Prepare and Stay
Aware!
Current Situation and Weather Update
Hot, Breezy, and Generally Dry Weather for the Majority of Florida...Wind Advisory Issued for the Eastern Big Bend and Northeast Florida Peninsula...Isolated Afternoon and Evening Showers Over South Florida...Reduced Visibilities in Glades and Hendry Counties Due to Smoke from Wildfires...Moderate Risk of Rip Currents at Florida's Panhandle and Big Bend Beaches...
Updated 7:25 AM EDT FridayPatchy fog and low clouds this morning may reduce visibilities during the morning commute, especially over portions of Central Florida. Also, stable conditions this morning will keep smoke from continuing wildfires along the southwest shore of Lake Okeechobee near the ground, reducing visibilities along the western side of Lake Okeechobee. The low clouds and fog will lift later in the morning with improving conditions by 9am. With wildfire activity increasing, Floridians and visitors to the state who are planning outdoor activities into the upcoming weekend should use extra caution with campfires and barbeques. This is also a good time to make sure that your property is Firewise.
It will be a mostly dry, breezy and hot day statewide today. A decaying cold front, with the southern end across southern Georgia and Alabama, will move east today. A line of showers and isolated thunderstorms will move north of the state, but some lingering moisture and energy near the front may allow for a few showers to develop this morning over the eastern Big Bend and Northeast Florida. Any lingering showers near the front will lift northeast by the afternoon with high pressure east of the Bahamas building across Florida with partly to mostly sunny skies by midday. However, warm temperatures and winds will allow for a few possible showers this afternoon and evening over portions of Central and South Florida along the sea breeze.
A continued warm southwest wind flow will remain across Florida today as low pressure centered over Virginia combines with high pressure to the southeast. Winds may be especially strong over the eastern Florida Big Bend and Northeast Florida today and a Lake Wind Advisory is in effect from 11am to 7pm EDT for expected afternoon and evening winds of 15-20mph with gusts to 35mph. Warm southwest winds will also result in very warm afternoon temperatures in the upper 80s and low 90s inland and mid 80s along portions of the immediate Gulf Coast.
Any shower activity and strong winds will decrease tonight after sunset. Light southwest winds from high pressure will result in another mild night with overnight lows in the upper 60s across inland North Florida and lower 70s across the remainder of the state. Also, lingering moisture may result in another night of patchy fog over portions of the entire state, particularly in North and Central Florida.
Moderate to strong onshore southwest winds along the Gulf Coast will result in a moderate risk of rip currents along all Florida Panhandle and Big Bend beaches today. For the latest rip current forecasts for your beach destination, please click here.
List of Active Alerts by County
| Short Term Forecast - Palm Beach Western (Florida) Short Term Forecast Issued At: 2008-05-09T21:44:00 Expired At: 2008-05-10T00:00:00 Issuing Weather Forecast Office Homepage: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mfl/newpage/index.html |
| Short Term Forecast - Palm Beach Eastern (Florida) Short Term Forecast Issued At: 2008-05-09T21:44:00 Expired At: 2008-05-10T00:00:00 Issuing Weather Forecast Office Homepage: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mfl/newpage/index.html |
| Short Term Forecast - FLZ168 (?) (Florida) Short Term Forecast Issued At: 2008-05-09T21:44:00 Expired At: 2008-05-10T00:00:00 Issuing Weather Forecast Office Homepage: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mfl/newpage/index.html |
Compliance with the American Disabilities Act During Emergencies
As a reminder, local governments as well as the State must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act with regard to public accommodation. Please review the attached memorandum and the Florida ADA Emergency Shelter Checklist to assist you in the preparation for the 2008 hurricane season. If you have any questions, please contact Chip Wilson, Statewide Disability Coordinator at 850.413.9892.
Emergency Shelter Checklist (PDF)
State, Local Emergency Managers and Teams in Preseason Training
State, Local Eemergency Managers and Teams in Preseason Training and Outreach as the 2008 Season Begins June 1
TALLAHASSEE – State emergency and local managers are busy across the state this May planning, training, and hosting outreach events to get their teams and all Floridians ready for the 2008 hurricane season which begins June 1. Over the next month there are numerous local expos and preparedness events that are open to the public.
Read the Full Press Release about Preseason Training (PDF)
2008 Hurricane Season Forecast- It only takes one
With the start of the 2008 hurricane just around the corner, Dr. William Gray’s recent forecast of an “above average” season should serve as a wake-up call for Floridians to ‘Get A Plan’ and be prepared for any disaster.
While much is written and said in the media about what 15 tropical storms and 8 hurricanes may mean for Florida, the reality for Sunshine State residents is it only takes one storm hitting your community, home, or business for it to be an “above average” season.
Read the Full Press Release About Dr Gray's Forecast (PDF)
Watch Craig's Corner Video About Hurricane Season Forecasts.
New Website for Community Emergency Response Teams
Florida Division of Emergency Management Unveils New Website for Community Emergency Response Teams
April is Florida Volunteer month and in the spirit of encouraging volunteerism throughout the state, the Florida Division of Emergency Management has brought online a new website, www.floridadisaster.org/CitizenCorps, to provide information on Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) and the Citizen Corps.
"During a disaster, volunteer aid plays a huge role in helping local communities to recover," said Craig Fugate, Director of the Division of Emergency Management.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management supports the Community Emergency Response Team program which trains residents to be prepared for emergency situations in their communities and neighborhoods. Local CERT teams receive training in disaster preparedness, disaster fire safety, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, terrorism, communications, disaster psychology and team organization. CERT teams provide immediate assistance to victims, collect disaster information to support first responder efforts and provide the first neighborhood help in the immediate hours following a major emergency.
Read Full Release Regarding the CitizenCorps (PDF)
Disaster Assistance for Columbia County Tornado Recovery
Long Term Recovery Committee to Coordinate Disaster Assistance for Columbia County Tornado Recovery
The Columbia County Disaster Recovery Center in Lake City will close after Sunday. Residents who were affected by the recent tornado event should come to the Richardson Community Center at 255 NE Coach Anders Lane, Lake City, Fla., 32055, prior to 7:00 p.m. Sunday to register to receive assistance.
After this time, any disaster-related needs should be directed to the United Way of Suwannee Valley at (386) 752-5604, for referral to the appropriate community agency, city public works or Suwannee Valley Long Term Recovery Committee.
Read Full Release Regarding Columbia County Disaster Recovery (PDF)
Severe Repetitive Loss Program
The Division of Emergency Management, in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is announcing a new mitigation grant, Severe Repetitive Loss Program, which is directed toward the most severe and flood vulnerable structures. The State of Florida has received an allocation of $9+ million to mitigate the flooding potential of these structures using the following techniques: Acquisition, demolition or relocation; Elevation and second story conversion; Mitigation reconstruction, if elevation is not feasible; Dry flood-proofing of historical structures; and Minor physical flood control projects.
Program guidance and instructions for submitting a sub-application
How USGS Responded to Hurricanes and Addresses Storms Today
Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) say that the lessons learned and technology deployed before, during and after Hurricanes Dennis, Katrina, Rita and Wilma in 2005 can be used to help the public, emergency responders and policymakers prepare for and reduce losses from future hurricanes. This and much more is detailed in, "Science and the Storms: the USGS Response to the Hurricanes of 2005," a new USGS report which was discussed at two Congressional briefings.
The publication showcases everything from the discovery of new storm surge modeling techniques to the use of satellite imagery and airborne LiDAR, or light detection and ranging, to measure land loss and landscape change to how science helps determine water quality and flooding threats.
2008 Hazardous Weather Awareness Week
2008 Hazardous Weather Awareness Week Poster and Essay Contest Winners Announced 1/4/2008
Severe Weather Warnings
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TO PROVIDE MORE SPECIFIC WARNINGS FOR SEVERE WEATHER
The National Weather Service will begin issuing more geographically specific warnings for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, floods, and marine hazards starting October 1. The new “storm-based warnings” will allow forecasters to pinpoint the specific area where the threats are highest, reducing the area warned by as much as 70 percent when compared to today’s county-by-county system.
View Full Severe Warnings Press Release
GET A PLAN!
Get a Plan
In any major disaster, emergency workers may not be able to reach everyone right away. What would you do if you had no electricity, no gas, no water and no telephone service? Having a plan for your family and their needs will help ensure their safety and comfort during these difficult times. A well thought-out plan of action for you and your family can go a long way toward reducing the damage from tornados, wildfires, severe thunderstorms and flooding that could strike the state of Florida.
Get Your Family Plan Today! | Get Your Business Plan Today!
Know Your Hazards
Tornados |
Thunderstorms and Lightning |
Updated:
May 9, 2008 18:49
