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Tag: Weather News

  • Flurries possible for DC-area’s evening commute as effects of winter storm linger – WTOP News

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    There’s a small chance for light snowfall during the Wednesday evening commute in the D.C. area, potentially adding upon the existing challenges on the roadways left behind by the weekend’s winter storm. 

    There’s a small chance for light snowfall during the Wednesday evening commute in the D.C. area, potentially adding to the existing challenges on the roadways left behind by the weekend’s winter storm.

    The National Weather Service said there’s a 30% chance of light snow on Wednesday, with the highest likelihood being between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.

    “We’re looking at another shot of cold air on the way for tonight, may bring a few snow showers or flurries, though I am not expecting a whole lot,” said 7News First Alert Meteorologist Steve Rudin.

    If those flurries come through, the D.C. region could see anywhere from a coating to a half inch of snow, according to NWS.

    Any potential snowfall could make driving on untreated roads dangerous as leftover snow and ice from the weekend’s major snowstorm linger on roadways.

    The snow and ice is here to stay for a quite a while. The D.C. area may see a nine-day stretch of subfreezing temperatures.

    The bitter cold continues with highs only reaching the mid-20s Wednesday.

    7News First Alert Meteorologist Eileen Whelan said snow and ice will be “slow to melt” over the next few days. Roads and sidewalks could refreeze quickly once the sun goes down, keeping travel tricky through the end of the week.

    “I don’t see highs getting above 32 degrees until Monday of next week. Clouds will build heading into the evening hours and then clear overnight,” Whelan said. “Watch out again tonight for a refreeze.”

    A cold weather advisory is in effect overnight; Whelan said wind chills could reach 8 below zero Thursday morning.

    The District hasn’t seen a long streak of cold weather like this since December 1989, Whelan said.

    Bundle up in layers, especially if you’re walking anywhere. Many pedestrian walkways and paths are still being cleared.

    There could be more winter weather over the weekend.

    “All eyes are on a coastal storm that’s expected to intensify rapidly off the North Carolina coastline,” Rudin said.

    Based on recent forecast models, Rudin said the storm will stay far enough east to limit potential impacts in the D.C. region.

    “However, if you do have plans that take you to Delmarva over the weekend, or the Outer Banks of North Carolina, could be a big winter weather maker,” Rudin said.

    Closures and Metro schedule changes

    Metrorail service will operate on a weekend schedule, with trains running every 15 to 30 minutes. Metro said service frequency is expected to increase throughout the day.

    Check WMATA’s website before traveling for route-specific service information.

    Many schools and offices across the D.C. region will be closed Thursday as cleanup from the weekend storm continues. See the full list of closures.

    Forecast

    WEDNESDAY EVENING:
    Scattered snow showers. Light accumulation possible
    Highs: 20s
    Winds: Northwest 5-15 mph

    OVERNIGHT:
    COLD WEATHER ADVISORY
    Scattered clouds
    Lows: 0-8
    Wind Chills: -10 to 0
    Winds: Calm

    THURSDAY:
    Partly cloudy
    Highs: 23-28
    Winds: Northwest 5-15 mph

    THURSDAY NIGHT:
    Mainly clear
    Lows: 0-8
    Wind Chills: -10 to 0
    Winds: West 5-10 mph

    FRIDAY:
    Partly cloudy
    Highs: 23-28
    Winds: Northwest 5-15 mph

    WEEKEND OUTLOOK: The overall pattern looks favorable for a winter storm setup along the East Coast this weekend, based on how similar setups have behaved in the past. The big-picture ingredients are there — but in a pattern this sensitive, the final outcome still comes down to the details. Forecast guidance is still hinting at a more organized coastal storm, but there’s also a realistic chance it stays mostly offshore and never really locks in. That’s why the next day or two of updates will matter, as newer data helps the models handle the setup more confidently.

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    © 2026 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

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    Zsana Hoskins

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  • Prepare now: 10 tips to help you get through another winter storm in N.C.

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    North Carolina is preparing once again for ice and snow.

    Related: A significant winter storm appears likely for North Carolina this weekend

    Here are some tips to stay safe and make the most out of these winter storms:

    Keeping warm

    A walk after a good snow is beautiful, especially in North Carolina. But you need to layer to really stay warm.

    Here’s the official word from North Carolina Emergency Management: “Wear multiple layers of thin clothing instead of a single layer of thick clothing.”

    A couple of long-sleeved shirts and a sweatshirt under that winter jacket will go a long way to keeping everyone warmer when they go out to play in the snow. Long underwear helps, too.

    Taking care of pets

    Pets should not be left outside in winter storms, especially with the cold temperatures forecast for North Carolina this week.

    People should also make sure they’re stocked up on pet food and any medications their pets need before the storm hits.

    Livestock and other animals should be moved to a covered shelter and make sure they have plenty of food and fresh water. Remember, water bowls and troughs can freeze over when the temperature is well below freezing for too long.

    Supplies

    It’s not just pets who need supplies when a winter storm hits. The run on bread and milk has already begun in North Carolina. The governor this week warned that roads could be treacherous for a couple of days with this storm, so people need to make sure they have food and necessary medications.

    N.C. Emergency Management says homes should have at least three days of supplies in case the power goes out and the roads are bad. People should also have batteries on hand for flashlights and weather radios.

    Charge your devices

    People should make sure they keep their phones, battery packs and any other devices fully charged in case the power goes out.

    Reporting power outages

    If the power goes out, report it to the power company, not by calling 911.

    • Duke Energy: 800-769-3766
    • Duke Energy Progress: 800-419-6356
    • Dominion Energy: 866-366-4357

    The N.C. Department of Public Safety has an interactive map to see how many homes and businesses are without power across the state. The DPS site also has a list of numbers to report outages for other power companies and cooperatives.

    Using generators

    The No. 1 rule for power generators is to keep them outside and away from doors and windows. Generators put out carbon monoxide, which is poisonous.

    Every year the media has a story about someone getting very sick or dying because they were using a generator inside. Just don’t do it.

    Cooking while the power is out

    Using a gas or charcoal grill inside can be just as bad as a generator. Do not use a grill inside.

    But camp stoves and grills can be used to cook outside in the cold as normal.

    School closings and remote days

    Weather could impact many school districts across the state during the first part of next week.

    You can track any closings for your area here: Triangle | Coastal N.C. | Triad  | Charlotte  

    What about going sledding?

    Just because some schools decided to go with remote learning days, some kids will still get outside and play in the snow (at least for areas that get snow and not just an ice storm).

    Sleds have been hard to come by in North Carolina. The retailers who did have them will probably be sold out by now. But there are plenty of alternatives for improvised sleds: pool floats, dining hall trays, lids from big Tupperware bins, and anything else that’s reasonably flat and smooth can coast someone down a hill with the right amount of snow.

    Driving in snow and ice

    All the advice from public officials and meteorologists for those in the path of the winter storm is to stay home and don’t drive. But if you have to drive, here’s are some tips for winter weather driving from AAA:

    • Drive slowly. Always adjust your speed down to account for lower traction when driving on snow or ice
    • Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Apply the gas slowly to regain traction and avoid skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry and take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads
    • Increase your following distance to five to six seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop
    • Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal
    • Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it
    • Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads will just make your wheels spin. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill slowly
    • Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill

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    Charles Duncan

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  • How a church in Saxapahaw is repairing 6 months after flood

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    SAXAPAHAW, N.C. — Nearly six months after Tropical Storm Chantal sent floodwaters rushing through Saxapahaw, one local church is still rebuilding but says its faith never wavered. Saxapahaw United Methodist Church suffered extensive damage in July when floodwaters filled the building with more than 2 feet of water. 

         What You Need To Know

    • Nearly six months after Tropical Storm Chantal sent floodwaters rushing through Saxapahaw, one local church is still rebuilding but says its faith never wavered  

    • Saxapahaw United Methodist Church suffered extensive damage in July when floodwaters filled the building with more than 2 feet of water

    • The storm hit just days after Mandy Sayers began her role as the church’s new pastor

    • The church expects to reopen its child care center by the end of January. Leaders hope to welcome the congregation back into the sanctuary on Easter Sunday, marking a full return home nearly a year after the flooding


    The storm hit just days after Mandy Sayers began her role as the church’s new pastor.

    The church, once filled with pews and a congregation gathered for worship, was left underwater. Floors and walls were destroyed, including areas used for a year-round day care program.

    “We ended up with about two and a half feet of water here where the church is,” Sayers said.

    While Sayers’ personal belongings in the parsonage were spared, the church itself was not as fortunate.

    “None of my materials, my possessions got harmed in the parsonage, but the church was not so lucky,” Sayers said.

    In the days following the flood, volunteers arrived immediately to help with cleanup. Donations soon followed, many from people with longstanding connections to the church.

    “To this day, I go to the mailbox, and I get a little card from someone that says, ‘You don’t know me, but we were married in that church,’ and please take this as a gift for the new year,” Sayers said.

    Now, the focus is on reopening, starting with the child care center and eventually returning to worship inside the sanctuary.

    “As you can see, we had to remove the flooring and the subflooring, everything here,” Sayers said while pointing out what used to be their gathering space.

    Sayers says Easter represents more than just a target date. For the congregation, it reflects the journey they have been on together.

    “Easter is all about new beginnings and new life and love and hope and all the things that our church has really experienced through the help of all our neighbors,” Sayers said.

    Even after disaster, Sayers says the experience reinforced the power of community and faith.

    “We could not be where we are without the help of so many,” Sayers said. “One of the gifts of this experience has been being on the receiving end of that love and feeling called to pay it forward.”

    The church expects to reopen its child care center by the end of January. Leaders hope to welcome the congregation back into the sanctuary on Easter Sunday, marking a full return home nearly a year after the flooding.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

     

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    Ashley Van Havere

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  • Christmas Day cyclone greets remote Australian islands

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    Tropical Cyclone Grant is expected to remain a category one system as it passes just to the north of a tiny group of islands off the West Australian coast on Christmas Day.

    A Cyclone Watch and Act advisory is in place for the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, with residents urged to remain indoors.

    Wind gusts of up to 100km/h are predicted, along with heavy rain and flash flooding.

    About 600 people live on the islands, more than 2,000 kilometres off the north-west WA coastline, about midway between Australia and Sri Lanka.

    The group consists of 27 islands but only two, West and Home islands, are inhabited.

    The cyclone track map (as at 9am Thursday) shows the cyclone’s path will pass north of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. (Supplied: Bureau of Meteorology)

    The community is no stranger to unpredictable weather at this time of year and a cyclone shelter is available to residents during these kinds of systems.

    There have been preliminary reports of flooding and uprooted trees but further assessments to determine the extent of the damage have yet to be made.

    Tourists take shelter

    Helen, from regional Victoria, is visiting the Cocos (Keeling) Islands for Christmas and has been taking cover in her accommodation.

    “Everything is blowing horizontal, furious, rain and wind, the odd thunder and lightning. You wouldn’t want to be out there exposed at all,” she said.

    “A few things flying around, although the locals have spent two days tying just about everything down, so there’s not, you know, roofing sheets and things flying about.

    “They’ve been very precise and very clear and certainly no ambiguity about what we say we’ll potentially facing, so that’s good.”

    Wind lashes trees along the coast

    The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting high tides, heavy rainfall and strong ocean currents. (Supplied)

    Helen said the community dinner planned for Christmas Day had been cancelled so plans for the rest of the day were likely to involve assisting with the clean-up.

    “I think we might be helping clean up later today, because I’m sure there will be plenty of work to do,” she said.

    “Well, we were to leave the island tomorrow, but that flight’s been cancelled. So we’ll go the day after, once all the clean-up’s done.”

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  • Steady rain, humid warmth in store for DC region Saturday – WTOP News

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    The weekend promises sunshine and seasonable warmth, but the region will have to contend with some clouds and showers first.

    The second half of the weekend promises sunshine and seasonable warmth, but the D.C. region will have to contend with some clouds and showers first.

    Saturday morning will start off mild with temperatures in the lower 70s, only rising a bit by the afternoon. Overcast skies will lead to afternoon showers that are expected to develop from south to north, dropping up to one inch of rainfall. 

    “We’ll get pockets of moderate to heavy rain for the afternoon and evening on Saturday,” 7News First Alert Chief Meteorologist Veronica Johnson said.

    After the showers clear, Sunday will be drier, with more sunshine and highs in the upper 70s. Humidity will still be felt, but it will be a nicer day to be outside.

    Skies could turn partly cloudy by the late afternoon, Johnson said.

    Forecast

    SATURDAY:
    Areas of rain
    Highs: 70-75
    Winds: Northeast 5-10 mph
    Clouds are set to win the day with more rain in the forecast thanks to an area of low pressure. Rain will develop from south to north with steady rain likely at times.  Rainfall totals will range from one-half to about one-inch.  Temperatures will be in the low to mid 70s with high humidity.  Rain chances are highest during the afternoon and evening hours. 

    SUNDAY: 
    Partly sunny
    Highs: 75-80
    Winds: Northeast 5-10 mph
    Sunday will be the nicer weekend weather day with more sunshine and seasonably warm high in the upper 70s. It will remain sticky with dewpoint temperatures in the upper 60s.

    MONDAY:
    Partly cloudy
    Highs: 70s
    Winds: East 5-10 mph
    A developing tropical system may become impactful across the Carolinas. The degree of northward transport of its energy will drive the DMV forecast.

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

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    Jeffery Leon

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  • Historic Anna Maria church shines bright despite hurricane damage

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    ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fla. — Nearly one year after Hurricane Milton made landfall just south of Anna Maria Island, the three cities that make up the barrier island are still working to recover. 

    In the heart of Anna Maria, the City Pier still sits closed. The state budget has allocated more than $1.5 million to rebuild the pier, which will cost anywhere from $6 million to $9 million.

    What You Need To Know

    • The chapel at Roser Church was closed for nearly eight months after sustaining water damage

    • Church leaders and parishioners worked together to restore historic church

    • The chapel was built in 1913 and has a long history 

    • Anna Maria City Pier will likely be closed until late 2026


    The city’s mayor says they are working with FEMA and Manatee County to secure additional funding to finish the project. Their goal is to reopen the pier by fall 2026.

    In Bradenton Beach, the large yellow house that sits facing the beach on Gulf Drive that was infamously blown over during Hurricane Milton still sits in the same spot. While power has been disconnected and fencing erected on the property, the house itself sits almost untouched, pulling the eyes of drivers and pedestrians.


    Roser Church, which sits on Pine Ave in Anna Maria, is back open following months of renovations.

    Parishioner and church leader Bill Marini says that as soon as the bridges reopened following the hurricanes, he rushed to the church before checking on his own home.

    “I just had to get here… and my wife said, ‘That’s fine – we’ll go!’” he recalled. “God was just leading me to come… he wanted me to come here to see.”

    Marini says he discovered water had come up through the original wood floors of the chapel, and much of the electrical system had fried. He worked quickly to get contractors and a remediation company to the church, which saved some of the century-old wood and fixtures.

    While Marini re-painted each of the church’s 17 rooms, a team of church leaders and congregation members assisted with other projects to help bring the historic building back to life.

    Pastor Dirk Rodgers also felt the responsibility that comes with leading such a historic church. Pastor Dirk says the church has always been non-denominational, long before that was a popular term. So after the hurricanes, he knew he had to keep the spirit of his community strong.

    “Really my burden was… how can we continue to give people hope?,” he said.

    In the days following the storm, Pastor Dirk led a church service outside for hundreds of people.

    “It’s just great to be a part of that organization that refuses to go down… we’re gonna be here,” he said.


     

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    Angie Angers

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  • Raising Hope: A record number of homeowners are elevating

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    Pinellas County, Fla. — The look and feel of hurricane recovery and rebuilding started changing dramatically in 2005 after the catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Hurricane recovery and rebuilding has changed dramatically since 2005 after Hurricane Katrina

    •  After Hurricanes Helene and Milton, homeowners on the coast are opting to elevate their hurricane-damaged homes in record numbers

    • St. Petersburg-based JAS Builders has nearly 100 projects approved in Pinellas County primarily, but also in Citrus and Manatee

    • The entire process of lifting a home takes 10 to 12 months, and the total price can range from $200,000 to $2 million depending on several factors


    The house lifting industry gained national visibility in the years that followed and expanded further following other major storms, including Superstorm Sandy, that devastated the northeast in 2012, and the historic flooding in Texas after Hurricane Harvey’s landfall in 2017.

    “Once Katrina hit, we started learning about the whole industry, and there really wasn’t an industry before that hurricane,” said JAS Builders Co-owner and CEO Jeff Trosclair.

    “When Superstorm Sandy hit New Jersey and Long Island, the industry started migrating in that direction and lifting homes up there, but it really has not been something we’ve seen in these numbers here in Florida until recently,” Trosclair continued.

    Over the past 12 months since Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Bay Area homeowners in coastal communities and beyond have been opting to elevate their hurricane-damaged homes in record numbers, according to building officials.

    “Before the hurricanes, we may have only received calls for a few houses a year, but following Helene and Milton, we received thousands of calls for help from homeowners wanting to protect their property from future storms,” said JAS Builders Founder and Co-Owner Albert Jasuan.

    “Now, we’re transforming communities. It’s not just one or two houses per neighborhood. We’re transforming whole neighborhoods and whole streets. Everyone is calling us because they see what their neighbors are doing to stay connected to their communities, and they want to do it as well,” Jasuan added.

    Currently, St. Petersburg-based JAS Builders has nearly 100 projects approved in Pinellas County primarily, but also in Citrus and Manatee. The entire process to lift a home takes 10 to 12 months, and the total price can range from $200,000 to $2 million depending on several factors, including the size of the home, structural upgrades and plumbing and electrical modifications.

    “Some of these homes have flooded multiple times, and people are tired of dealing with extensive damage and ready to get them up to mitigate their risks,” said Jasuan standing in front of a Treasure Island home where JAS crews are almost done elevating the structure 14-feet high.

    “We don’t just lift the home. We get it out of harm’s way forever for the lifetime of the home and the lifetime of the person that wants to be there,” Jasuan continued.

    Every project is deeply personal for his co-owner, whose childhood home in New Orleans, where his mother still lives, flooded four times and was eventually elevated with help from FEMA after Hurricane Katrina in 2006.

    “Each storm left scars: favorite toys that were lost, family treasures ruined, and my parents shouldering the crushing stress of starting over again. So, this type of work really hits home for me,” said Trosclair.

    With a mission of building community resiliency, the co-owners of JAS Builders, along with nearly 200 employees, strive to bring safety, peace of mind and hope to hurricane-damaged communities.

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    Erica Riggins

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  • South Pasadena couple gives update one year after Hurricane Helene

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Hours after Hurricane Helene sent floodwaters and storm surge into homes all over the Bay area, families were clearing out their homes and assessing the damage.

    What You Need To Know

    • Dave Winkler and his wife, Connie, had a lot of damage in South Pasadena from Hurricane Helene
    • The couple had just finished renovating their South Pasadena home right before Helene. A year later, and their house is a shell
    • They were fortunate to be able to purchase a new home after living in a rental property all year

    Dave Winkler and his wife, Connie, had a lot of damage in South Pasadena. We watched as they washed their shoes that had been floating in floodwater. The couple cleared out everything they owned. A year later, and their house is a shell.

    Dave can still picture the kitchen, then and now. “It looked like the spin cycle on a washing machine, refrigerators upside down, couches floated and displaced themselves,” he said.

    Their bedroom and bathroom on the day of the storm and 12 months later are empty without the water-soaked carpet and bedroom set.

    Then there’s the pool. It was dark green when we were here last; now, crystal clear.

    “I had fish in the pool, and when I tried to drain it a few weeks later we actually had barnacles growing on the side of the pool,” Dave said.

    Dave said he used chemicals to clean and cut drywall to prevent molding. But there’s no real remedy to wash away the pain Hurricane Helene’s storm surge left behind.

    “It’s just sad. All of that effort, time, money and memories,” he said.

    The memories that date back decades in their house.

    “I gave the house to my mother, and she lived here for 20 years,” Dave said. “And when she passed, I came over and of course 20 years had gone by, and it needed a little bit of remodeling again and I decided to really expand the footprint of the house.”

    The couple had just finished renovating their South Pasadena home right before Hurricane Helene.

    “As you can see from my permitting in South Pasadena, my final, final inspection was on Sept. 12, 2024, just weeks before the storm,” he said.

    When they think about what their house looked like one year after the storm, there’s still a flood of emotions. Especially when they think about what was lost.  

    “I don’t care if you’re at Home Depot or out to breakfast; they’re still talking about it. It was absolutely traumatic for mostly everybody. It’s just how you deal with that afterwards,” Dave said.

    They were fortunate to be able to purchase a new home after living in a rental property all year.

    “Our entire lifetime now fits in half of a bedroom. That’s all the stuff we were able to save,” Connie said.

    They’ve tried to sell their South Pasadena home as is — but they want what it’s worth, so they’re going to renovate once again.

    “We just recently signed an agreement to hire a contractor because I didn’t want to go through it again. It was just too difficult,” Dave said.

    The only work they’re doing this time around is keeping their spirits up and remaining optimistic.

    “Let’s hope it’s a onetime thing and that we can put this behind us,” Dave said.

    They’re putting it behind them and on the market for someone else to enjoy.

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    Saundra Weathers

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  • Taking spaghetti models with a grain of salt

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    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.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Hurricane Milton affects tolls, transportation, services and events

    Hurricane Milton affects tolls, transportation, services and events

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    Transit Operations

    Toll Roads

    Tolls on roads on the Gulf Coast, in Central Florida and along Alligator Alley have been suspended to ease evacuation ahead of Hurricane Milton, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday.

    Pinellas Suncoast Transit Association

    Beginning Monday, Oct. 7, all routes, including PSTA Access, will run as scheduled fare-free to assist with evacuation operations. These evacuation services will run until winds reach a sustained 40 mph. Routes will continue to run fare-free as scheduled until 2 p.m. Tuesday. After 2 p.m., PSTA will continue running specific evacuation services at the direction of the Pinellas County government. These evacuation services will run until winds reach a sustained 40 mph.

    PSTA services will be suspended on Wednesday, Oct. 9. The administrative office will be open on Monday but closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

    Entertainment

    Straz Center

    The Straz Center is closed Oct. 8-10 in anticipation of Hurricane Milton. The scheduled performances of “The Man Who Love Batman” are canceled, and ticket-holders will be contacted.

    Amalie Arena

    The Tampa Bay Lightning-Nashville Predators preseason game on Monday, originally re-scheduled from Sept. 27 due to effects from Hurricane Helene, has been canceled as the Tampa Bay region prepares for Hurricane Milton, the team announced Sunday. Single-game ticket-holders inquiring about refunds for Monday’s game should contact their original point of purchase. Bolt for Life Members will receive additional information from their account executives.

     

     

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Where to find gas for Milton preps

    Where to find gas for Milton preps

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    Many Floridians are preparing for Milton, and soon many will be searching for gas as the storm gets closer.

    With the GasBuddy Outage Tracker, drivers can search for gas stations nearby, as well as filter by the following criteria:

    • Has Fuel & Power
    • Has No Power
    • Limited Fuel Options
    • Has No Fuel & Power

    Click/Tap on the image below to locate gas stations near you and check their status. For the best results, be sure to share you location. You can also track outages on your phone by downloading the GasBuddy app for Android or iOS.

    Click/Tap on the image for the Gas Buddy Tracker

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    Spectrum News Staff

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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

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    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.

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    Angie Angers

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  • Tampa Bay sandbag locations open

    Tampa Bay sandbag locations open

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    Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine is in the northwestern Caribbean Sea and has high odds to develop. A tropical depression or storm is expected to form in the next day or two as the system moves north toward the Gulf.

    Several counties are hosting sandbag fill up locations ahead of the storm.

    Pinellas County

    In anticipation of potential impacts, sandbags are available at the 49th Street Neighborhood Center, located at 1617 49th Street South, on Monday, September 23, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and Tuesday, September 24, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. There is a 10-bag limit and proof of residency may be required.

    Self-serve Sandbag Site

    Residents of unincorporated Pinellas County can pick up free, pre-filled sandbags at our self-serve site next to the Household Hazardous Waste facility at 2855 109th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (limit 10 sandbags per household). Municipal residents should check with their city government for availability.

    Availability: Sandbags are restocked on Fridays, typically between 7-9 a.m.

    For Information: Call Pinellas County Public Works at (727) 464-8900.

    Note: Sandbags are only recommended for residents who may experience flooding less than 15 inches from rain or tides. Sandbags won’t stop water completely, but they can reduce the amount of water entering your home. They will not protect against waves or storm surge associated with larger storms.

    Citrus County

    The County has four sandbag sites available for citizens in advance of anticipated severe weather later this week. Sites are set up at the following locations:

    Homosassa Recreation Park
    4210 S Grandmarch Ave, Homosassa

    Bicentennial Park
    501 N Baseball Point, Crystal River

    Floral Park
    9530 S Parkside Ave, Floral City

    Old Hernando Elementary School
    2435 N Florida Ave, Hernando

    Staff will be on-site to provide assistance during the following hours:

    Monday, Sept. 23 – 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
    Tuesday – 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    Wednesday – 7:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    All sites will remain open for self-service (sand and bags provided) 24/7.

    Please visit the Citrus County government Facebook page for additional updates. Contact the Citrus County Road Maintenance Division with any questions, at (352) 527-7610.

    Hernando

    In preparation for potential storm impacts from Potential Tropical Cyclone 9, Hernando County Government will be opening Sandbag Stations from 2pm-5pm on Monday, September 23, 2024 at Linda Pedersen Park and Anderson Snow Park. Please see the list below for hours of operation for Sandbag Stations throughout the week.

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

    Linda Pedersen Park

    6300 Shoal Line Blvd.,

    Spring Hill, FL 34609

    Monday, September 23 from 2pm-5pm

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

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

    Anderson Snow Park

    1360 Anderson Snow Rd.,

    Spring Hill, FL 34609

    (Enter through the service road between the park and the gymnastics place, the sand is located at the end)

    Monday, September 23 from 2pm-5pm

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

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

    Ridge Manor Community Center

    34240 Cortez Blvd.

    Ridge Manor, FL 33523

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

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

    Spring Lake Methodist Church

    4191 Spring Lake Hwy.,

    Brooksville, FL 34601

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

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

    Tips on how to properly fill and stack your sandbags

    Fill bags one-half to two-thirds of the way full

    Over-filled bags will result in a leaky sandbag wall

    Stack sandbags so that the seams between the bags are staggered

    Tuck the top of each bag under to ensure that that bag is sealed by its own weight

    Hernando County Government’s Office of Emergency Management continues to monitor and inform our community about storm impacts. Visit the following web and social media sites for more information.

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

    Sign up to receive weather alerts at www.AlertHernando.org

    Follow us on Facebook:

    @HernandoCountyEM

    @HernandoCoGov

    @HernandoCountyFire

     

    Hillsborough

    No active sandbag operations at this time.

    Pasco

    No active sandbag operations at this time.

    Polk County

    No active sandbag operations at this time.

    Manatee County

    No active sandbag operations at this time.

    Sarasota County

    No active sandbag operations at this time.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • High number of armyworms reported after Debby

    High number of armyworms reported after Debby

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    UNION CO., N.C. — North Carolina is experiencing a surge of fall armyworms following Tropical Storm Debby, county officials report.

    According to North Carolina Cooperative Extension Union County Center Livestock Agent Rachel Owens, there are multiple reports of the pest damaging pastures and lawns. 

    What You Need To Know

    •  The population of fall armyworms is high after Debby
    •  Fall armyworms can damage pasture and lawns
    •  According to the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Union County Center, eggs and larvae favor warm and humid conditions
    •  Trinity Lawn and Pool Solutions owner John Holland recommends preventative treatment


    Owens suggested that Debby possibly contributed to the rise in armyworm population because of the warm and humid conditions needed for eggs and larvae. 

    Trinity Lawn and Pool Solutions owner and operator John Holland, who services Union County and South Charlotte, has been busy treating yards for armyworms.

    “This guy will strip the grass of all these leaves, will eat it through the stem,” Holland said.

    He described how people start noticing a problem with a brown patch on their lawn, which gets bigger as time goes on. 

    The calls started to pick up after Debby came through.

    “Armyworms is something people struggle with, not to this extent. Usually a little bit later in the fall,” Holland said. 

    Holland said typically when you spot an infestation, it’s already too late.

    “It takes about 48 hours for your treatment to work, so if you wait, these guys can take huge of your chunks out of your yard overnight,” Holland said. 

    He recommends preventative care, which he said it’s also a cheaper option. 

    “Preventative treatment for armyworms is half to a third of the cost of getting it reseeded or aerated,” Holland said. 

    If homeowners plan to treat the lawn themselves, Holland recommends wearing protective equipment. 

    Additionally, he recommended that homeowners refrain from using lights at night, as they can attract moths to lay eggs on their lawns. 

    N.C. State University has a self reporting map for fall armyworm activity and damage.

    The Charlotte and Raleigh areas currently have higher reports than other areas of the state. 

    This map provides information on the distribution of armyworms in the Fall. Here is a full interactive map. (Zee Maps)

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    Estephany Escobar

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  • A tropical depression is likely this week

    A tropical depression is likely this week

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    ORLANDO, Fla. – [SEE THE LATEST WEATHER ALERTS IN YOUR AREA BY CLICKING HERE]

    The National Hurricane Center has increased the odds of tropical development for Invest 98L. As of the 8 a.m. update Sunday, there is a 70% chance of development in the next two days and a 90% chance in the next seven days.

    A tropical depression is likely to form early this week as it moves west-northwest toward the Lesser Antilles. If it continues to strengthen and become a tropical storm, the next name on the list is Ernesto.

    8 a.m. Tropical Update

    Computer models shows a potential curve northward around midweek near Puerto Rico or Hispaniola. Heavy rain and strong gusty winds are possible for the Lesser Antilles, Puerto Rico and Hispaniola in the next few days, regardless of development. Currently, there are no tropical threats to Central Florida.

    [EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]

    Computer models

    Local Forecast:

    Sunday will be hot and humid, with afternoon highs reaching the mid-to-upper 90s. A heat advisory is in effect for Flagler County and parts of Marion County until 6 p.m. with heat index values possibly reaching 110 degrees.

    Sunday’s highs

    Rain chances will increase to 40% after lunch, with some thunderstorms expected, bringing heavy rain and gusty winds.

    Close to sunset, most showers and storms should move toward the east coast and decrease overnight.

    Saharan dust is expected to arrive later this week, impacting air quality. It will be hot and humid, with afternoon highs in the mid-to-upper 90s and moderate rain chances each day.

    Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily:

    Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.

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    Michelle Morgan

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  • Pinellas County mobile home park bridge damaged by Debby

    Pinellas County mobile home park bridge damaged by Debby

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Floodwater from Hurricane Debby washed out a large section of a newly reconstructed bridge on Sunday which connects the Silk Oak Lodge mobile home park in the Clearwater area.

    What You Need To Know

    • Hurricane Debby washed out nearly half of the bridge 

    • The bridge connects the east and west side of the Silk Oak Lodge community  

    • Residents said the mobile home park clubhouse was flooded 

    • Park management has hired  a state-licensed civil engineer who is assessing the bridge damage 


    “At this point, there is no traffic between the two sides of our park,” said resident Dawn McCowan, 55. “Which has impacted anybody on the other side coming to the pool and now I don’t have access to Belcher.”

    Resident Elaine Diaz shot video of the floodwater in the Curlew Creek culvert flowing over the bridge which looked like a waterfall. Debby washed out nearly half of the bridge, some fencing and underground plumbing.

    McCowan said the bridge had just reopened two weeks ago after it had been damaged by a storm earlier this year. She said it took about six weeks for the last repair but predicts this time it will take longer because there’s more damage.

    “I’m guessing six to eight weeks for sure,” she said. “It’s a lot worse than it was last time.”

    Park management officials said they hired a state-licensed civil engineer who is assessing the damage and will make recommendations for repairs.

    “We will be working with our contractors and state and local authorities to make the needed repairs to the bridge,” stated spokeswoman Jennifer Ludovice. “The timeline for repairs is still to be determined.”

    Ludovice said the Silk Oak Lodge Park has not gotten reports of any mobile homes being flooded.

    Resident Gaby Brown lives near the creek and shot video of floodwater inside her lanai but said her home, which is more elevated, remained dry.

    Brown also shot video of floodwater inside the clubhouse and said “flooded as usual.”

    McCowan said the clubhouse floods during heavy thunderstorms.

    “This time it’s flooded a lot worse,” she said. “When they have to close our clubhouse, then in turn, they close our pool because our bathroom facilities are in our clubhouse.”

    McCowan said the park hosts a food pantry at the clubhouse twice a month which some residents depend on.

    “Without being able to have it open we have no way to host the food pantry,” she said. “People count on that.”  

    Ludovice said while the bridge is closed, residents can access either side of the park by using Belcher Road or U.S. Highway 19 N.

    “With this closure, residents located in the east side of the community can access the amenities in the community by driving around to the other side,” she stated. “We are working diligently to complete the necessary repairs and look forward to reopening the bridge as quickly as possible.”

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    Josh Rojas

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  • New tropical wave being watched in Atlantic

    New tropical wave being watched in Atlantic

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    ORLANDO, Fla. – As of Sunday morning, the National Hurricane Center is keeping an eye on Tropical Storm Debby in the eastern Gulf and another tropical wave in the Central Atlantic.

    This wave has a 10% chance of developing into a tropical system in the next two days and a 20% chance in the next seven days.

    NHC tropical outlook

    [EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]

    Currently, it’s several hundred miles east of the Windward Islands and is expected to gradually develop this week as it moves west toward the Caribbean Sea, potentially reaching the central or western Caribbean by late this week.

    Tropical wave

    Hurricane season runs through November.

    Stay up to date with the latest in the tropics by clicking here.

    Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily:

    Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.

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    Michelle Morgan

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  • Beryl becomes first hurricane of 2024 season, expected to rapidly strengthen

    Beryl becomes first hurricane of 2024 season, expected to rapidly strengthen

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    ORLANDO, Fla. – Tropical Storm Beryl has strengthened into the first hurricane of the 2024 season. As of 5 p.m. Saturday, Beryl has maximum sustained winds of 75 mph. The storm is moving west at 22 mph.

    The storm is expected to rapidly strengthen on its way to becoming a major hurricane before impacting the Windward islands.

    There is currently a hurricane warning for Barbados. A hurricane watch is in effect for St. Lucia. St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada.

    [EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]

    A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Martinique, Dominica, and Tobago.

    Two other areas are being monitored for possible tropical development in the Atlantic. A disturbance near the Yucatan has a medium chance for development before moving ashore in eastern Mexico.

    A tropical wave behind behind Beryl has a chance for development over the next seven days.

    The next two names are Chris and Debby.

    Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.

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    Jonathan Kegges

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  • NASA and NOAA to send up final GOES weather satellite

    NASA and NOAA to send up final GOES weather satellite

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    KENNEDY SPACE CENTER — A joint mission between NASA and National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will see the final GOES weather satellite be launched, which experts say will better predict hurricanes and space weather.

    What You Need To Know

    • The two-hour launch window opens at 5:16 p.m. ET
    • The GOES-U is part of a series of weather satellites
    • Officials say GOES-U will provide valuable information for meteorologists and everyone else
    • Get more space coverage here  ▶
    • 🔻Scroll down to watch the interview with NOAA director about GOES-U🔻

    • 🔻Scroll down to watch the launch🔻

    Countdown to launch

    In a rare sight over the Florida skies, SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket will liftoff from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center on Tuesday evening, stated NASA.

    The two-hour launch window opens at 5:16 p.m. ET.

    Ironically, the weather does not look promising for the launch of the weather satellite.

    The 45th Weather Squadron is calling for a 30% chance of good liftoff conditions for the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-U (GOES-U).

    The main concerns against the launch are: Cumulus cloud, anvil cloud and surface electric fields rules.

    SpaceX stated that if the launch is canceled, the next chance for takeoff would be Wednesday, June 26, at the same time.

    The two side first-stage boosters, brand new, should be landing at SpaceX’s Landing Zones 1 and 2, so space lovers can keep an ear out for sonic booms.

    The middle booster does not land and will fall into the ocean, where it will be retrieved.

    NOAA director shares insights of GOES-U

    NOAA Director Ken Graham spoke with Spectrum News about the advancements and benefits that the GOES-U will offer. 

    About the mission

    This will be NOAA’s fourth and final satellite in the GOES-R series. The purpose of the GOES series is that it “provides advanced imagery and atmospheric measurements, real-time mapping of lightning activity, and monitoring of space weather,” NOAA stated.

    The GOES satellite series is a shared NOAA and NASA program that provides continuous images and data on atmospheric conditions and solar activity, the space agency stated.

    Once the GOES-U gets to a geostationary orbit, it becomes GOES-19. And then it will replace the GOES-16 satellite, which it will be renamed GOES East, shared NOAA’s chief scientist of the GOES-R program, Dr. Dan Lindsey, during a teleconference on Monday morning.

    He added that as soon as the GOES-U is launched, it will be at the orbit of 89.5 west longitude, just over the continental United States and after a series of check outs over a number of months, it will move into position at 75 west longitude and replace the GOES-16 satellite. This is when it will be given its final name of GOES East.

    In this new position, the GOES-U will keep an electronic eye open for severe storms, fires and hurricanes over the vast parts of the Atlantic Ocean and South, Central and North Americas.  

    The GOES-U satellite is packed with equipment to monitor the weather; earthly or otherwise. Some of the equipment includes:

    Advanced Baseline Imager: The main instrument of the GOES satellites is used for imaging the weather, oceans and the environment. NOAA stated the data collected from the imager will help meteorologists when it comes to severe weather and hurricane coverage.

    Geostationary Lightning Mapper: This is the first of its kind to be sent to a geostationary orbit. This will help meteorologists to focus on early thunderstorm development before it can create damaging winds or even tornadoes.

    Instruments that monitor sun and space weather: The GOES-U satellite will have additional instruments that will monitor and record such things as solar flares or energetic particles and magnetic field variations that can wreak havoc on power utilities, communications, navigation systems and satellites.

    What this means for the people of Earth

    Officials and meteorologists shared the benefits of the GOES weather satellites.

    Lindsey said the GOES-U will provide data that will help meteorologists predict and track hurricanes and allow them to give tornado warnings.

    The GOES-U will help warn against solar flares that can disturb satellites and it will provide vital information to pilots, said Elsayed Talaat, director at NOAA’s Office of Space Weather Observations.

    Spectrum News meteorologist Maureen McCann talked about the benefits the GOES-U will provide.

    “With the increased importance of forecasting space weather, GOES-U will provide meteorologists with better tools to assess the threats that we face from solar flares. The geostationary lighting mapper data will be especially useful for us here in the lightning capital of the country, giving us more insight to our daily sea breeze thunderstorms in addition to any tropical activity,” said the Florida meteorologist.

    Stacy Lynn, another Spectrum News meteorologist, talked about how this last satellite in the GOES-R series will help keep communities protected.

    “When GOES-19 satellite launches, it will complete the GOES-R series and provide even more information for meteorologists to use on the ground. Here in the Midwest, having the best technology for severe weather forecasting is important. The GOES-R series allows us to observe the evolution of convection helping to provide real-time storm tracking to keep our communities safe,” she said.

    Watch the launch

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    Anthony Leone

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  • Gulfport first responders take proactive approach to 2024 hurricane season

    Gulfport first responders take proactive approach to 2024 hurricane season

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    GULFPORT, Fla. — The past hurricane seasons have brought surprises to even some of the most seasoned Gulfport residents, so this year, first responders are being even more proactive.

    Tropical Storm Eta, in 2020, ripped nearly a dozen boats from their moorings, sending them into the shore.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Gulfport police ask residents who live on boats to have anchors, safety gear, and storm plan

    •  Mariners asked to check condition of lines to avoid boats breaking free during storms

    •  SAFETY ALERTS: FROM ALERT PINELLAS

    • MORE: STORM SEASON 2024

    Hurricane Idalia in 2023 brought a number of calls for help into the emergency operations center at the height of the storm from boaters wanting to be rescued.

    Now, ahead of the start of the 2024 hurricane season, first responders want to make sure that Gulfport residents who live on their boats are prepared for the worst.

    Sgt. Rob Burkhart with the Gulfport Police Department says ahead of an incoming storm, he goes boat to boat to check in with residents and asks them if they plan to evacuate.

    “We can’t force people off their boats,” Burkhart said.

    While some boaters evacuate ahead of a storm, others choose to stay. Burkhart says in those situations he warns the residents about the risk of riding a storm out on the water.

    “Once we reach 50 miles per hour sustained winds, we’re going to worry about our own safety and we’re going to shelter,” he said.

    During Hurricane Idalia last year, Burkhart said the police department received a number of 911 calls from boaters in Boca Ciega Bay, despite the warnings they gave to those residents.

    “I was working the night shift, and we sat there all night taking phone calls from people who were out in the storm and we had to tell them I’m sorry we can’t do anything until the storm passes,” he said.

    To prepare for a storm, Burkhart says he goes out on the water and takes a mental census of which boats are occupied in order to better help law enforcement respond to emergencies when it’s safe to do so. He also visually checks moorings and anchor lines, to make sure that each boat is prepared for the storm so they can avoid boats cutting free and injuring others or getting beached on the shoreline.

    “If you think your boat is going to survive, it’s just a matter of time until the right storm comes along and it doesn’t,” he said.

    George Cavanaugh has been living on his boat part-time for the last two years. He says he decided to stay on his vessel during a strong unnamed storm in December 2023, but quickly regretted that decision.

    “The storm wasn’t powerful enough for me to evacuate, but then the squalls came up and I wish I did,” he said. “I’ve learned really quick to respect Mother Nature.”

    The city of Gulfport is holding its annual hurricane seminar on Thursday, May 30, at 6 p.m. at the Catherine Hickman Theater. The event is open to the public.

    Emergency management is asking Pinellas County residents to sign up for safety alerts ahead of the start of hurricane season. 

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    Angie Angers

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