Latest news with #stormpreparedness
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
With a busy hurricane season expected, Palm Beach encourages residents to prepare early
With the 2025 hurricane season set to begin June 1, the town is advising residents and businesses to prepare now. Assistant Chief Joe Sekula, Fire-Rescue spokesman, told the Daily News that knowing evacuation routes, shelter options, and re-entry procedures is critical for storm preparedness. "With hurricane season running from June 1 to November 30, the Town of Palm Beach — situated on a vulnerable barrier island — is urging residents, property owners, and visitors to prepare early," Sekula said. "Hurricanes can bring destructive winds, heavy rain, storm surge, and flooding, so advance planning is essential." The 2025 hurricane season is expected to be another busy one. In its forecast released May 22, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted a 60% chance of an above-average season. The agency called for 13 to 19 named storms, with winds of 39 mph or higher. Of those, six to 10 are forecast to become hurricanes, with winds of 74 mph or higher. They include three to five major hurricanes — Category 3, 4 or 5 — with winds of 111 mph or higher. Experts from Colorado State University — among the nation's top seasonal hurricane forecasters — predict 17 named tropical storms will form in 2025, of which nine will become hurricanes. Based on records from 1991 to 2020, a typical hurricane season brings roughly 14 tropical storms, with seven reaching hurricane strength. More: The other season — hurricane — has arrived; being prepared is key | Editorial Last year, 18 storms formed, including destructive Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The busy forecast stems from warmer-than-usual Atlantic Ocean temperatures and the expected absence of El Niño conditions, unusually warm temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific that can limit hurricane development. When residents take proactive measures to prepare for storms, it protects them and also contributes to the broader community's ability to withstand and recover from extreme weather events, Sekula said. Those measures include stocking emergency essentials, protecting important paperwork, establishing clear communication plans with family and neighbors, and knowing where and when to evacuate. The town offers links to websites that assist with hurricane preparation, including those managed by the town, county and state. To access the information on the town's website, go to or contact storm@ The town lies in Evacuation Zone B, which includes most of Palm Beach County's barrier islands east of the Intracoastal Waterway. Along with Zone A, which includes mobile homes and low-lying areas, Zone B typically is among the first to be evacuated when a major storm approaches. In the event of a mandatory evacuation and a declaration by the town's chief of police that a state of emergency exists within the town as a result of a hurricane impact, town police will establish roadblocks at each of the access points and bridges leading into the town. The roadblocks prevent access to the island while conditions are unsafe, the town said. As part of their storm preparation, residents and business owners also are encouraged to review the town's re-entry program, which is conducted in five phases following the passage of a storm. Out-of-town residents, owners and lease holders, as well as business owners or property representatives, must complete a re-entry list program application in order to gain access to the town after an emergency. Applicants must have a government-issued ID to be placed on the re-entry list, which expires Dec. 31, 2026. To complete an application, visit the town's website at For information, contact the town's Crime Scene Evidence Unit at 561-838-5466. Early preparation measures for extreme weather events also include the town's emergency alert and news release platform, which was updated in December 2023 to provide more targeted communication with residents. The system allows for the distribution of vital information through location-specific communications with residents, who must opt in to receive them. Communications include town alerts on weather hazards, police activity, traffic delays, road closures and other situations that affect certain parts of the town, as well as news releases on upcoming events and activities. In order to opt in for location-specific communications, subscribers can visit the town's website at and click the "Sign Up" button. For additional information, visit the town's hurricane page at "Act early and prepare now," Sekula said. "Your safety depends on it." Jodie Wagner is a journalist at the Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at jwagner@ Help support our journalism. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Palm Beach urges early preparation as hurricane season begins
CBS News
6 days ago
- Climate
- CBS News
FPL shares its 2025 hurricane preparedness checklist to help Floridians get ready for the next big storm
With the official start to the Atlantic Hurricane Season just days away, Florida Power & Light is urging all customers to be prepared before the storm hits home. This week, FPL released its annual checklist of important details for Floridians to consider before, during and after a tropical storm or hurricane, saying that "safety is the cornerstone of our commitment to customers and employees." "It is not a matter of if, but when the next hurricane will hit our state, which is why it's important to be proactive in planning for the six-month-long hurricane season," the utility provider said. The consensus among hurricane forecasters is that the Atlantic Ocean, with generally warmer-than-normal water temperatures, is poised for another above-average season. The season will start Sunday and last through Nov. 30. With that in mind, here are FPL's tips on how to get ready before the storm strikes: Create an emergency plan with your family FPL said people should first determine if their home or business is in a flood and evacuation zone, and review their evacuation routes. Also, Floridians should determine their backup power source or make necessary arrangements to relocate themselves if a storm warning is issued. According to FPL, the Division of Emergency Management recommends keeping gas tanks at least half full during hurricane season, and electric vehicles need to maintain a 50%-80% charge at all times. Floridians should also contact their local emergency management office if they or anyone they know has special needs, in case of evacuations. FPL also recommends that Floridians apply for its Medically Essential Service if someone in their home is dependent on electric-powered, life-sustaining medical equipment. Build an emergency kit FPL also recommends that Floridians build an emergency kit for themselves and their families, as major storms could impact access to necessary services. The utility provider recommends that everyone have the following in their kits: Radio Flashlights Batteries Phone charger Power banks Car charger Non-perishable food Disposable dinnerware and utensils Medications and prescriptions Personal hygiene supplies Baby supplies Pet food Trash bags Toilet paper Soap Detergent Also, FPL recommends everyone to collect their important documents and place them inside waterproof containers, such as insurance policies, health cards, birth certificates, Social Security cards, phone number lists, medication lists and a copy of their FPL and other utility bills. Prepare your home Before the storm comes, FPL said people should store outside objects inside, fasten doors and windows, cover valuables and furniture with plastic, and move away from windows. Floridians should also turn off and unplug any unnecessary electrical equipment, including pool equipment. If your roof or windows leak, FPL said water in the walls and ceiling may come into contact with electrical wiring, so people should immediately turn off any circuit breakers, disconnect all electrical appliances and turn off all wall switches. Additionally, FPL said to never stand in water while operating and unplugging any electrical device. FPL said people should also set their refrigerators and freezers to their coldest settings ahead of time to keep food fresh longer in the event of a power outage. The utility provider also said people should never attempt to trim any vegetation growing on or near power lines. For more information on tree trimming policies, visit Additionally, FPL said everyone should look up and note the location of power lines before beginning work on a ladder, and stay at least 10 feet away from them. Stay safe and informed If anyone is using a portable generator, FPL recommends that people read and follow all the manufacturer's instructions before operating. Also, be sure to set it up outside your home, and connect appliances directly to it and do not wire the generator to your breaker or fuse box to prevent power surges and cause injuries. Additionally, FPL said everyone should stay far away from and do not touch downed power lines or flooded and debris-laden areas that may be hiding downed power lines. If you find any, call 911 and 1 (800) 4-OUTAGE (468-8243) to report them. To stay updated on any power outages, bookmark download the FPL app and save 1 (800) 4-OUTAGE in your phone to report and check restoration statuses. FPL added that people should also follow their local news outlets and @insideFPL for updates on storm conditions and heed all warnings. For more tips, visit
Associated Press
22-05-2025
- Climate
- Associated Press
Morrison, CO Pre-Storm Roof System Inspection Contractor: Services Announced
Apex Restoration & Roofing (303-691-5035) announced that pre-storm roof inspection services are now available in Morrison, Colorado as the team moves to help residents upgrade their home's weather preparedness. Centennial, United States, May 21, 2025 -- The news comes with Apex Restoration & Roofing urging Morrison homeowners to schedule regular roof inspections - especially given the local area's propensity for stormy conditions. Hailstorms and severe winds can combine to inflict significant damage on residential roofs, and this damage needs to be assessed and remedied before it can worsen, says the team. For more information see Apex Restoration & Roofing can evaluate roofs both before and after stormy conditions arrive, and its preliminary inspections serve to assess the roof's level of readiness for upcoming adverse weather events. Meanwhile, post-storm checks allow the team's contractors to determine exactly how much havoc has been wrought by the weather before advising homeowners as to which issues will need urgent restorative work. The company names cracked flashing, dislodged shingles, and pooling water as potential problems left in the wake of storms - and its team is equipped to correct them. Yet, even in the event that only minor damage is uncovered, Apex Restoration & Roofing stresses that repairs should be arranged quickly - citing the escalating problems associated with roof deterioration. 'Roof failures can lead to severe water damage, mold growth, and even structural compromise - placing your family and property at risk,' warns an Apex Restoration & Roofing representative. 'The cost of fixing these extensive issues far surpasses the initial investment in quality roofing, making the stakes in contractor selection exorbitantly high.' As such, Apex Restoration & Roofing maintains its presence throughout Jefferson County to ensure that residents have immediate access to professional contractors who are familiar with the local weather - and its impact on their roofs. The company is equipped to work with all common residential roofing materials, from asphalt shingles and metal roofing to concrete tile, slate, and more. Morrison homeowners can book an on-site inspection via Apex Restoration & Roofing's official website, with the team's contractors offering to provide honest, transparent assessments. One recent customer commented: 'Apex replaced our roof, gutters, and skylights. Our contact worked tirelessly to ensure our satisfaction. He was very knowledgeable and wonderful to work with throughout the entire process - including the selection of roofing materials, coordination with our insurance, installation, and follow-up.' Interested parties in Morrison and across Jefferson County can find additional details at: Contact Info: Name: Micheal Dye Email: Send Email Organization: Apex Restoration & Roofing Address: 7076 S Alton Way, Centennial, , Centennial, CO 80112, United States Website: Release ID: 89160650 In case of detection of errors, concerns, or irregularities in the content provided in this press release, or if there is a need for a press release takedown, we strongly encourage you to reach out promptly by contacting [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our efficient team will be at your disposal for immediate assistance within 8 hours – resolving identified issues diligently or guiding you through the removal process. We take great pride in delivering reliable and precise information to our valued readers.
CBS News
22-05-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Pa. lawmaker, power companies hold hearing following severe weather, prolonged outages
Three weeks after a powerful windstorm caused extensive and prolonged power outages, a state lawmaker held a public hearing to determine how everyone can be more prepared for future storms. Storms never last, and we can learn from them after they pass. The destructive windstorm that swept through the Pittsburgh region on April 29 knocked out power for hundreds of thousands of people, causing confusion and frustration. "A lot of the people that we heard from just wanted to know when the heck the power was going to come back on. It was hard, I know, to be without power for so long. My own family was right there with you without power for seven days," said Rep. Mandy Steele (D), 33rd District. Rep. Steele called for a policy hearing: "After the Storm: Preparing for the Future." At the Lauri Ann West Community Center in Fox Chapel Wednesday night, community members and lawmakers heard directly from Duquesne Light and West Penn Power representatives. They explained what challenges they faced while restoring power. "Downed lines, poles, and other damage to the grid can present very diverse and potentially dangerous situations. That's what our crews had to face in this storm," said Abe Amawi, manager of operations at West Penn Power. "Many of our customers said they experienced difficulties getting through to us, we had some difficulty with the amount of calls coming in at one time. It created some technology challenges for us, and I'm happy to report that we've already made some technology advancements to be able to support and not have that bottleneck in the future," said Kristy Stone, Vice President and Chief Customer Officer at Duquesne Light. The power company representatives said they are listening to concerns, learning lessons, and figuring out what can be done differently when another big storm hits. "Going forward, we plan to complete a comprehensive review of our current customer notifications. That's email, that's texts, that's calling. Then we'll modify them as needed to ensure those messages are very clear and consistent so you don't have the frustrations and you're able to plan as best you can for any outages," Stone said. "We also intend to focus on providing more localized times. Now, the severity and complexity of this storm created a difficulty to be able to have localized ETRs," Stone added. "We continue to refine our process to communicate estimated time of restoration to our customers and other stakeholders to get their critical information into the hands as quickly and as practically so they can make decisions that fit their unique circumstances," Amawi said.
