Latest news with #stormseason
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
The 2025 hurricane season kicks off. Here's what you need to know
BATON ROUGE, La. (LouisianaFirstNews) – The 2025 hurricane season is officially underway. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting above-normal hurricane activity. NOAA is forecasting a range of 13 to 19 total named storms. Six to ten of those are forecast to become hurricanes, and out of those, three to five are predicted to become major hurricanes. Louisiana GOHSEP encourages everyone to have a plan ready, well before a hurricane or tropical storm threatens the state. Researchers at Colorado State University have also predicted an above-average hurricane season for 2025. What are the 2025 storm names? This year's names, chosen by the World Meteorological Organization, are: Andrea Barry Chantal Dexter Erin Fernand Gabrielle Humberto Imelda Jerry Karen Lorenzo Melissa Nestor Olga Pablo Rebekah Sebastien Tanya Van Wendy The hurricane season will last until November 30. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Editorial: Rick Scott, Ashley Moody must defend against political storms by backing emergency funding
1It's June 1, the official start of hurricane season. And Floridians know, for sure, that there is a storm coming. But when? Where? How bad will it be, and how much help can the state expect as it rebuilds? Those are questions that can't be answered. That's because this storm is of human origin — a swirling morass of short-sighted buyouts pushed by Donald Trump's DOGE bounty hunters, potential budget cuts and a threatened shift in the way the nation funds disaster recovery. Even if Florida dodges a direct hit by a major hurricane this year, the uncertainty of storm-prediction capabilities and recovery aid are likely to drive Florida's property insurance industry into a maelstrom of uncertainty, potentially fueling catastrophic rate increases. The only hope lies in restoring the hard-won stability that, until last year, Floridians had grown to rely on. And there's still a chance for two key leaders — our U.S. senators, Ashley Moody and Rick Scott — to defend Florida's chances of surviving brutal storm seasons. Both have ample reason to know what's at stake. Moody, who until recently served as state attorney general, witnessed the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, which caught southwest Florida underprepared for a last-minute course shift. As governor, Scott oversaw turbulent storm seasons, including 2017, when Hurricane Irma forced the largest mass evacuation in the nation's history. Both of them witnessed the slow, painful slogs to recovery every time a major storm hit Florida. As the Senate responds to the starvation-level budget approved by the House last month, they owe it to Floridians to tilt the national spending plan back to rationality. That includes repairing the tattered U.S. weather-monitoring system by filling more than 550 vacancies at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Weather Service. The nation needs qualified meteorologists and scientists, whose predictions give storm-vulnerable areas the best chance of bracing for impact — and no state needs help more than Florida, which has incurred more hurricane losses than any other state over the past 10 years. And no state would suffer as badly as Florida if the current situation persists. Geography is obviously a factor: The state is exposed to both Gulf and Atlantic storms, which can rake any point in its nearly 8,500 miles of shoreline and often shift course with little warning. Reporting by CBS and the Miami Herald show that NWS and NOAA outposts across the state are critically understaffed — something called out in a letter signed by five former heads of the NWS, published in these pages last month. 'NWS staff will have an impossible task to continue its current level of services. Some forecast offices will be so short-staffed that they may be forced to go to part-time services,' they wrote. The loss of forecasters is compounded by the short staffing among technicians responsible for maintaining the radar arrays that detect and analyze storm activity. 'Our worst nightmare is that weather forecast offices will be so understaffed that there will be needless loss of life,' they wrote. That should be everyone's fear. Reconstituting the nation's storm-prediction resources won't be easy. There are only so many qualified meteorologists, radar technicians and other critical personnel to fill these vacant positions, and many who departed took retirement deals that could complicate attempts to rehire them — a clear illustration of the penny-wise, pound-foolish impact of DOGE's blindly draconian cuts. Any delay in fixing the damage could be fatal for as-yet uncountable Floridians. Scott and Moody must also make it clear that federal aid will be available to any part of this nation hit by natural disasters. Recent actions by the Trump administration — denying federal aid for other parts of the nation that have been hit by devastating storms and other emergencies — make the warning even sharper. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is holding back funding that was promised months or even years ago, while denying emergency aid. Among the rejected pleas: Aid for a Washington state town that was three-quarters destroyed by wildfire, and help following an Arkansas storm event with tornadoes and giant hail that killed three people. Most alarming, the administration slashed funding last week for North Carolina's Hurricane Helene recovery, a storm that left 230 people dead and thousands without power for weeks. Ironically, Trump blasted the Biden administration in January for not doing enough to help Helene's victims. These incidental denials could be just the start. If President Trump makes good on his threat to shift disaster response to the states, Florida and other states on the front lines of climate change will be the first to suffer. While the president may speak deceptively of 'reform,' Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has been far more blunt: She wants to shut FEMA down. And while we appreciate Scott's sense of timing, taking a tour of Florida to promote disaster preparedness, this is not a burden that can be carried by Florida residents and businesses alone. That's why Scott, Moody and other GOP senators in disaster-prone states should join forces and make it clear: The nation should not abandon Florida and other states to the winds of fate. Certainly the nation's disaster-recovery framework could be improved. But an abrupt denial of funding now could carry devastating consequences — not just for states on the front lines, but on the nation. Floridians have the right to expect their senators to defend their interests. The Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board consists of Opinion Editor Krys Fluker, Executive Editor Roger Simmons and Viewpoints Editor Jay Reddick. Contact us at insight@
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Conditions are primed for a fierce hurricane season. Here's what Floridians can expect
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Another potentially dangerous hurricane season officially begins Sunday and with forecasters calling for an 'above-average' number of storms, Floridians should have their initial preparations in place soon. We can expect an above-average season over the next six months due to many factors, including hot Atlantic ocean temperatures. It'll be the latest busy season: Last year, Hurricane Helene became the most deadly U.S. hurricane since Katrina, and Hurricane Milton spawned some 43 tornadoes across the state. Floridians must stay vigilant: Our 8,000-mile-plus coast makes us a big target, and the storm-surge death rate is particularly high here. This year, the National Hurricane Center is rolling out new forecast tools to help the public prepare. As the season officially begins this weekend and lasts for six months, here's everything you need to know. This hurricane season is expected to bring more named storms as well as more hurricanes and major hurricanes. As for the odds, there's a 60% chance of an above-normal season and a 10% chance of a below-normal season, said Ken Graham, director of the National Weather Service. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is calling for 13 to 19 named storms, with sustained winds of 39 mph or more. Colorado State University predicted 17 named storms in its annual spring hurricane outlook. Last year had 18. The average from 1991 to 2020 was 14. Six to 10 of those named storms likely will become hurricanes, with maximum sustained surface winds of 74 mph or greater, NOAA said. Last year had 11 hurricanes (the average year has seven), five of which made landfall in the continental U.S., resulting in 297 deaths. NOAA expects three to five major hurricanes, meaning they'll be Category 3 or above with sustained winds of 111 mph or greater. CSU hurricane researchers predicted that the 2025 hurricane season will be about 25% more active than the average season. Last season's hurricane season was about 30% more active than the average season. Graham said that three factors inform the forecast: Warm sea-surface temperatures in the Atlantic Basin, a lack of wind shear over the region, and a forecast for strong African monsoons, which can roll off the continent and fuel tropical storms once over the Atlantic. 'Everything is in place for an above-average season,' Graham said. The heat behind the forecast: Above-average sea surface temperatures in the eastern subtropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea are primary factors for this year's storm season, according to researchers at Colorado State University. Matt Rosencrans, of the National Hurricane Center, said that sea-surface temperatures right now are about as warm as they usually are in late June. But last year at this time they were as warm as they normally would be in August. Hotter-than-normal, sea-surface temperatures work in two ways, according to the researchers. First, they generally fuel hurricane formation. Secondly, when spring sea-surface temperatures are high in the eastern Atlantic, as they are now, it tends to mean weaker trade winds across the Atlantic. Flat, calm water heats up faster — above-average water temperatures will likely continue for the peak of the 2025 hurricane season. 'Additionally, a warm Atlantic leads to lower atmospheric pressure and a more unstable atmosphere. Both conditions favor hurricane formation,' the report said. La Niña and El Niño impacts: NOAA and CSU forecasters also point to a lack of El Niño as being conducive to storms. El Niños usually ramp up wind shear, which can cripple storms. 'Given the combined hurricane-favorable signals of a warm Atlantic and the unlikelihood of El Niño, the CSU forecast team is predicting an above-normal season,' a report said. Since the 1990s, we've been in a 'high-activity era' for hurricanes, said Michael Brennan, director of the National Hurricane Center. The background conditions that have driven that trend are warmer-than-normal ocean temperatures. Florida accounted for 410 of the 660 hurricane-related deaths in the U.S. since 2017. As a peninsula with 8,436 miles of shoreline, second only to Alaska, we're a big target. The fatality stats have motivated NOAA to focus on water hazards as much as wind. Nationally, water, both freshwater flooding and saltwater storm surge, has been responsible for 63% of the direct fatalities from hurricanes in the past decade, said Brennan. Wind accounts for only about 20%. Surf and rip currents account for 11%. But Florida is different. Almost half of the direct fatalities are from storm surge. In 2017, NOAA introduced storm-surge warnings. Post-storm indirect deaths, which are nearly as high as direct deaths and affect the elderly more than other groups, stem from car accidents, lack of medical access, recovery accidents, cardiac arrest, heat fatalities and carbon monoxide poisoning from faulty generator use. The National Hurricane Center is rolling out some new forecast features, and making an experimental map operational. Experimental map: Last year it rolled out an experimental, more detailed version of the cone graphic. The detailed version shows inland tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings, because destruction is not limited to the coast. An example of how the detailed version works played out last year when, during Hurricane Helene, nearly the entire state of Florida was covered by hurricane and tropical storm warnings and a hurricane warning that extended hundreds of miles into Georgia. It turned out to be the deadliest U.S. hurricane since Katrina. Rip current risk map: NOAA's National Hurricane Center also is debuting a rip current risk viewer map. Florida has had the most rip current-related deaths of any state since 2013, in part because storms off the east coast can create dangerous swells 1,000 miles away on Florida's beaches, said Brennan. Deadly rip currents on Florida's east coast can occur on an otherwise nice day, he said. Longer lead times: The National Hurricane Center also is offering forecasts with longer lead times. Previously, potential tropical cyclone advisories were released 48 hours prior to expected arrival of impacts. The lead time will now be 72 hours. This means longer lead times when forecasters feel confident that wind and storm surge will significantly impact land areas. A potential tropical cyclone is a disturbance that is not yet a tropical storm with sustained winds of 39 mph or greater, but it's strong enough to bring tropical storm and hurricane conditions to land areas. Heat risk: Post-storm deaths can be driven by the combination of hot weather and lack of air conditioning, especially for the elderly. The National Hurricane Center also is launching post-storm heat risk maps that integrate heat forecasts with potential for power loss. Robert Molleda of the NWS's Miami office reminded the public that watches and warnings are more effective than merely concerning oneself with the cone. He said that with storm surge and hurricanes, a watch means hurricane conditions and life-threatening surge are possible within 48 hours. A warning means they are expected within 36 hours. He mentioned that last year, Hurricane Milton, which made landfall on Florida's west coast, spun up 43 known tornadoes, many of which were on the east coast. He said the front right-hand side of a hurricane is where tornadoes can form, even if the eye is 100 or 200 miles away. Any tropical system can cause tornadoes, even weak and disorganized ones. At a hurricane preparedness meeting, Chuck Lanza, director of Broward county office of emergency management, outlined how to make a family emergency plan: —Choose a safe place to meet. —Learn evacuation routes now. —Evacuation does not mean driving upstate, he said. 'You don't have to leave the county, you just have to leave the evacuation zone.' —Establish an out-of-town contact. —Talk to children about what to do before, during and after an emergency. —Make plans for pets. Be prepared to show proof of rabies vaccination for cats and dogs at Broward County shelters, and bring a pet crate if you have one. —Inventory your home with video and photos. Make paper copies of important documents such as birth certificates and insurance policies. —Everyone should have food, water and emergency supplies to last three to five days without power. —You can sign up for Broward County emergency alerts at —If you have questions, call the Broward call center at 311. Graham, of the National Weather Service, encouraged people to take hurricanes seriously. 'There's no such thing as just a Cat 1, just a Cat 2 storm,' he said. 'Even a small storm is a danger.' Now is a good time to prepare for hurricane season, he said. 'There are no lines today.' Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., who recently held a hurricane preparedness meeting in Hallandale Beach, said, 'People absolutely must get ready in advance of the start of hurricane season. You should have your go-kits ready, you should have your 72 hours, really up to a week's worth of supplies already stocked in your home. … Don't wait. That's the bottom line.' Hurricane season ends Nov. 30.
Washington Post
3 days ago
- Climate
- Washington Post
Every Floridian should have a plan for this year's hurricane season, DeSantis says
ORLANDO, Fla. — Two days away from the start of hurricane season, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state's top emergency manager joked Friday that they didn't want to encounter each other again until the storm season ends in late November. Forecasts suggest that's unlikely. While the upcoming season, which starts Sunday, isn't expected to be as topsy-turvy as last season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there's a 60% chance it will be above normal, a 30% chance near normal and just a 10% chance it will be quieter than average. Relentless storms, including Debby , Helene and Milton , which landed in Florida last year, made for the third-costliest hurricane season on record last year.
Associated Press
3 days ago
- Climate
- Associated Press
Every Floridian should have a plan for this year's hurricane season, DeSantis says
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Two days away from the start of hurricane season, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state's top emergency manager joked Friday that they didn't want to encounter each other again until the storm season ends in late November. Forecasts suggest that's unlikely. While the upcoming season, which starts Sunday, isn't expected to be as topsy-turvy as last season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there's a 60% chance it will be above normal, a 30% chance near normal and just a 10% chance it will be quieter than average. Relentless storms, including Debby, Helene and Milton, which landed in Florida last year, made for the third-costliest hurricane season on record last year. 'You just have to prepare and plan that we are going to have impacts,' DeSantis said at a news conference in front of shelves of generators at a Home Depot store in Jupiter, Florida. 'If you plan and it doesn't happen, you're never going to have regrets. If you don't plan and it happens, you're going to immediately be saying, 'Why didn't I do this?'' Ahead of any hurricanes headed toward the peninsula, Floridians should be prepared to have seven days of food, water and supplies for their households, including pets. If they need to evacuate, they don't have to travel hundreds of miles when traveling just a few miles inland to a hotel or shelter works, officials said. Floridians living on the coast should be familiar with their evacuation zone so they know which areas emergency officials are referring to if an evacuation is issued, said DeSantis and Kevin Guthrie, executive director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. The NOAA forecast calls for 13 to 19 named storms with six to 10 becoming hurricanes and three to five reaching major status with winds of more than 110 mph (177 kph). A normal season has 14 named storms, seven of which strengthen to hurricanes and three power up further to major hurricanes. Normally, at the start of hurricane season, Floridians would be able to buy storm supplies under a state program that doesn't tax items like generators, batteries, flashlights, tarps and coolers. However, that is on hold since the Florida Legislature hasn't passed a budget, DeSantis said. Despite enjoying a GOP supermajority in both chambers, legislative leaders failed to pass the one bill Florida law requires, the state budget, ahead of the scheduled end of the regular session at the beginning of May. Lawmakers are expected to return to Tallahassee in June to hammer out a spending deal ahead of the July 1 start of the next fiscal year. 'So we don't have any tax holiday in place in the state of Florida,' said DeSantis, taking a jab at lawmakers who openly defied the Republican governor during this past legislative session in contrast to previous years of deference. ___ Follow Mike Schneider on the social platform Bluesky: @
