logo
Tropical tracker: Timeline of the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season

Tropical tracker: Timeline of the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season

Yahoo2 days ago

This story is part of the KXAN Data Hub, where numbers help tell the whole story.We've created several data-driven stories and databases on topics including weather and climate, politics, education, sports and growth in Texas. Each story in the KXAN Data Hub is updated as new data becomes available.
Editor's Note: The video above shows the latest from the team.
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Each year, the Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. This year is expected to be active, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicting a 60% chance of an above-average season.
Hurricane history: How many storms have made landfall in Texas?
Follow along as we track each storm throughout hurricane season. Looking for the 2024 season? Click here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Fact Check: FEMA's acting head David Richardson said he did not know about US hurricane season
Fact Check: FEMA's acting head David Richardson said he did not know about US hurricane season

Yahoo

time17 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Fact Check: FEMA's acting head David Richardson said he did not know about US hurricane season

Claim: Acting head of Federal Emergency Management Agency David Richardson said he did not know the U.S. had a hurricane season each year. Rating: Context: An official from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees FEMA, later said Richardson was joking when he said these words. According to rumors that spread online in early June 2025, David Richardson, the acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said he did not know the U.S. had a hurricane season each year. For example, a user posted a video on Facebook (archived) claiming Richardson said this during an all-staff meeting at FEMA, which "sent alarm bells" among the rank and file: As of this writing, the post had amassed more than 51,000 likes and 2,800 comments. The claim appeared on other platforms, including X, Bluesky Reddit and TikTok. The claims stemmed from a June 2, 2025, Reuters report that Richardson had said he was not aware the U.S. had a hurricane season, which runs each year from June 1 to Nov 30. Citing four anonymous sources who had direct knowledge of the situation, Reuters reported that Richardson made this remark during a staff briefing. Snopes was able to confirm that Richardson said this, so the claim is true. However, an official at the Department of Homeland Homeland Security, which oversees FEMA, said in an email that he had done so in jest. The report fueled preexisting concerns that the agency was not prepared for the 2025 hurricane season following Richardson's appointment in May. On May 16, 2025, CBS News reported an internal review had shown that following staff and budget cuts, FEMA was not ready to face a season the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration expected to be above normal for hurricane activity. The review, CBS said, was dated May 12, 2025. The DHS official said in the email that rumors of unpreparedness were false: Despite meanspirited attempts to falsely frame a joke as policy, there is no uncertainty about what FEMA will be doing this Hurricane Season. FEMA is laser focused on disaster response, and protecting the American people. It's not a secret that Under Secretary [Kristi] Noem and Acting Administrator Richardson, FEMA is shifting from bloated, DC-centric dead weight to a lean, deployable disaster force that empowers state actors to provide relief for their citizens. The old processes are being replaced because they failed Americans in real emergencies for decades. Under Secretary Noem's leadership, and the efforts of Acting Administrator Richardson, FEMA is fully activated in preparation for Hurricane Season. "David Richardson." 8 May 2025, Accessed 3 June 2025. Douglas, Leah, et al. "FEMA Staff Baffled after Head Said He Was Unaware of US Hurricane Season, Sources Say." Reuters, 2 June 2025, Accessed 3 June 2025.. Archived: Kaplan, Michael, and Nicole Sganga. "FEMA 'Not Ready' for Hurricane Season, Internal Review Says." CBS News, 16 May 2025, Accessed 3 June 2025. "NOAA Predicts Above-Normal 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season." NOAA, 22 May 2025, Accessed 3 June 2025.

Humidifier vs. Purifier: We Asked Medical Experts Which Is Better for Allergies
Humidifier vs. Purifier: We Asked Medical Experts Which Is Better for Allergies

CNET

time32 minutes ago

  • CNET

Humidifier vs. Purifier: We Asked Medical Experts Which Is Better for Allergies

Spring is a common time for both indoor and outdoor allergies, which makes it essential to take measures that can make your environment as healthy and safe as possible. There are a few home tech gadgets to consider when trying to protect yourself from indoor allergies. We spoke to allergy and medical experts, and they both say an air purifier or humidifier can be effective. Humidifiers, though, if used improperly, can cause more harm than good. "If there is too much humidity in a room, it can promote the growth of dust mites and mold," said Brian Greenberg, an allergist, immunologist and scientific advisor to 1MD Nutrition. "Air purifiers filter the air of allergens, so they are more effective at reducing and preventing allergy symptoms," says Dr. Purvi Parikh, an allergist with Allergy and Asthma Network. Here's what you need to know. Air purifiers purifiers and humidifiers work in very different ways. Air purifiers are generally considered very helpful for environmental allergies. "In general, air purifiers work by taking air in through a variety of filters and then sending it out particle-free. There are five basic types of filters -- electrostatic, ionizer, ozone, UV and HEPA. HEPA air purifiers are the most effective and are made by a wide range of companies," said Dr. Greenberg. The better the filter inside the air purifier, the stronger the airflow and the more the filter can remove from the surrounding environment. Typically, these filters need to be replaced or cleaned periodically for optimal function and to notice a substantial reduction in allergy are devices that either boil water or spray a fine mist of water into the environment in small droplets or vapor so that the air has a higher moisture level. Those who suffer from allergies often experience uncomfortable nasal passages and itchy eyes anyway, and dry air can exacerbate these feelings, as well as trigger asthma symptoms and eczema. For this reason, people living in dry environments sometimes experience symptom relief when they incorporate a humidifier into their environment. Do air purifiers really help allergies? Michael Heim/EyeEm/Getty Air purifiers have been studied and found effective at reducing some indoor allergens. "Air purifiers filter the air of allergens, so they are more effective at reducing and preventing allergy symptoms," says Dr. Parikh. The key metric to consider is the total size of the space relative to the recommended size for the air purifier for allergies that you've chosen. A small desktop purifier may have a negligible impact on a large open-plan office. Still, a robust air purifier in each room where you spend time can keep the space's particulates down to a noticeable degree if you have indoor allergies. It's also worth making sure that you place it in the best location for an air purifier where you'll benefit from it most. An excellent first step is to consider the space where you typically suffer most from indoor allergies, such as the bedroom while sleeping. Try an appropriately sized air purifier with a HEPA filter with the doors closed in that space for a few nights when you typically have indoor allergies, and see if your breathing and other symptoms are improved. At a minimum, air purifiers don't have any significant downsides, though some can emit a noticeable sound. Would a humidifier help with allergies? Humidifiers add moisture to the air, either by heating water to create steam (often called a warm mist humidifier) or by spraying tiny droplets of room-temperature water into the air (often called a cool mist humidifier). "In extremely dry climates, that can be helpful to moisten the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, preventing dryness and irritation," explains Dr. Greenberg. "They can, however, create some issues. If there is too much humidity in a room, it can promote the growth of dust mites and mold. And, the water chamber itself needs to be cleaned out daily; otherwise, it can become a mold reservoir." In general, humid air makes things like mold and mildew more likely to grow, meaning that a humidifier may actually make indoor allergies worse if you boost the humidity of the space too high. If you are choosing a first step for reducing indoor allergy symptoms, an air purifier will be a lower-maintenance solution. Adding a humidifier can help in very dry environments but requires some maintenance to avoid growing additional allergens. Skaman306/Getty Images If your indoor allergies have been tied to mold, you can still use a humidifier with these precautions: Most humidifiers designed for home use need to be cleaned weekly, with the water chamber itself emptied daily if all the water isn't used. This can be done according to the instructions that come with your humidifier, though many people use a weak acid like vinegar to remove mineral buildup and discourage growth in the humidifier's parts. On a monthly basis, it's recommended to do a full disinfecting cycle, like a scrub with a bleach solution or hydrogen peroxide. Time this cleaning cycle such that you never mix vinegar and bleach, making a dangerous chemical reaction you do not want to breathe. Consider using distilled water to discourage growth and mineral deposits on the humidifier that can be hard to clean. Give humidified areas in your home a chance to "dry out" between uses. If you use a humidifier to sleep during allergy season, for instance, you risk less mold growth if you let the humidity drop during the day by leaving the humidifier off and the door open to the rest of the home. The best solutions for indoor allergiesMinimizing indoor allergies doesn't stop at adding a humidifier or air purifier. Some major benefits can be gained by modifying your indoor environment in other ways: If you have central heating and cooling, checking and changing your filter every month removes some allergy-inducing particulates, reducing how hard your air purifier would need to work and making your air conditioner more efficient at the same time. Don't underestimate the impact of regular cleaning practices. "Wash your bedsheets once a week in hot water, clean and vacuum one to three times per week," said Dr. Parikh. She also mentions that keeping vigilant about leaks can prevent mold growth, and removing rugs and carpets in favor of easy-to-clean hard surfaces can further lower allergens. Keeping the windows closed during high pollen season can reduce pollen allergies, and keeping pets out of sleeping areas can help prevent pet-dander-related allergies at night. Encasing mattresses and pillows can discourage mold and dander from getting trapped in these upholstered materials, releasing them into your sleep air space. The Asthma & Allergy Friendly certification offers suggestions on air cleaners, filters, bedding options, and encasings that meet independent testing standards. Still, many other brands also exist that can help you reduce exposure to allergens in your mattress and pillows. According to Dr. Parikh, putting stuffed animals in a high-heat dryer for 20 minutes every week can diminish microbial growth and reduce allergen potential for children who play with them. Expert allergy tips The same behaviors that boost your immune system in other contexts can also be helpful for environmental allergies. Good sleep, regular exercise and eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins will only benefit your indoor allergy journey. That being said, some allergens generate a strong response even in people who have taken appropriate steps to boost their immune system's health. LeafyPod Some people find that, if they aren't allergic to common house plants, adding indoor plants helps keep the air fresh in their homes. Environmental changes, as mentioned in this piece, are a major factor in reducing indoor allergies, but medical treatment can also help. "If you're very allergic, allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) with a board-certified allergist may be a great treatment for you to desensitize yourself to your indoor allergens and thus become less allergic over time," said Dr. Parikh. Talk to your medical professional about whether your particular allergies are likely to respond well to allergy shots and whether that's the best next step. The bottom line Levoit If you suffer from indoor allergies, it's wise to experiment with environmental changes that can reduce symptoms or help your medication more effectively reduce your suffering during particular times for springtime allergies. Air purifiers can have a positive impact, reducing total particulate matter in your air if you size them appropriately to your space and opt for a highly effective filter like a HEPA filter. Humidifiers and allergies are a more complicated combo, with careful use potentially reducing the dry airway symptoms brought on by very dry environments. Casual use of a humidifier without proper maintenance can potentially increase humidity to the point where mold and dust mite growth increases. Failing to clean a humidifier properly can put minerals and mold spores into your air. With proper maintenance and an eye to reasonable humidity, however, even a humidifier can help mitigate the impact of indoor allergens.

New Orleans jail escapee releases videos, prompting search of home where they were made, source says
New Orleans jail escapee releases videos, prompting search of home where they were made, source says

Associated Press

time34 minutes ago

  • Associated Press

New Orleans jail escapee releases videos, prompting search of home where they were made, source says

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A man who identifies himself as New Orleans jail escapee Antoine Massey released videos on social media while still on the run from authorities, leading to a police raid that failed to recapture him, an Associated Press source says. Authorities were so convinced about the authenticity of the videos that they searched a New Orleans home late Monday where they believe the videos were filmed, according to a senior law enforcement official who spoke to The AP on the condition of anonymity. The official said he was not authorized to publicly discuss the continuing investigation. Massey was not at the home, the official said, but authorities did locate some clothing they believe he wore during the filming. Authorities had been tipped to the videos, which were posted on Sunday, by relatives who recognized the residence from which Massey was speaking. It was not immediately clear who owned the home. Authorities say they are investigating the videos as they race to recapture Massey and convicted murderer Derrick Groves more than two weeks after their audacious escape from a New Orleans jail. Eight other escapees have been apprehended. Louisiana State Police, the agency leading the search for the fugitives, declined to comment on whether it had verified Massey's identity in the videos. The agency carried out the search related to the videos, which have since been removed from Instagram. The New Orleans Police Department said it 'cannot confirm the authenticity' of the videos circulating on social media seemingly showing a man with the same facial tattoos as Massey sitting near a kitchen. 'Please, I'm asking for help,' said Massey, appealing to President Donald Trump and several rappers including Lil Wayne, a New Orleans native, in one video. 'When I get back in custody I'm asking y'all please to come and help.' Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson called on Massey to 'come forward and turn himself in.' 'Cooperating with law enforcement is in his best interest and may help avoid additional charges,' Hutson said in an emailed statement. 'It is important that justice is served appropriately and that due process is followed.' Massey, 32, faced charges of rape, kidnapping, domestic violence involving strangulation and violation of a protective order all stemming from a November 2024 incident, St. Tammany Parish authorities say. In Orleans Parish, where he was incarcerated, he faced charges of motor vehicle theft and domestic battery. Massey said he was innocent. ___ Brook is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store