Invest 93L brings rain, storm risk to Okaloosa County as system moves through Gulf

A tropical disturbance in the Gulf is expected to bring 2β4 inches of rain, choppy surf, and possible flash flooding to Okaloosa County, though significant development remains unlikely.
Tropic Watch: Okaloosa officials monitoring possible development

A storm brewing in the Gulf may soon earn a nameβfind out what forecasters are saying and how local officials are preparing.
Tropical system could develop in Gulf ahead of July 4, Okaloosa officials monitoring

Public safety officials in Okaloosa County are urging residents to stay weather-aware as a tropical disturbance could form offshore during the July 4 holiday.
Red Cross Northwest Florida Urges Residents to Prepare For Hurricane Season

With the 2025 hurricane season beginning June 1, the American Red Cross Northwest Florida Chapter is stepping up its readiness efforts and calling on residents to do the same during Hurricane Preparedness Week. Executive Director Terri Jenkins said the chapter has been working behind the scenes for months to prepare shelters, stock supplies, and train […]
Okaloosa County to Host Second Annual Hurricane Preparedness Expo on May 3

Okaloosa County will hold its second annual Hurricane Preparedness Expo on May 3 in Shalimar to help residents prepare for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
Alaqua Seeks Help For Dogs Displaced By Recent Hurricanes

Alaqua Animal Refuge in Freeport urgently seeks community support to sustain ongoing care for animals displaced by Hurricane Milton, as resources remain strained despite national assistance.
Niceville Aids Hurricane Helene Victims

As Hurricane Helene’s storm surge fades, local firefighters head east to assist in recovery, facing rugged conditions and long hours.
Record Breaking Hurricane Beryl Advances Toward Mexico
The first hurricane of the 2024 season, Hurricane Beryl, has hinted at the possibility of several powerful storms forming over the next few months. In May, the NOAA predicted above-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic this year, mainly due to near-record high water temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, the development of La Nina conditions in the Pacific, and reduced Atlantic trade winds and wind shear. Beryl, which strengthened to a Category 5 storm just 33 days after the start of the hurricane season, became the earliest Category 5 storm in any Atlantic hurricane season. According to the National Hurricane Center’s most recent advisory, Hurricane Beryl is progressing steadily across the Northwestern Caribbean Sea after weakening to a Category 2 hurricane following its official landfall in Jamaica yesterday. Beryl is currently 135 miles west of Grand Cayman and 275 miles east of Tulum, Mexico, moving northwest at 18 miles per hour. The National Hurricane Center warns of strong winds, dangerous storm surge, and damaging waves as the storm is expected to make landfall on the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico by early Friday.
Florida’s Experts Make Their Hurricane Predictions For 2024

Florida State University experts have warned of an exceptionally active hurricane season in 2024, predicting 50% more named storms and multiple major hurricanes. This forecast, supported by Colorado State University’s models and NOAA’s predictions, reflects a significant increase from historical averages. Factors such as the La NiΓ±a phase and record-high sea surface temperatures in the North Atlantic are driving this anticipated surge in hurricane activity.
The Top 10 Stories of 2023

These are the top ten stories, as judged by the number of people who read them, in 2023. What did you think was the most important local story of the year? Vote now!