 2022, the state has invested over $600-million in this program.

    Home Insurance Claim Checklist

    • Have your policy number available
    • Contact your insurance company as soon as possible
    • Make a list of damages and document with photos
    • Fill out and return all claims forms promptly
    • Ask questions if you don’t understand the process

    Checklist for Securing Your Home

    • Remove outdoor items
    • Trim dead branches from trees
    • Install shutters or board up windows 
    • Fill gas tanks and extra containers
    • Withdraw extra cash
    • Move furniture away from windows
    • Store important documents and valuables in waterproof containers

    Wind vs. Water

    When it comes to hurricanes, they are usually rated by their sustained wind speed. But, water is the number 1 reason why people die during tropical cyclones and that could be from storm surge, flooding or high surf.

    Water can recede from our beaches, causing a reverse storm surge situation which can also be dangerous. Spectrum Bay News 9 Meteorologist Kyle Hanson explains the different wind and water threats:

    Beach dune systems

    As we just learned, storm surge can cause a lot of damage to our beaches. Pinellas County spent $36-million restoring its beach dune system after Hurricane Idalia last August.

    A few months later, a winter storm washed away half of those newly constructed dunes. So, what will happen if a storm hits later this year and washes away the rest? Spectrum Bay New 9’s Josh Rojas went to Indian Rocks Beach to find the answer:

    Elevating homes

    If you live in an area the frequently floods, you are encouraged to elevate your home to protect it from water damage. Citrus, Pasco and Pinellas all have programs to help residents do this. Spectrum Bay News 9’s Nick Popham looks at what some people in the area are doing to rise above the issue:

    Issues facing seniors

    The message from local emergency managers is to be prepared well before a major storm is in the forecast.

    But for some demographics, that’s easier said that done. Spectrum Bay News 9’s Cait McVey took a look at the issues facing seniors at home and how they can stay safe this hurricane season:

    Evacuations

    Tropical weather is the price we pay for living in paradise. But do you know where to go if you have to evacuate? The threat of storm surge is why our coastline communities are told to leave. It’s important that you know if you live in an evacuation zone and which one.

    We have made this really simple for you. Just visit our storm season page and type in your address to find your evacuation zone. If you are in one, it is critical that you listen to evacuation orders when issued. Now is the time to figure out your zone and make a plan.

    County Storm Shelter Information

    Recovering from Idalia

    Hurricane Idalia impacted Tampa Bay and our Nature Coast as well. One of those communities hit hard was in Citrus County. When it comes to hurricane season, we always talk about protecting homes and buildings, but what about everything that’s inside? Those things that cannot be replaced. Spectrum Bay News 9’s Saundra Weathers talked with the Citrus County Historical Society about how they are working to preserve history while preparing for this storm season.

    Looking back at 2004

    This year marks 20 years since Florida saw one of the most intense hurricane seasons on record. Four storms impacted the Sunshine State, all within a six-week period.

    Hurricane Charley was the first. It was expected to make landfall in Tampa Bay, but on August 13th, the Category 4 storm slammed into southwest Florida and devastated places like Captiva Island.

    Then, just three weeks later, Hurricane Francis hit Florida on September 5th. It made landfall as a Category 2 storm at Hutchinson Island.

    Hurricane Ivan would then follow as a Category 3 hurricane, hitting the Florida Panhandle on September 16th.

    Hurricane Jeanne would be the fourth named storm to hit our state that year. It made landfall in Hutchinson Island, just two miles from where Hurricane Frances had it 20 days prior.

    Spectrum New Bay News 9’s Jeff Butera talked with some Florida residents who say their memories of the “Summer of Hurricanes” are as vivid today as they were two decades ago:

    HURRICANE CHARLEY RADAR ANIMATION

    Team coverage

    Spectrum Bay News 9’s Chief Meteorologist Mike Clay was a part of the team here in 2004 guiding the Tampa Bay area through the storm. In fact, Meteorologist Alan Winfield and Mike Clay were the first on TV in Tampa to call Charley missing Tampa Bay and hitting south.

    Meteorologist Juli Marquez takes a look at our team coverage back in 2004:

    Hurricane Guide

    Keep you and your family safe during hurricane season! Downoad a digital version of our 2024 Hurricane Preparedness Guide.

     

     

    Dan Trotter

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  • It’s the first day of Atlantic hurricane season

    It’s the first day of Atlantic hurricane season

    Today is the first day of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. Here are some helpful resources to help you and your family get ready.

    What You Need To Know

    • Hurricane season runs through Nov. 30

    • It’s expected to be an active season

    • Track the latest in the tropics here

    How to prepare?

    Even if you are not in a storm’s path, there are ways to prepare in advance that will make it easier for you when the time comes. It’s important to know if you live in an evacuation zone, and if so, to develop an evacuation plan for you and your family.

    You can assemble a hurricane kit, including items like non-perishable food for your family and pets, water, flashlights, a first aid kit and more.

    Also, reviewing your insurance plans if you own a home and to sign up for flood insurance if it is a separate plan.

    Here is a full breakdown of how to prepare you and your family and what you can do today.

    This year’s forecast

    NOAA and Colorado State University are both predicting above normal activity this season.

    This year’s forecast includes several factors, primarily record warm sea surface temperatures in the eastern and central Atlantic. Global climate models and forecasters also suggest a transition to La Niña conditions by the peak of Atlantic hurricane season.

    More resources

    Learn More About Hurricanes

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

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