Tropics

Latest Information Via National Hurricane Center

Current Systems & Tropical Cyclone Formation Forecast:

The Seven-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook from the National Hurricane Center is shown. Go to nhc.noaa.gov for the latest information and more details.

Based On My Analysis, The Worst Tropical Cyclone For Each Local County (Since 1950):

Among the leaders, 2024’s Hurricane Helene was the worst for 23 local counties. 10 local counties saw their worst impact from Hurricane Michael in 2018. 10 more, including Bradford and Duval, saw their worst tropical cyclone impact from Hurricane Dora in 1964.

Keep in mind that this is based on my look through extensive amounts of data and information, but is still subjective. All tropical cyclones are different and impact specific counties and communities differently. Before Hurricane Helene, 2023’s Hurricane Idalia would have been the storm of reference/benchmark storm for many local counties. Despite the 2004 hurricane season being a historic one for Florida (and impactful one locally), each county had at least one tropical cyclone impact worse than that from hurricanes Charley, Frances, or Jeanne.

Looking Back At Major Hurricane Milton:

Details on and radar of Major Hurricane Milton at landfall on Wednesday, October 9th, 2024 at 8:30PM at Siesta Key. Max sustained winds were 115 mph and the minimum pressure was 958 mb. The Tampa area was getting some of the heaviest rain of anybody at time of landfall. It brought all hazards to parts of Florida, including a historic tornado outbreak, before landfall.

After Major Hurricane Helene: Special Report:

Hurricane Debby Power Flashes During Live Landfall Coverage (Cross City View Via FL511 Camera):

Historic Hurricane Idalia Local Photo Gallery:

Atlantic Basin Tropical Cyclone Climatology:

Graph showing hurricane season statistics from NOAA, depicting the frequency of hurricanes and tropical storms from May to December, with peaks in early September.

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale:

Table explaining the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale with categories 1-5, wind speeds, and associated damage descriptions.

Strongest Continental US Hurricanes In Recorded History (Ranked By Winds At Landfall):

Table displaying the strongest continental US hurricanes by name, year, and wind speeds, with titles at the top for Hurricane Season and Strongest Continental US Hurricanes.

The top four hurricanes on this list are the only four to make landfall on record in the continental United States at Category 5 strength. 1935’s Labor Day Hurricane, Andrew, and Michael all struck parts of Florida with vicious winds. Specifically, those Category 5 landfalls occurred in the Florida Keys (Labor Day), South Florida (Andrew), and the Florida Panhandle (Michael). Camille made landfall along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. Just three days before striking the US, all four were tropical storms. This emphasizes the need to be prepared for rapidly intensifying storms.

Annual Hurricane Special:

Starke Area Hurricane History:

Map illustrating historical hurricanes tracked within 50 miles of Starke, Florida, with data from NOAA Digital Coast. It highlights hurricanes by category, including the last three hurricanes: Irma (2017), Gladys (1968), and Dora (1964).
Map showing historical hurricanes in Florida, highlighting tracks of hurricanes near Starke, including Dora (1964) and unnamed hurricanes from 1896 and 1888, with categories indicated.

2022 Historic Hurricane Ian Coverage Highlights:

https://twitter.com/CloudCasey/status/1578469710701547520

2021 Elsa Coverage Highlights:

https://twitter.com/CloudCasey/status/1416067541944897537?s=20&t=3MuojnV9qBTmjOEffHBTJA