Tropical Storm Bertha churns in the Atlantic
MIAMI -- Tropical Storm Bertha is still churning in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa. [Full Story]
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Fla. hurricane inspections ahead of schedule
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida will soon stop accepting applications for a state program that provides residents with free home inspections to learn about possible wind resistance upgrades.
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State officials approve plan to shore up CAT fund
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida residents might see an increase in property insurance rates because of a plan to bolster the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund.
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Hurricane Center director happy as ''weather geek"
MIAMI -- When hurricanes and tropical storms threaten the U.S., a self-described "weather geek" will let the nation what the dangers are.
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Florida to sell bonds to pay storm claims
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Gov. Charlie Crist and a top state financial official on Tuesday approved the sale of up to $625 million in bonds to pay claims from Hurricane Wilma back in 2005.
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Colo. researchers predict 8 Atlantic hurricanes, 4 major
FORT COLLINS, Colo. -- A noted hurricane researcher is calling for eight hurricanes in the Atlantic this year, four of them major.
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FEMA Dir. offers storm preparation advice
DAVIE, Fla. -- David Paulison, FEMA Director and a South Florida native, is offering tips to stay safe this storm season.
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State to use billboards for emergencies
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- State emergency officials are using new technology to get hurricane and disaster information to you as fast as possible.
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Hurricane season begins with storm present
MIAMI -- Check the expiration date on that canned food and dust off the hurricane shutters, the 2008 Atlantic Hurricane Season has officially begun.
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Coastal residents urged to prepare for hurricanes
MIAMI -- Coastal residents from Texas to Maine are being urged to prepare for the Atlantic hurricane season, which begins Sunday.
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With storm season looming, time to update disaster kit
TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. -- Living on a canal just six blocks from the Gulf of Mexico, Dennis and Martie Fagan don't mess around when it comes to preparing for hurricane season.
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Crist signs revamped insurance package into law
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- Gov. Charlie Crist signed new property insurance legislation Wednesday that extends a rate freeze for about 1.2 million customers of state-backed Citizens Insurance, while vetoing a portion that critics say puts more pressure on residents if a major hurricane strikes.
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Experts encourage South Florida to prepare for hurricanes
MIAMI -- Experts showed concern that more than 50 percent of South Floridians are not ready for the hurricane season in 2008.
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FEMA still evaluating emergency housing options
MIAMI -- Disaster victims might one day watch their homes and communities be rebuilt from the cool comfort of a front porch.
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Fla. officials respond to and help seniors prepare for hurricane season
BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. -- The Florida Department of Elder Affairs says it learned from the eight storms that hit Florida in 2004 and 2005 on how to respond to and help the elderly.
Active Storm(s)
TROPICAL STORM BERTHA -- MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 45 MPH AND IS LOCATED NEAR LONGITUDE 28.3 WEST AND LATITUDE 14.2 NORTH. Full Advisory
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Satellite Imagery
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Surviving a Storm
A comprehensive look at how to prepare for Hurricane Season hosted by Chief Meteorologist Phil Ferro. Click here to watch now
Terms to Know
Tropical Wave:
A cluster of clouds and/or thunderstorm without a significant circulation and generally moving from east to west through the Tropics.
Tropical Depression:
A cluster of clouds and/or thunderstorm without a significant circulation and substained wind speeds of less than 39mph.
Tropical Storm:
An organized system of strong thunderstorms with top sustained winds of 39mph to 73mph. Tropical storms can quickly develop into hurricanes. Storms are named when they reach tropical storm strength.
Hurricane:
An intense tropical weather system with a sustained wind speed of 74mph or higher.
Emergency Numbers
Emergency Management Offices
Miami-Dade: 305-468-5400
Broward: 954-831-3900
Monroe: 305-289-6018
Palm Beach: 561-712-6400
American Red Cross
Miami-Dade: 305-468-5400
Broward: 954-831-3900
Monroe: 305-289-6018
Palm Beach: 561-712-6400
Special Needs
Miami-Dade: 305-513-7700 | 305-468-5402 (TDD)
Broward: 954-537-2888 | 954-537-2882 (TTY)
Key West: 305-292-4591 | 305-292-4418 (TTY)
Middle Keys: 305-743-0079 ext. 4591
Upper Keys: 305-852-1469 ext. 4591
Palm Beach: 561-712-6400
Storm Preperation
Preparing Your Home for the Storm
Our home is often our most valuable asset. That's why it's important to shop early for supplies to make sure it's protected. Craig Stevens has the Hurricane Hardware you will need to make those preparations.Full Story
Stocking Up for the Storm
We all know we're supposed to stock up on food and water before a hurricane. But many of us don't know exactly what we need to buy. Well, Seven's Christine Cruz is here with what you need to know to put your shopping list together. Full Story
Understanding Evacuation Zones
Living along the coast makes hurricanes especially dangerous for us here in South Florida. Many of us live in mandatory evacuation zones. Seven's Richard Lemus has the information you need to know on the route to safety. Full Story
Protecting Your Pets
Don't forget Fido when it comes to making your hurricane plans. Seven's Carmel Cafiero tells us what we need to know for protecting our pets.
Full Story
Understanding Hurricane Insurance
Preparation doesn't always stop a hurricane from doing damage. That's where having the right insurance comes into play. Seven's Patrick Fraser and Howard Finkelstein break down what we need to know when planning for protection.Full Story
Weathering a Power Outage
The most frustrating aftermath of a hurricane is often waiting for the lights to come back on. After Hurricanes Wilma and Katrina in 2005, some here in South Florida went without power for almost a month, but you don't have to sweat it out. Seven's Lynn Martinez is here with some survival suggestions on how to get power to the people.
Full Story
Generator Safety
Generators are a great addition to your hurricane supplies, but that power solution can be generating trouble. Seven's Patrick Fraser gives you an inside look at the dangers of running a generator too close to your home. Full Story
Watching TV After a Storm; Digital TV Upgrades
A lot of us keep battery-operated televisions on hand to track the storms in case the power goes out. But as Brent Cameron tells us, there's TV trouble on the way when stations start broadcasting in high definition. Full Story
Preparing and Securing Your Boat
Taking advantage of our South Florida waterways by boat is one of the best things about living down here. But when a storm moves in, your boat is just one more thing you need to secure. Seven's Vivian Gonzalez has ideas for when you need to batten down the hatches. Full Story
Hurricane Season Headlines
Stormy Season: New Leadership at NHC
Bill Read takes over a National Hurricane Center that's been through a tough year. It started shortly after a new director took over last year. Full Story
Storm of Controversy
During hurricane season we watch and wait for storm systems to be named, but some meteorologists say the hurricane forecasters are naming systems too early. Reed Cowan looks at this storm of controversy. Full Story