Florida storm alert: early-season tropical cyclone approaching Meteorologists are monitoring a potential early-season tropical cyclone expected to impact Florida in early June. NOAA’s Global Forecast System (GFS) model shows a developing low-pressure system in the Gulf of Mexico that could bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flooding risks along the Gulf Coast. Forecasts sugge

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas — Thursday, April 10, 2026 — Researchers at Colorado State University (CSU) released their first major outlook for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season during the National Tropical Weather Conference held on South Padre Island, offering a cautiously optimistic forecast for the months ahead. According to CSU’s Department of Atmospheric Science, the upcoming season is expected to be slightly below average. The forecast projects 13 named storms, including six hurricanes and two major hurricanes classified as Category 3 or higher. By comparison, a typical Atlantic season produces approximately 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes. Forecasters attribute the subdued outlook largely to evolving global climate patterns. Current weak La Niña conditions are expected to transition into El Niño in the coming months, a shift that typically increases vertical wind shear across the tropical Atlantic. This atmospheric change can disrupt storm formation and limit the intensity of developing systems. In their analysis, CSU researchers emphasized that El Niño is likely to be the dominant influence during the peak of the season. Increased wind shear associated with this pattern generally reduces the likelihood of strong hurricanes forming and making landfall. As a result, the probability of major hurricane impacts along the continental United States coastline and across the Caribbean is expected to be lower than average. The report also highlights a reduced risk for the Gulf Coast region. CSU estimates a 20% chance of a hurricane making landfall between the Florida Panhandle and Brownsville, Texas, compared to the historical average of 27%. While this suggests a quieter season, researchers caution that even a below-average year can still produce significant and damaging storms. Phil Klotzbach, a senior research scientist at CSU and lead author of the forecast, noted that the projected 2026 season resembles patterns observed in past years such as 2006, 2009, 2015, and 2023. In those seasons, Texas experienced limited tropical activity, with no named storms in 2006 and 2009, and only minor systems recorded in 2015 and 2023. Despite the relatively lower forecast numbers, experts stress that preparedness remains critical, as hurricane activity can be unpredictable and even a single storm can have widespread impacts across coastal communities.

Jamaica has begun the difficult process of recovery after being struck directly by Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms to ever form in the Atlantic Ocean. The Category 5 hurricane made landfall earlier this week, leaving a trail of destruction across the island and devastating entire communities in the southwestern region. Emergency relief operations are now underway as international aid flights resume. Jamaica’s main international airport reopened late Wednesday, a

The final stretch of summer is here, and the Jersey Shore is preparing for what is expected to be a packed Labor Day Weekend as thousands of visitors head to the coast to enjoy one last celebration before fall arrives. Forecasts are predicting clear skies and warm temperatures, which is exactly the kind of weather that draws large crowds to the shoreline. While this is welcome news for local businesses that rely heavily on tourism revenue, there are rising conc

New Jersey is preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Erin, which is expected to bring heavy rains, strong winds, coastal flooding, and significant beach erosion to the state. As the Atlantic storm system moves closer, local authorities and weather experts have issued alerts, urging residents to stay vigilant and avoid vulnerable areas along the shoreline. The concern comes as ocean swells and storm surges are likely to impact low-lying communities, particularly

As Hurricane Erin makes its way up the East Coast, millions of people enjoying the last days of summer have been met with severe weather warnings and beach closures. From Florida to New England, coastal regions are bracing for dangerous rip currents, high surf, and strong winds. While the core of the storm is expected to remain far offshore, the outer edges of the hurricane are causing significant concern. On August

Rip current warnings have been posted along the barrier island beaches in Ocean County, and Bay Head may soon see its shoreline completely off limits to swimmers for the rest of the week. Beach Superintendent Hank Handchen confirmed that conditions are deteriorating quickly, with the surf growing more dangerous each day. While beachgoers are accustomed to rough waters during storm season, the current situation is concerning because of the rapid pace of erosion and the intensity of the waves hitt

Hurricane Erick made landfall early Thursday along Mexico’s southern Pacific coast as a powerful Category 3 storm, bringing with it destructive winds, torrential rainfall, and widespread flooding. The storm struck near the border of the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero, just east of Punta Maldonado, with maximum sustained winds estimated at 125 mph. The storm's impact began around 5 to 5:30 a.m. local time, with its intense conditions lingering through the morning hours. De

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season has officially begun, but Florida has experienced an unusual stretch of dry weather as the state momentarily steps away from its typical early summer rain pattern. The primary cause of this unexpected dryness is a massive Saharan dust plume that drifted across the Atlantic Ocean and settled high above Florida last week. Traveling an astonishing 5,000 miles from Africa, the dust plume was large enough to be observed from space and has temporarily disrupted Fl

As hurricane season officially begins, Houston residents are urged to revisit their storm preparedness plans. While many long-time Houstonians are familiar with the protocols, each year presents unique challenges, especially for new residents. Preparation is the key to staying safe when tropical storms or hurricanes hit the Gulf Coast. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help residents stay informed and protected.

For nearly 10 months, residents of Riverwood Estates in northeast Houston have watched a bridge on Moss Oaks Drive steadily deteriorate  and now, they say, enough is enough. The bridge, located near Homestead and Winfield, was damaged during Hurricane Beryl, and locals have been raising alarms ever since. Erosion has eaten away at the road’s foundation, crumbling pavement, twisting railings, and leaving families fearful that the structure may collapse at any moment. "

Hurricane Milton struck Florida's West Coast on Wednesday evening, making landfall near Siesta Key, south of Tampa Bay, with maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h (120 mph). The storm brought powerful winds, heavy rain, and tornadoes to the area. Current Status As per the latest update from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Hurricane Milton has weakened to a Category 1 storm and is moving east-northeast across the Florida Peninsula. Despite the downgrade, it continu

Hurricane Helene, now classified as an "extremely dangerous" Category 4 storm, is racing across the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida, posing a severe threat of "catastrophic" storm surges in the state's northwestern region. The storm is expected to bring destructive winds, heavy rains, and flash flooding to a vast portion of the southeastern U.S., with landfall anticipated by Thursday evening, according to forecasters. States of emergency have been declared in Flor