Explore

Palm Beach Post

Weather. NHC warns tropical depression could form this week in Gulf

Weather. NHC warns tropical depression could form this week in Gulf

What does latest NHC forecast mean for Florida and Palm Beach County? Tropical depression or storm could develop this week as rainy week anticipated.

LaSalle Street Drainage Project Completed in San Marco to Alleviate Flooding

LaSalle Street Drainage Project Completed in San Marco to Alleviate Flooding

City officials in Jacksonville, Florida, have announced the completion and operational status of the LaSalle Street Drainage Improvement Project in the San Marco neighborhood. This initiative introduces a new stormwater pump station capable of moving up to 60,000 gallons of water per minute and includes upgrades to nearly a mile of the surrounding stormwater collection system. The project aims to significantly reduce flooding in an area that has historically experienced repeated inundations during heavy rainfall, leading to stalled vehicles and water reaching businesses. The improvements are specifically designed to mitigate flooding during a 50-year, 24-hour rainfall event and accelerate the recession of floodwaters during severe tropical weather. The broader project, an estimated $64 million effort, received $44 million from the city and an additional $20 million through state grants. While officials caution that the upgrades may not prevent every instance of flooding, particularly during intense, short-...

Palm Beach Post

Hurricane center watching area in the Gulf for possible development

Hurricane center watching area in the Gulf for possible development

Gulf waters are record warm and have already birthed three named storms this year, but El Niño wind shear may be too strong for a high-end storm.

Rising Costs of Climate Change Threaten U.S. Towns

Rising Costs of Climate Change Threaten U.S. Towns

Climate change is increasingly straining the financial resilience of U.S. states and towns, as highlighted during Newsweek's Pillars of Stability event. Melissa Hoffer, Massachusetts' climate chief, revealed that the state now budgets for less than 1% of its climate funding to come from federal sources, down from 26%. Recent floods in Massachusetts and Vermont have underscored the growing challenges, with Vermont no longer considered a 'climate refuge' after severe flooding in 2023 and 2024. Southern Florida towns are also at risk, with predictions of bankruptcies within 10 to 15 years due to rising disaster costs and declining property values. Experts emphasize the need for disaster aid to focus on building back stronger and more resilient infrastructure.

Orlando Townhome Residents Displaced as Sinkhole Forces Condemnation of Two Homes

Orlando Townhome Residents Displaced as Sinkhole Forces Condemnation of Two Homes

Several residents in Orlando's Villas of Costa Del Sol neighborhood have been displaced after a significant sinkhole opened beneath the rear of a townhome. The sinkhole's appearance led the city to condemn two homes, effectively barring residents from returning to their properties. This incident highlights the geological vulnerabilities that can affect residential areas, particularly in regions prone to such natural occurrences. The immediate consequence is the loss of habitation for those affected, necessitating urgent relocation and assessment of structural integrity for surrounding properties. The event underscores the unpredictable nature of sinkholes and their potential to cause sudden and severe disruption to homeowners.

Tropical Depression Nine Forms in Gulf, May Strengthen

Tropical Depression Nine Forms in Gulf, May Strengthen

Tropical Depression Nine has formed in the southern Gulf of Mexico, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) [10/6 5 PM]. The system, currently located east of Tampico, Mexico, is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm by late Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning, potentially earning the name Isaias. Forecast models suggest the storm could intensify into a Category 2 hurricane with winds reaching up to 100 mph (160 km/h) by Thursday afternoon. The storm's projected path indicates a possible landfall between New Orleans, Louisiana, and Destin, Florida, by Friday evening. However, the exact track and intensity remain uncertain, and further updates are expected as more data becomes available. Local forecasts for the Big Bend and South Georgia regions currently predict increased rain and storm chances, with potential localized flooding and severe storms depending on the storm's trajectory.

2 people killed, including a student, after Florida school bus rolls over in crash, sheriff says

2 people killed, including a student, after Florida school bus rolls over in crash, sheriff says

A school bus flipped over onto its roof during a multivehicle crash in central Florida on Monday morning, killing two people including a 10th grade girl and injuring several others, authorities said

Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Millions awarded for Sarasota, Manatee hurricane recovery

Millions awarded for Sarasota, Manatee hurricane recovery

Sarasota and Manatee communities will receive millions for hurricane cleanup, park repairs and emergency response costs.

Flood Insurance Discounts in Miami-Dade Explained

Flood Insurance Discounts in Miami-Dade Explained

Heavy rains across Florida this Sunday have brought renewed attention to flood risks, particularly in Miami-Dade County. The National Weather Service is monitoring flooding in northern and northwestern Florida, where rainfall accumulations of 2–6 inches (5–15 cm) are expected, with locally higher amounts. Miami-Dade County has long faced significant flood risks due to heavy rains, urban drainage issues, and tidal factors. Residents in the unincorporated areas of Miami-Dade can benefit from up to a 35% discount on flood insurance premiums through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), thanks to the county's Class 3 rating in FEMA's Community Rating System. However, this discount applies only to eligible policies issued or renewed after April 1, 2024, and does not cover all properties in the county. FEMA emphasizes the importance of purchasing flood insurance well before a storm, as new policies typically have a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins.

Flash Flood Risk Expands Across Florida This Week

Flash Flood Risk Expands Across Florida This Week

Heavy rainfall is expected to impact much of Florida this week, with flash flood risks expanding across the state. According to the Weather Prediction Center, the Florida Panhandle faces a slight risk of flash flooding, with a 15% chance within 25 miles of a point. Areas from Tallahassee eastward are under a marginal risk, with a 5% chance of flash flooding. Flood watches are in effect across the Panhandle, including Pensacola and Jacksonville, and may be extended. Rainfall totals of 2–4 inches are forecast through Monday, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 6 inches. A slow-moving cold front is contributing to the heavy rainfall, which is expected to stall near Lake Okeechobee later in the week. The National Hurricane Center is also monitoring the Gulf of Mexico for potential tropical development, though no system has formed yet.

Flood Warning Issued for St. Mary’s River in FL and GA

Flood Warning Issued for St. Mary’s River in FL and GA

The National Weather Service in Jacksonville has issued a Flood Warning for the St. Mary’s River at Macclenny, affecting Nassau and Baker counties in Florida, as well as Charlton County in Georgia. As of Sunday, October 4, at 7:45 PM EDT, the river stage was measured at 10.2 feet. The river is forecasted to rise above the flood stage of 12.0 feet by late Monday morning and is expected to crest at 14.0 feet by Tuesday evening. This warning will remain in effect from Monday morning until further notice. Additional updates are expected to be issued on Monday evening at 9:00 PM EDT. Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions as flooding is anticipated to impact low-lying areas and properties along the river.

Heavy Rain and Flood Risk Persist in Jacksonville

Heavy Rain and Flood Risk Persist in Jacksonville

Jacksonville, Florida, is experiencing significant rainfall due to a stalled front over the Florida-Georgia line and an area of low pressure in the Gulf of Mexico. This weather pattern is bringing widespread rain coverage and tropical moisture to the region. Jacksonville International Airport has already recorded 5.29 inches (134.4 mm) of rain this month, surpassing the October average of 4.03 inches (102.4 mm) by 1.26 inches (32 mm). While the rainfall is helping to alleviate a yearlong deficit that exceeds 15 inches (381 mm) in many areas, the heavy downpours over a short period have led to flash flooding. The wet conditions are expected to continue through the rest of the week, with additional rainfall likely.