Latest news with #HurricanePreparednessWeek
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
St. Louis joins a list of places waiting for Donald Trump's FEMA
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, a political piñata for anti-government crusaders, has been targeted by Elon Musk's so-called Department of Government Efficiency. Not only that, but Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in March that she'd work to 'eliminate the agency,' and this month, President Donald Trump's administration fired Cameron Hamilton, the acting head of FEMA, after he said the agency should not be done away with. Though Noem backpedaled a bit this month and said 'we are reorienting the Federal Emergency Management Agency's responsibilities,' the administration's disregard for the agency and its mission remain clear. When Hurricane Preparedness Week began May 5, it was clear that the federal government was on track to run out of cash for disaster relief this summer, but the White House had still not yet requested funding from Congress. But Americans haven't had to wait till next month's start of hurricane season to feel the impacts of the Trump administration's lack of interest in disaster response. This year, we've seen officials in Arkansas, Mississippi and Missouri complain that they haven't gotten help after destructive storms. St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer told MSNBC on Monday that federal assistance is desperately needed after tornadoes killed five people in that city and two more people in Missouri May 16. But as Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., said this week, the federal government hasn't sufficiently responded to deadly storms that hit Missouri in March. 'I'm not happy about the fact we're still waiting from all of that damage two months ago. We lost 12 people in those storms. We've lost seven here,' he said. 'The scope of the damage is immense.' The Trump administration initially denied Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders' request for FEMA aid after severe weather hit that state March 14 and 15 and eventually reversed course nearly two months later, on May 13. Communities like mine in southeast Louisiana are among those that will bear the brunt of FEMA's dismantling. From Florida to North Carolina, cities and towns across the country, particularly in the South, have still not yet been able to begin rebuilding after last hurricane season as this year's season is about to begin. At the same time that the Trump administration is delaying or denying Americans help from FEMA, the Environmental Protection Agency is being led by an administrator hostile to its mission, and its employees are being targeted for dismissal or early retirement. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has said he is aiming to reduce the size of the agency's workforce to the lowest it has been in nearly 40 years. Perhaps even worse, the agency is shifting its experts — the scientists working to protect Americans from toxic pollutants — and putting them under political appointees. By the end of last month, the EPA was already down 1,000 employees. The EPA has been a political lightning rod for years. Even before this MAGA version of the Republican Party, Reagan Republicans slammed the agency as a 'job killer' and a roadblock to American ingenuity. The reality is just the opposite. Republican President Richard Nixon signed the law creating the Environmental Protection Agency in 1970. Since then, America has continued to be the leading world economy, growing our GDP many times over. Thanks to the EPA, we accomplished all this and more while cleaning up our rivers, beaches, drinking water and neighborhoods. Zeldin's reduction of the EPA workforce is a giveaway to industry giants that will allow them to evade accountability for their pollution and the harm it causes. Communities like mine, as always, will suffer the consequences. In response to the EPA's announced 'reorganization' on May 2, the Union of Concerned Scientists issued a public statement. Chitra Kumar, the managing director of the organization's Climate and Clean Energy Program, stated, 'EPA's Research and Development Office produces independent science that's used to keep people safe from pollution and chemical exposure.' That's true, and unfortunately it's something that too many Americans have come to take for granted. The statement continued by saying that moving Office of Research and Development scientists 'into policy offices could subject those experts to political influence, particularly in this administration.' The timing of these cuts and reassignments could not be worse. New data released earlier this year shows that nearly half of all people in the United States have drinking water contaminated by toxic 'forever chemicals,' or PFAS. Who compiled that data and provided it to the public? The EPA. Even more recently, it was reported that nearly half of all people in this country are also breathing polluted air. People with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma are of course the most affected. But air pollution is widely known to shorten everyone's lifespan and cause chronic illness even in people who had never experienced respiratory distress before. There is no telling just how dire the situation will be if the EPA and FEMA cannot fulfill their missions. In Louisiana, oil refineries, gas export terminals and petrochemical plants sit on low-lying land and coastal wetlands in the direct path of Atlantic hurricanes. Already, people in some of the most industrialized areas of the state are dealing with contaminated drinking water and polluted air. They experience rates of cancer, asthma and other serious illnesses at many times the national average. Along the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, the rates are so severe that the area is known nationally as 'Cancer Alley.' We can only imagine the rates of cancer, respiratory, cardiovascular and other diseases if industry is allowed to pollute without regard for EPA oversight. As for a major hurricane hitting this area? I can promise you we can't prepare for such an event or recover from it without a coordinated federal effort. This article was originally published on
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Hurricane season is approaching. These tips can save your family
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hurricane season in Hawaiʻi runs from June through November, but May 18 to May 24 is designated as Hurricane Preparedness Week. This week is all about preparing yourself, your home and your family for the unpredictable and often devastating impacts of hurricanes. What does Hawaii's 2025 hurricane season look like? The National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and local agencies are offering guidance throughout the week on different topics, each day focusing on a different aspect of preparedness. Here's what you need to know, broken down by day. Before you can protect yourself and your loved ones, you need to know what risks you face. Hurricanes bring more than just heavy rain and strong winds. It's important to understand the water and wind hazards that could affect your area. In Hawaii, hurricanes can cause storm surges, flooding and even deadly rip currents far from the storm's center. Even inland areas are vulnerable to flooding from heavy rains. Assess whether you live in a flood-prone area, if your home is in an evacuation zone or if there are any structural risks like unsecured windows or doors that could fail in high winds. You can click to learn more about best time to get ready for a hurricane is before the season begins. Don't wait until a storm is imminent. Start by gathering a disaster supply kit with enough food, water and medicine to last at least three days. Include a flashlight, extra batteries, a battery-powered radio and a portable charger for your phone. Also, don't forget to prepare for your pets. You can also integrate a into your preparedness kit. Additionally, ensure you have insurance coverage, including flood insurance, which requires a 30-day waiting period. Strengthen your home by installing storm shutters and trimming trees to prevent them from falling on your house. The sooner you prepare, the safer you'll be when a storm approaches. You can click to read more about Monday. Hurricane forecasts are essential tools that can guide your actions when a storm is approaching. The National Hurricane Center provides critical information about a storm's path, expected rainfall, wind speeds and more. Be sure to rely on official sources like NOAA's website and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center for the latest updates. Pay attention to emergency alerts on your phone and understand the difference between a 'watch' and a 'warning'. A watch means conditions are possible, while a warning means they are expected. Additionally, stay aware of impacts that can occur well outside of the storm's center. Dangerous conditions like flooding and high winds can affect areas hundreds of miles inland. Click to read more about Tuesday. Honolulu city council looks to use hotel tax to help lower projected sewer fee increase When a storm threatens, it's time to take immediate action. Ideally, by this point, you should already have your disaster supplies, an evacuation plan and your home secured. However, if a storm is on its way, it's crucial to board up windows, move outdoor items inside and secure your exterior doors. If you're evacuating, make sure your vehicle is filled with gas and your phone is fully charged. Ensure you know multiple sheltering options, including options outside of the hurricane's impact zone. If you have pets, confirm whether local shelters allow animals. Most importantly, follow evacuation orders without delay to avoid getting trapped. Click to read more about Wednesday. If you find yourself in the path of a storm, your main goal is to stay safe. If you are sheltering in place, move to the safest part of your home. If the storm causes flooding, the highest, most secure place in your house is best. If the floodwaters reach the highest floor, get to the roof and call 911. Similarly, when high winds hit, find an interior room without windows and stay there. If you are advised to evacuate, do so immediately, following all official instructions. Be mindful of dangers like downed power lines, washed-out roads, and flying debris. Remember, the impacts from wind and water can be far-reaching, and even inland areas can be affected by flooding. Click to read more about Thursday. Once the storm has passed, the recovery process begins. First, assess your situation and stay informed by listening to local authorities. Avoid walking through floodwater, as it can be contaminated with chemicals and debris. Check for structural damage to your home before re-entering. If you have insurance, contact your company to report any damage. Begin the cleanup process once it's safe to do so but be careful of electrical hazards, downed trees and unsafe roads. Remember, recovery can take time, so work together with neighbors and local agencies to rebuild and restore normalcy. Click to read more about Friday. Hurricane preparedness is not just about protecting yourself. Help your neighbors, especially those who are elderly or vulnerable. Share information, assist in evacuations if needed, and check on them after the storm. Additionally, learn from this storm to improve future preparedness. Share your experiences with others to help the community better prepare. Ensure that your emergency kit is stocked for the next season, and that your home is still ready to withstand another hurricane. Prepare to shelter, evacuate, and help those around you. Click to read more about Saturday. Hurricane Preparedness Week offers vital information on how to protect yourself, your family and your home from hurricanes. The best way to stay safe is to prepare well in advance and stay informed throughout the season. Hurricanes may seem distant until they are not. By understanding your risks, preparing early and knowing how to respond, you can greatly improve your chances of staying safe. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 You can click and to read more from the National Weather Service. You can click to access the homeowner's guide from Sea Grant at the University of Hawaiʻi. It's crucial to be ready before the storm hits, not just to survive, but to recover and rebuild stronger in the aftermath. Stay safe, Hawaiʻi! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Forecasters predict 1 to 4 hurricanes this season
With hurricane season beginning June 1, Hawaii officials are urging residents to prepare now as forecasters predict near-to below-normal tropical cyclone activity in the Central Pacific this year. Chris Brenchley, director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Central Pacific Hurricane Center, said forecasters are expecting one to four tropical cyclones—including tropical depressions, storms and hurricanes—in the region this year. The outlook reflects neutral El Nino conditions and weaker-than-normal wind shear, which could slightly favor storm development, although overall activity is expected to be average or below average. 'Even though the season is predicted to be below to near normal, there is still the need to prepare, ' Brenchley said. 'Now is that time. All of us as residents play a role, as well as businesses, in preparing for whatever the hurricane season may bring us this year.' Brenchley pointed out that in 2024 the Central Pacific saw only two tropical cyclones—below the average of four to five—but one of them, Hurricane Dora, brushed the south side of Hawaii island in late August, proving that low activity doesn't equal low risk. 'A tropical cyclone really represents a potential hurricane, ' Brenchley said. 'They don't all become hurricanes. They have that potential.' Officials urged residents to make emergency plans, gather at least two weeks of supplies and stay informed. Gov. Josh Green has proclaimed May 18-24 as Hurricane Preparedness Week, calling on the public to be aware, educated and ready to take action. Though a direct hit might not happen every year, officials warn that it takes only one storm to upend lives, families and entire communities. Emergency planners also urge residents to consider how they would move around in the aftermath of a storm. Roads may be blocked by fallen trees, fuel may be limited and evacuations could be slowed by traffic congestion. Travis Counsell, executive director of the Hawaii Bicycling League, said bicycles can play a surprising but powerful role, often serving as one of the most reliable forms of transportation during and after disasters. 'Bikes as a resilient mode of transportation are an amazing tool that's not only sustainable, affordable and low-impact, but when disaster strikes, bicycles are often the most useful personal vehicle in some of those impacted areas, ' Counsell said. Counsell cited examples from the 2024 New Year's earthquakes in Japan and the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires, where residents used bikes to navigate road closures, check on loved ones and transport supplies. 'Bikes do not require any gas. They're self-powered. They can be nimble. They can be lifted over downed trees or other things blocking the way, making them ideal for not only rural areas, but urban areas as well, ' he said. As the Bicycling League marks its 50th anniversary this year, it's promoting bikes not just for recreation or commuting, but as tools of resilience. The organization offers free workshops on how to maintain and prepare bikes for emergencies, including tips like checking air, brakes and chains ; adding racks or trailers ; and including items like helmets, lights, gloves and first aid kits as part of a disaster plan. Counsell also noted that Green has proclaimed June 3—just days after the start of hurricane season—as World Bicycle Day, in alignment with a United Nations designation. 'Bicycles … they're way more than just for leisure, ' Counsell said. 'They are definitely part of how we build a resilient community.' Brenchley urged residents to stay tuned to official updates from the National Weather Service and Central Pacific Hurricane Center throughout the season. Even if a storm doesn't make landfall, it can bring life-threatening wind, rain and ocean hazards. 'If we have a tropical cyclone anywhere in the Central Pacific, it definitely warrants our attention and will be watched closely, ' Brenchley said.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
What does Hawaii's 2025 hurricane season look like?
HONOLULU (KHON2) — NOAA forecasters from the Central Pacific Hurricane Center will issue the 2025 Hurricane Outlook on Thursday, May 15. Honolulu city council looks to use hotel tax to help lower projected sewer fee increase Officials said the outlook will review the anticipated tropical activity for Hawaii's hurricane season from June through November. The forecast range set to be given includes all types of tropical cyclones such as hurricanes, tropical storms and tropical depressions. Currently, the outlook does not forecast if any cyclones will hit the islands, only the number of systems expected to form or move into the Central Pacific 2024, the CPHC forecasted between two to four systems. Two hurricanes were present during the 2024 season — Hurricane Gilma and Hurricane Hone. Officials added that the information is intended to help residents, emergency managers and community leaders make informed decisions to stay safe. Following the conference, Gov. Josh Green will issue a proclamation declaring Hurricane Preparedness Week in Hawaii. Check out more news from around Hawaii Join KHON2 at 10 a.m. on KHON+ and the KHON2 Mobile app to watch the press conference live. A separate live on KHON2's Facebook will be held for discussion with Justin Cruz. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
In a rush? 15 things you should know before 2025 hurricane season arrives
We realize your time is valuable. But living in Florida, there are some things you just have to know, and ranking high among those things is info about hurricane season. ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location So here's a very quick-hit look at the 2025 hurricane season. June 1 through Nov. 30. As of May 13, 18 days. Daily tropical outlooks will be released by the National Hurricane Center starting May 15. Advisories are issued when there is a named storm out there or an unnamed system is close to land and residents need time to prepare before it's officially named. ➤ National Hurricane Center tropical outlooks start May 15. Here's why they're important to Florida Outlooks show areas with a potential of developing into tropical cyclones over the next two to seven days. No, but ... AccuWeather forecasters said there's an area around Central America with a low possibility of tropical development May 17-24. ➤ AccuWeather warns 1st tropical storm of year could develop in May. See forecast, Florida impact Predictions released as of May 13 predict an above-normal number of named tropical systems, ranging from: Named storms: 13-21 Hurricanes: 7-10 Major hurricanes: 3-5 ➤ Florida is No. 1. That's not good when it comes to hurricane season predictions. See forecast Named storms: 14 Hurricanes: 7 Major hurricanes: 3 Andrea ➤ 2025 hurricane season will start with Andrea. See list of names The NHC will use diagonal pink and blue lines to show counties where both a hurricane watch and tropical storm warning have been issued. The NHC will be: Showing a smaller cone to display the probable track of the center of a tropical cyclone. Issuing an advisory 72 hours instead of 48 hours before the expected arrival of storm surge or tropical-storm-force winds on land. Adding a rip current risk map. Providing storm surge information for some of the Hawaiian Islands. ➤ National Hurricane Center lays out changes coming for 2025 season. See what to expect Prepare now, before a hurricane is coming. Break it down into steps: Assemble a disaster supplies kit Check your home. Look at roof, shutters, garage door, trees, loose items, etc. Determine your evacuation zone and whether you live in a flood-prone area Look over your insurance coverage ➤ New to hurricanes? Everything to know about NOAA tips from Hurricane Preparedness Week Go to FEMA's Flood Risk website, and enter your ZIP code. ➤ Know your risks from wind and water Go to the Florida Department of Emergency Management's Know Your Zone website and enter your address. ➤ Know your risks from wind and water As of May 13, that has not been approved by the Legislature or Gov. Ron DeSantis. In 2024, the first of two disaster-preparedness sales tax holiday ran from June 1-14. ➤ Five big budget issues: Tense times ahead as feuding Florida lawmakers take on DeSantis We will start our daily tropical weather coverage on May 15. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Florida hurricane season: When, 2025 predictions, how to prepare
