Hurricane Season

The massive storm is predicted to slam and soak Jacksonville as soon as Wednesday with heavy rain and the potential of flooding.

The storm is expected to produce periods of heavy rain, along with dangerous surf and possible beach erosion.

Fiona appears unlikely to threaten Florida, but winds could reach 74 mph by the time the system turns north toward the Bahamas next week.

Tropical Depression Seven formed Wednesday morning and is forecast to grow into a tropical storm. After that, wind shear and dry air could keep it from strengthening.

The lull we've experienced so far is not unusual. Tropical development will become increasingly possible around mid-August.

“Not anywhere in the past have we had six consecutive seasons above normal,” said Matthew Rosencrans, NOAA’s lead for the seasonal hurricane outlook

Four in 10 Floridians surveyed by the AAA auto club said gas prices might keep them from leaving. The news came as forecasters suggested a potential storm in the Gulf could track toward Florida.

The Florida Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday continues through June 10. For the first time, it includes pet supplies.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is forecasting 14 to 21 named storms during the upcoming hurricane season, making it the seventh consecutive above-normal year.

With COVID-19 protocols lifted and people pinching pennies, emergency management officials anticipate that people will opt for public shelters rather than drive to hotels hundreds of miles away.