Hurricane Watch Center

01/31/2026

🥶 Freeze Incoming for the South!

Much of the country including most of the south is about to get hit with a real freeze, and for a lot of us, this isn’t something we normally prepare for. That’s exactly why a little heads-up matters.

You don’t need to overthink it. Just take a few minutes and do the basics:

🚰Cover outdoor spigots. Pool noodles can be cut and used as simple covers, or wrap the spigot with thick materials like towels, socks, or old sweaters. Finish by covering everything with a plastic bag and secure it tightly using duct tape, a rubber band, or cord to keep cold air and moisture out.

💦Disconnect and drain hoses

🚪Open cabinets under sinks to let warm air circulate

💧Drip 1-2 INDOOR faucets.

🔥Keep your heat on.

💦Cover outdoor irrigation pumps. Use a towel, blanket, or old sweatshirt to wrap the pump and exposed pipes, then cover everything with a plastic bag or tarp to keep moisture out.

Most freeze damage in the South happens because homes aren’t built for prolonged cold, and because people assume it’ll be fine.

Five minutes of prep now can save you from frozen pipes, leaks, and expensive repairs later.

Stay warm and take care ❄️

07/15/2025

⚠️⚠️ Tropical Update – July 15, 2025

We are currently monitoring Invest AL93, a system moving from the Atlantic into northeastern Florida and heading toward the northeastern Gulf of Mexico.

There is a 40 percent chance of tropical storm development over the next 7 days. The risk level is currently medium.

Satellite and radar data show a weak area of low pressure crossing into northeastern Florida. While little development is expected tonight while the system is over land, conditions may become more favorable once it reaches the Gulf on Wednesday. A tropical depression could form as it moves across the northeastern and north-central Gulf and approaches the coast of Louisiana by Thursday.

Regardless of development, heavy rain is expected across Florida through Wednesday with the potential for localized flash flooding. Additional flooding could impact the north-central Gulf Coast starting Wednesday and continuing through Friday.

07/04/2025

TROPICAL DEPRESSION FORMS OFF OF THE SOUTHEAST U.S. COAST...

TROPICAL STORM WATCH ISSUED FOR PORTIONS OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

07/04/2025

⚠️⚠️The tropics are staying active as we keep an eye on a developing area of interest in the Atlantic. A tropical wave moving westward is showing signs of gradual organization, and conditions could become a bit more favorable for development over the next several days.

Right now, it’s too early to say if this system will become a named storm, but models are suggesting we could see slow development as it approaches the central or western Atlantic next week. We’ll be watching for any changes that could impact the Caribbean or U.S. coastline down the line.

Regardless of development, lots of wet weather is expected this weekend for much of the southeast. This is a reminder that we’re entering the heart of hurricane season, now’s the time to review your plans and stay informed.

We’ll continue monitoring and bring you updates as soon as there’s anything new to report. Stay weather-aware and check back often, the Hurricane Watch Center will keep you ahead of the storm.

06/16/2025

Attention On the Florida Panhandle…

🚨 MISSING CHILD – BOATS NEEDED FOR SEARCH EFFORTS 🚨

We’re asking for the help of our local boating community in the search for 10-year-old Trinity Eslinger, who went missing in the water near Destin between O’Steen and Norriego Beach. An Aqua Alert was issued by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office on the evening of June 12, 2025.

Over the next 48 hours, we’re looking for any available boats equipped with VHF, side-scan and down-scan sonar to be on standby to assist with recovery efforts. Our goal is to help bring Trinity home and provide some closure for her heartbroken family.

Kevin and Black Betty will arrive tomorrow morning to debrief with local authorities and help organize a more coordinated, expanded search plan.

🙏 Please keep Trinity and her family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.

📅 If you are available tomorrow afternoon or Wednesday and have a boat that could assist, please reach out directly so we can include you in updates and coordination efforts.

Joey @ (850) 420-5502

Thank you all for your continued support and willingness to help. Let’s bring this little girl home. 💔

United Cajun Navy
Emerald Coast United
Get The Coast

06/01/2025

⚠️ ⚠️ June 1st: The Official Start of Hurricane Season

Today marks the official start of hurricane season and this is your friendly reminder:

If you live in a hurricane-prone area, now is the time to prepare… not when a storm is already heading your way.

Getting ready early helps:

✅ Ensure you’re not scrambling for last-minute supplies
✅ Reduce long lines and empty shelves at stores
✅ Keep traffic and fuel stations running more smoothly
✅ Protect your family with less stress and more confidence

We’ll be here all season with updates, alerts, and preparedness tips.

Make a plan. Check your kit. Review your evacuation route.

Start smart. Stay safe.

05/10/2025

Today is May 9th — and we’re just 23 days away from the official start of hurricane season.

If you live in a hurricane-prone area, now is the best time to prepare—not when a storm is days away. The goal is to be so prepared ahead of time that when a hurricane is forecast, you only need to make a few quick adjustments.

Stock your supplies, review your evacuation plan, check your insurance coverage, and get your emergency alerts set up.

Storms don’t wait—and neither should we.

12/20/2024

⚠️ ⚠️ Freeze Warnings Issued for much of the South

Even in hurricane-prone areas, winter can bring surprises. Last year, parts of the South, including Florida, experienced record-breaking low temperatures, leading to burst pipes, power outages, and other costly damages. Just because we’re used to the heat doesn’t mean we can’t prepare for the cold.

Here are some quick tips to protect your home during a freeze:

✅ Protect Your Pipes:

Wrap exposed pipes with insulation or towels.
Let faucets drip to keep water moving and reduce freezing risk. Disconnect garden hoses and cover outdoor spigots.

✅ Seal Drafts:

Check doors and windows for leaks and seal them with weather stripping or caulk. Use draft stoppers under doors to keep the cold out.

✅ Keep Your Home Warm:

Set your thermostat to a consistent temperature, even overnight.
Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate around your pipes.

✅ Prepare for Power Outages:

Keep extra blankets, flashlights, and batteries handy.
Stock up on firewood if you have a fireplace.

✅ Protect Plants & Pets:

Bring potted plants inside or cover them with a blanket.
Make sure your furry friends have a warm place to stay!
Remember, cold snaps can happen even in warmer climates.

A little preparation now can save you a lot of hassle and money later. Stay safe and stay warm

11/14/2024

⚠️⚠️TROPICAL UPDATE: 11/14/2024 - 4:00PM

Below are the latest Key Messages from the NHC regarding Tropical Storm Sara.

1. Through early next week, heavy rainfall from Sara will cause potentially catastrophic flash flooding and mudslides over portions of northern Honduras.

2. Elsewhere across Belize, El Salvador, eastern Guatemala, western Nicaragua, and the Mexican State of Quintana Roo heavy rainfall will cause significant and life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

3. Tropical storm conditions are expected along portions of the northern coast of Honduras, and the adjacent Bay Islands where tropical storm warnings are in effect.

4. The system is forecast to approach Belize and the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico late this weekend where there is a risk of strong winds. Residents in these areas should monitor the latest forecast updates.

11/13/2024

⚠️⚠️ TROPICAL UPDATE: 1:30PM CST - 11/12/24

Below are the latest spaghetti models for invest 99L.

99L has a 90% chance of developing and is likely to become Tropical Storm Sara.

Residents in Florida should monitor this system closely, as Sara could impact the gulf coast of Florida sometime next week.

11/07/2024

⚠️⚠️ TROPICAL UPDATE: 6:00PM - 11/07/2024

Hurricane Rafael is currently located in the Gulf of Mexico, tracking west-northwest at 9 mph with sustained winds of 105 mph. At this time, Rafael is not expected to directly impact any U.S. interests.

However, residents in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico should continue to monitor the storm closely for any changes in its path.

11/06/2024

⚠️⚠️ TROPICAL UPDATE: 9:00AM -11/06/2024.

Hurricane Rafael is intensifying and is expected to reach major hurricane strength as it nears landfall in Cuba. Currently, Rafael is a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph, moving northwest at 14 mph.

Life-threatening storm surge, hurricane-force winds, and flash flooding are expected to impact portions of western Cuba.

In the Florida Keys, a tropical storm warning remains in effect for Key West, with potential impacts expected as Hurricane Rafael moves closer to the area. Residents should continue to monitor updates and prepare for tropical storm conditions.