Latest news with #SouthFlorida
CBS News
an hour ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Is South Florida prepared for hurricane season? The NEXT Weather team asks residents if they're ready
The NEXT Weather team had the opportunity to venture out of the studio and head out into the community to ask people how they are preparing for hurricane season this year. While some people are ready, others are not so much. "I never prepare for Hurricane Season," said Raquel Taylor. Raquel has been living in South Florida for 30 years, and she said she usually wings it when it comes to getting ready for the Season. "I just listen, last minute, you should probably put your shutters, and pray that nothing happens," said Fabiola Valdes. The NEXT Weather team asked Claudia Quintanilla how she prepares for hurricane season, and she said she stocks up on water bottles and canned foods. "If you are a mom and have kids, you need to have food," Quintanilla said. Rodrigo Lascurain had been living in South Florida for six years. He said he's been through some tropical storms and is not used to what could be out there. "I just look at the news on a daily basis and make sure I have enough food and supplies," Lascurain said. "I live in an apartment building not close to the ocean and high up, so I guess I feel secure." Tracy Samara said It is important to have dry pet food in case the power goes out. "I need to stock up on pet food, especially the dry food, because the wet food that I buy is frozen," they said. Vidal Lissarrague, who has lived in South Florida for 35 years, said, "You've got to be prepared." "You've got to have all of your documentation prepared," Lissarrague said. "Luckily, we do have hurricane windows. We have a home that is hurricane-proof. We built six years ago, so we're in a better situation than a lot of people. And in a no-flood zone, even though we have flood insurance. You need to check your homeowners' insurance, too — make sure that you have that up to date." "Everyone should listen to the authorities," added Andrea. "If they tell you to evacuate, you should evacuate." Gene Kowalski said he lives in a condo with hurricane windows, so it's not a big deal. "But I have a second home in Lake Placid, Florida. I just went and ordered a generator," Kowalski. A generator will come in handy and be very helpful if the power goes out during a storm. Laura Puricelli just moved here about a year and a half ago from Argentina. "We don't have Hurricanes in Buenos Aires," she said. Puricelli said last season, the one thing that caught her off guard was the tornadoes. The NEXT Weather team explained that whenever we have a tropical system, there is a possibility we can get a little spin-up in the atmosphere During hurricane season, tornadoes are "one of the dangers that people forget about or maybe are not aware of, especially if you are new to the area," the NEXT Weather team said. John Hlavin said he and his family have only been here for the past four years or so. "It's all still pretty new to us," he said. "We take advice from our local friends. We just try to follow what they do and what they tell us to do." "Our place we have here in Coral Gables is on the older side," Hlavin added. "Our landlady did just installed impact windows. So we feel good about that." Alessia Burgio knows the drill when it comes to hurricane season. She's originally from Ukraine, but has been living in South Florida for 25 years. "My husband and I are considering putting panels on the roof so we don't ever have to leave the house because it does get anxious with 3 children," Burgio said. "I think we are still lucky because I'm thinking of people in other areas where they aren't given enough ample time, like tornadoes," she said. "And I think you guys are doing such an amazing job preparing us."
CBS News
an hour ago
- Climate
- CBS News
What is the difference between a storm "watch" and "warning," understanding your evacuation zones
When a watch or warning is issued during hurricane season, you need to know the difference, regardless of what the threat or hazard is. Storm watch vs. storm warning A "watch" is issued when storm conditions are possible in the next 72 hours. When a watch is issued, you should be prepared and be alert, since conditions are favorable for dangerous weather within that time frame. A "warning" is when conditions are imminent, within 36 hours, or are happening. A warning means you need to take action. If a tropical storm warning is issued, you will want to lower and secure umbrellas, bring cushions indoors, and secure light outdoor furniture. If a hurricane warning is issued, you'll need to take immediate action to secure your home, bring in outdoor furniture and install hurricane shutters. Everyone needs to know their evacuation zones Everyone is strongly encouraged to heed the advice of local officials when watches and warnings are issued, especially when it comes to what preparedness actions need to be taken, and if/when evacuation orders are issued. After a warning is issued, you may be ordered to evacuate. So you need to know your zone. Here in South Florida, every county is different. Broward County Broward County has two evacuation zones. The evacuation order depends on the severity of the storm. Evacuation Plan A in red is for a category one or two hurricane with a storm surge of 4-7 feet above sea level. All mobile home residents, residents near tidal bodies of water, in low-lying areas and residents east of the Intracoastal Waterway should evacuate. Evacuation Plan B in orange is for category 3 hurricanes or higher due to the threat of storm surge of 7-11 feet above sea level and winds of 111 miles per hour or greater. Both of these zones impact mostly the coastal cities in Broward, including places like Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach and Deerfield Beach. Miami-Dade County Miami-Dade County is split into five evacuation zones, marked A through E. Zone A, shaded in red, is at greatest risk for storm surge for category 1 and higher storms. Zone A includes portions of Cutler Bay, Coral Gables, Key Biscayne and areas around Biscayne National Park. Zone B, shaded in orange, is at risk for storm surge for category 2 and higher storms. This includes southern Miami-Dade County, portions of Cutler Bay, Miami and Miami Beach. Zone C in yellow is at risk for storm surge for category 3 and higher. That's the remaining portions of Homestead and Cutler Bay you see here — into Pinecrest and Coral Gables, as well as North Bay Village. Zone D in green is for areas at greatest risk for hurricane category 4 and higher. This zone encompasses neighborhoods like Kendall, the Hammocks, Palmetto Estates, as well as portions of Hialeah and Aventura. And Zone E, shaded in blue, is at risk for category 5 and higher. Zone E includes the Western areas of Miami-Dade County, including portions of the Hammocks into Sweetwater and eastern sections of Doral. Monroe County and the Florida Keys All of the Florida Keys are in an evacuation zone, and Monroe County's emergency plan calls for a "phased evacuation" as all of the Keys are in a storm surge danger zone, and evacuation decisions there are typically made in relation to timing as well as areas more likely to be impacted. This evacuation plan is intended to avoid unnecessary evacuation if some zones are expected to be affected and others are not. It is crucial to listen to local authorities because the storm intensity and track will determine where evacuation orders will be issued. Usually in the Keys, tourists are asked to evacuate first, and then local residents. What to do in case of an evacuation Everyone should develop an evacuation plan. Always be prepared to go and have a to-go kit for each family member. Have a disaster plan and stay informed through media. Go when you are told to go, leave early and keep your gas tank full. Stay with family or friends inland in a non-evacuation zone. Shelters should be the last resort. You will find more information regarding evacuation zones on the Florida Division of Emergency Management website below: The Evacuation Zones/Storm Surge Planning Zones for each county can be found on the respective county websites:
CBS News
9 hours ago
- Climate
- CBS News
NEXT Weather Alert: Gusty winds, heavy rain and local flooding to hit South Florida
Saturday is a NEXT Weather Alert Day for all of South Florida from noon until 5 p.m. Scattered storms will develop around midday. Some of the storms could turn strong to severe with the potential for damaging gusty winds, heavy rain, localized flooding, small hail and frequent lightning due to a frontal boundary, plenty of moisture and instability in the atmosphere. The Storm Prediction center has placed South Florida under a marginal (level 1out of 5) risk of severe weather today. The rain chance is higher on Sunday with scattered to widespread storms possible with the potential for heavy downpours and localized flooding. As the frontal boundary stalls, we remain unsettled with high rain chances through the middle of next week. Once drier, Saharan air moves in late next week, the rain chance will decrease a bit.
CBS News
9 hours ago
- Climate
- CBS News
NEXT Weather Alert: Strong to severe weather predicted for this Saturday
NEXT WEATHER ALERT this Saturday from Noon until 5 p.m. Scattered storms will develop around midday. Some of the storms could turn strong to severe with the potential for damaging gusty winds, heavy rain, localized flooding, small hail and frequent lightning due to a frontal boundary, plenty of moisture and instability in the atmosphere. The Storm Prediction center has placed South Florida under a marginal (level 1out of 5) risk of severe weather today. The rain chance is higher on Sunday with scattered to widespread storms possible with the potential for heavy downpours and localized flooding. As the frontal boundary stalls, we remain unsettled with high rain chances through the middle of next week. Once drier, Saharan air moves in late next week, the rain chance will decrease a bit.
CBS News
21 hours ago
- Climate
- CBS News
NEXT Weather Alert: Strong storms, flood risk possible for South Florida this weekend
A NEXT Weather Alert is in effect for South Florida from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday as isolated strong to severe storms are expected to roll across the region, CBS News Miami Chief Meteorologist Ivan Cabrera said. The alert comes as a frontal boundary moves into the area Saturday and stalls through the weekend, combining with a mid-level disturbance and ample tropical moisture to create unstable conditions. Cabrera emphasized the threat is not widespread, classifying it as a Level 1 out of 5, but warned that marginally severe storms could still develop. "With daytime heating, sea breeze interactions, and an incoming front, we could see strong gusty winds, brief hail, and heavy downpours Saturday afternoon into the early evening," Cabrera said. "Localized flooding is possible where storms linger." Storm timing and severity vary through the weekend Weather outlook for Saturday. CBS News Miami The Saharan Air Layer (SAL), a dry, dusty mass of air from Africa, could suppress storm development earlier in the day but is not expected to prevent storms from forming entirely, Cabrera added. Sunday is forecast to be slightly less active, though one or two strong storms could still pop up in the afternoon. Both days could bring heavy rainfall, and the deep tropical moisture in the atmosphere means even brief storms may produce significant rainfall totals. Temperatures are expected to reach the lower 90s Saturday and Sunday before rain cools things off. More storms, possible alerts early next week By Monday, the frontal boundary is forecast to remain stalled, and a strengthening disturbance could trigger another round of strong storms with localized flooding potential. Additional NEXT Weather Alerts may be issued. Looking ahead to midweek, a new surge of Saharan dust may push in from the Caribbean, possibly limiting storm coverage. However, high chances of showers and storms remain in the forecast through at least Wednesday. Looking ahead to midweek, a new surge of Saharan dust may push in from the Caribbean. CBS News Miami No marine alerts are currently in effect.
