2012 News Archive
The articles below are archived from the main page of www.floridadisaster.org/index.asp.
02/02/12 - Thursday's Focus Is Hurricanes and Flooding For Florida's Severe Weather Awareness Week
Florida's Severe Weather Awareness Week takes place from January 30 – February 3, 2012. Severe Weather Awareness Week is an opportunity for Floridians to learn about the various weather hazards that frequently impact the state and how families and businesses can prepare for these natural events.
Each day focuses on a specific weather event. Thursday's focus is hurricanes and flooding.
Florida has a long history of hurricanes. Records indicate that approximately 110 hurricanes and almost 200 tropical storms have impacted the state since 1851. The unique location of Florida in the sub-tropics makes it vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes, and the relatively flat terrain can also make it susceptible to flooding. Florida is surrounded by very warm waters, which breed and support hurricanes: the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the Caribbean Sea well to the south.Thursday's Focus Is Hurricanes and Flooding For Florida's Severe Weather Awareness Week
01/31/12 - Weekly Report
Weekly Weather Outlook January 31-February 3, 2012
Weekly Weather Outlook
January 31-February 3, 2012
Text Version
02/01/12 - Wednesday's Focus Is Thunderstorms and Tornadoes For Florida's Severe Weather Awareness Week
Florida's Severe Weather Awareness Week takes place from January 30 – February 3, 2012. Severe Weather Awareness Week is an opportunity for Floridians to learn about the various weather hazards that frequently impact the state and how families and businesses can prepare for these natural events.
Each day focuses on a specific weather event. Wednesday's focus is thunderstorms and tornadoes.
Thunderstorms occur quite frequently across Florida. On average, there are 75 to 105 thunderstorm days per year statewide. Hazards within thunderstorms include lightning, hail, gusty winds, heavy rain that may cause flooding, and tornadoes.
Wednesday's Focus Is Thunderstorms and Tornadoes For Florida's Severe Weather Awareness Week
01/31/12 - High Risk Of Rip Currents Expected Through Wednesday For Southeast Florida Beaches
Florida Division of Emergency Management officials are urging beachgoers to use caution as a high risk of strong and frequent rip currents is expected along Florida’s Gold Coast, from Palm Beach County through Miami-Dade County through Wednesday. Those traveling to the beach should stay out of the water where red flags are flying.
“Persistent and strong onshore winds along Florida’s Southeast Coast could create hazardous beach and boating conditions through tomorrow” said Michelle Palmer, Deputy State Meteorologist. “Beachgoers should always check the warning flag signs before entering the water, swim within sight of a lifeguard and follow any instructions from safety officials.”
High Risk Of Rip Currents Expected Through Wednesday For Southeast Florida Beaches
01/31/12 - Tuesday's Focus Is On Marine Hazards and Rip Currents For Florida's Severe Weather Awareness Week
Florida's Severe Weather Awareness Week takes place from January 30 - February 3, 2012. Severe Weather Awareness Week is an important opportunity for Floridians to learn about the different weather hazards that frequently impact the state and how families and businesses can prepare for these natural events.
Each day focuses on a specific weather event. Tuesday's focus is Marine Hazards and Rip Currents.
Florida's beaches attract millions of residents and tourists each year. However, while there may be beautiful weather in the sky, there can be unseen dangers in the water.
Rip currents, often erroneously referred to as rip tides or undertows, are naturally occurring currents and affect many Florida beaches year-round. Each year, rip currents cause an average of 10 fatalities; noteworthy because this average is higher than that of hurricane, tornado or lightning related fatalities. Many of these incidents occur on days when the weather is pleasant, with a nice breeze blowing onshore. This catches beachgoers by surprise since fair weather is usually associated with pleasant ocean conditions.
Tuesday's Focus Is On Marine Hazards and Rip Currents For Florida's Severe Weather Awareness Week
01/30/12 - Monday's Focus Is On Lightning For Florida's Severe Weather Awareness Week
Florida's Severe Weather Awareness Week is the week of January 30 - February 3, 2012. Severe Weather Awareness Week is an important opportunity for Floridians to learn about the different weather hazards that frequently impact the state and how families and businesses can prepare for these natural events.
Each day focuses on a specific weather event. Monday's focus is on lightning.
Lightning is one of nature's most unpredictable weather phenomena. Meteorologists can forecast the general conditions that cause lightning, but no one can forecast the exact location or time of the next strike of lightning.
All thunderstorms contain lightning which can strike a person, tree or an object either on the ground or in the air. Lightning is among the top causes of weather-related fatalities in the United States. It kills nearly 60 people each year, and in Florida alone the average is seven fatalities per year. Lightning is often underrated as a life-threatening hazard, as it does not generate the same attention as compared to other forms of hazardous weather.
Monday's Focus Is On Lightning For Florida's Severe Weather Awareness Week
01/27/12 - Weekly Report
Weekly Weather Outlook
January 27-30, 2012
Text Version
1/27/12 - Governor Rick Scott Proclaims January 30 – February 3, 2012 As
Florida Severe Weather Awareness Week
Governor Rick Scott has proclaimed January 30 – February 3, 2012 as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Florida. The Week is dedicated to educating Florida’s residents and visitors about the potential weather hazards that affect the state, including lightning, tropical storm systems, tornadoes, floods and rip currents. Each day, the Division will feature a severe weather hazard and important preparedness tips.
“Florida is unique in that it experiences numerous types of severe weather every year. Our residents and visitors need to be aware and ready for these hazards,” said Division of Emergency Management Director Bryan W. Koon. “We urge all Floridians to take time to consider the information highlighted this week and take action by building or renewing their family and business disaster plans.”
The Florida Division of Emergency Management will kick off the Week on Saturday, January 28, 2012. One highlight of the kickoff is the announcement of the annual Severe Weather Awareness Week Poster and Public Service Announcement Contest winners. Over 700 students statewide participated in the contests this year. The winning poster will be displayed in the State Emergency Operations Center for the rest of 2012. The winning public service announcements will be professionally produced and aired statewide as part of the Division’s 2012 public awareness campaign. These winners will also receive complimentary tickets to an Orlando theme park for up to a family of four.
The Annual Tornado Drill is Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Governor Rick Scott Proclaims January 30 – February 3, 2012
As Florida Severe Weather Awareness Week
Severe Weather Awareness Week
Proclamation
01/23/12 - Governor Scott Proclaims January 22 – 28, 2012 As Hazardous Materials Awareness Week In Florida
~ This Educational Week Focuses on Mercury~
Governor Rick Scott has proclaimed January 22 – 28, 2012 as “Hazardous Materials Awareness Week” in Florida. Joining Governor Scott in commemorating the educational week is the Florida Division of Emergency Management, in partnership with the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) for Hazardous Materials and the Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) across the state. This year’s focus is on Mercury.
“Florida’s economy and quality of life are directly impacted through the safe utilization of many chemicals,” said Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Bryan W. Koon. “The understanding and awareness of Florida’s safe history and use of these materials underscores the importance of this week. I encourage all Floridians to take time to learn about the uses of Mercury and other commonly used materials in their area to raise the level of awareness and preparedness for their families.”
Hazardous Materials Awareness Week public education and training events are being coordinated through the regional LEPCs. To learn more about LEPC's, their outreach events and information, and Mercury's uses and safe handling, visit: http://www.floridadisaster.org/hazmat/serc/news.htm.
Governor Scott Proclaims January 22 – 28, 2012 As Hazardous Materials Awareness Week In Florida
Hazardous Materials Awareness Week Proclamation
01/26/12 - Florida Residents Advised To Stay Alert As Storm System Brings Potential For Severe Weather Across The Florida Panhandle Today And Tonight
State and local emergency management officials are recommending residents and visitors in the Florida Panhandle and Florida Big Bend stay alert as a storm system moves into the area today through Friday morning. This storm system will have the potential to produce frequent lightning strikes, high wind gusts, and isolated tornadoes.
“A squall line of thunderstorms will enter the Florida Panhandle this afternoon and move eastward tonight into the Florida Big Bend region, before moving through the Florida Peninsula on Friday,” said State Meteorologist Amy Godsey. “The Storm Prediction Center has placed much of Northwest Florida in an area for an enhanced risk of severe storms and we encourage residents, visitors, and businesses to monitor this weather system and be prepared to follow any instructions if warnings are issued.”
A Tornado Watch is in effect until 5:00 pm CST Thursday for Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton and Washington Counties. Additional tornado watches may be extended eastward throughout the day. Residents and visitors to the state should monitor local media outlets and ensure that their NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio alert settings are turned on.01/24/12 - Weekly Report
Weekly Weather Outlook January 24-27, 2012
Weekly Weather Outlook
January 24-27, 2012
Text Version
01/19/12 - Weekly Report
Weekly Weather Outlook January 19-23, 2012
Weekly Weather Outlook
January 19-23, 2012
Text Version
01/17/12 - Weekly Report
Weekly Weather Outlook January 17-20, 2012
Weekly Weather Outlook
January 17-20, 2012
Text Version
01/11/21 - Florida Emergency Management Agency Statement On Loss of Brevard County Emergency Management Director
The Florida Division of Emergency Management is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Brevard County Emergency Management Director Bob Lay.
"Bob was both a pillar and an invaluable member of the emergency management community in Florida, his loss brings great sadness to those who called him a colleague and a friend," said Division Director Bryan W. Koon, "Our most sincere condolences go out to Bob's family, and his emergency management family as we keep them in our thoughts and prayers."
Lay served as the Director of Emergency Management for Brevard County since 1997. A well respected expert in the field of emergency management, he was appointed by former governor Lawton Chiles to the Governor's Wildfire Response and Mitigation Review Committee in 1998, and recognized by the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association as Emergency Management Professional of the Year in 2003.
Statement On Loss of Brevard County Emergency Management Director
01/13/12 - Weekly Report
Weekly Weather Outlook January 13-16, 2012
Weekly Weather Outlook
January 13-16, 2012
Text Version
01/10/12 - Weekly Report
Weekly Weather Outlook January 10-13, 2012
Weekly Weather Outlook
January 10-13, 2012
Text Version
01/11/12 - Moderate To High Risk Of Rip Currents Expected Along Florida's Gulf Coast Through Thursday
Florida Division of Emergency Management officials are reminding beachgoers along the Gulf Coast to be aware today and tomorrow as a moderate to high risk of rip currents is expected. Those traveling to the beach should use caution if entering the water where red flags are flying.
“Very strong winds have developed over the Gulf of Mexico today, causing breaking waves of five to seven feet along the beaches of the Florida Panhandle. Due to these rough conditions, a high risk of rip currents is expected from Escambia County eastward through Gulf County. These persistent winds are also causing a moderate rip current risk on Florida’s Big Bend beaches from Franklin County to Dixie County, and along Southwest Florida beaches from Pinellas County through Collier County,” said Deputy State Meteorologist Michelle Palmer. “Visitors to Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches should check the rip current forecast before entering the water and follow any instructions from local officials.”
Moderate To High Risk Of Rip Currents Expected Along Florida's Gulf Coast Through Thursday
12/13/11 - Florida Emergency Management Officials Remind Students That Deadline For 2012 Severe Weather Awareness Week Poster And Video Contests Is Monday, January 9, 2012
The Florida Division of Emergency Management and the American Red Cross are reminding Florida students that the deadline to submit entries for the annual Severe Weather Awareness Week poster and public service announcement video contest is Monday, January 9, 2012.
Annual Poster Contest
Fourth and fifth graders in all of Florida’s 67 school districts as well as students who attend private schools or are home-schooled are invited to participate in the statewide poster contest. The poster should relate to the theme ‘Florida Severe Weather’ and illustrate an example of natural hazards the affect Florida.
All poster entries must arrive at the American Red Cross in Tallahassee no later than MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2012. Winners will be notified by phone. The winners' artwork is scheduled to be displayed in the State Emergency Operations Center during the first full week of February 2012. Prizes will include tickets to Walt Disney World, weather radios and many other exciting things to be announced soon. For complete contest rules go to www.FloridaDisaster.org/SWAW.
Annual Video PSA Contest
Florida middle and high school students in grades 6-8 and 9-12, including students who attend private schools or are home-schooled are invited to produce a 30-second public service announcement (PSA) incorporating a safety or preparedness message about one of the following topics: Boating Safety, Extreme Temperatures, or Rip Currents.
Final digital videos must be mastered as a DVD for submission to the Division. All PSA entries must be received at the Florida Division of Emergency Management in Tallahassee no later than MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2012. For complete contest rules and topic information, go to www.FloridaDisaster.org/SWAW.
01/06/12 - Weekly Report
Weekly Weather Outlook January 6-9, 2012
Weekly Weather Outlook
January 6-9, 2012
Text Version
01/03/12 - Weekly Report
Weekly Weather Outlook January 3-6, 2012
Weekly Weather Outlook
January 3-6, 3012
Text Version
01/03/12 - Arctic Cold Fronts To Bring Below-Freezing Temperatures Across Florida Through Wednesday
Florida Division of Emergency Management officials are urging residents and visitors throughout Florida to prepare for temperatures near or below the freezing mark early Tuesday and Wednesday morning. The cold front experienced in North Florida on Sunday is continuing southward through the Peninsula today, and a secondary cold front will push through the state tonight and Tuesday. A very strong arctic air mass will arrive behind these fronts and last through mid week.
By dawn Tuesday, temperatures are expected to plummet into the mid 20s to low 30s across North Florida and the Nature Coast and into the mid and upper 30s across much of Central Florida. North of the I-4 corridor, the National Weather Service has issued Freeze and Hard Freeze Warnings for Monday night into Tuesday morning, where freezing temperatures could last as long as 4 to 6 hours in northern Central Florida, and as long as 12 hours in North Florida. In addition, breezy winds will create cold wind chills and a Wind Chill Advisory has been issued for the entire Florida Peninsula.
Arctic Cold Fronts To Bring Below-Freezing Temperatures Across Florida Through Wednesday
12/30/11 - Weekly Report
Weekly Weather Outlook December 30, 2011-January 3, 2012
Weekly Weather Outlook
December 30, 2011-January 3, 3012
Text Version
Updated:
February 3, 2012 14:10
