Participants are eligible to become volunteer storm spotters and assist Emergency Services and the National Weather Service by reporting potentially hazardous weather events.
climate
Heat Index of Up to 110 Prompts Advisories–and AC Policy Change on Flagler School Buses
With heat indexes routinely reaching past 100 and reaching 110 on occasion, emergency management is cautioning against heat exhaustion and the Flagler school district is relaxing AC and water rules on school buses.
As Snow Flirts With Florida, Flagler Rains Will Yield To 3 Nights of Hard Freezes, and Precautions
Snow fell as far south as St. Augustine today but not quite in Flagler, where officials are cautioning about hard freezes and opening a cold-weather shelter for the next three nights.
Gov. Scott’s Emily Hysterics
Even Tropical Storm/Depression Emily cried foul at Gov. Scott’s, sleazy, opportunistic hyping of what was no more than an overheated summer storm: look at how fast she high-tailed it out of the state.
More Hype Than Fury as Tropical Storm Emily’s Effects on Flagler Mirror Summer Storms
Emily is not expected to be much more than an irritating soak with maximum winds of 45 mph. Those winds are expected to weaken as the storm crosses the state.
Cities Can’t Go It Alone: They’ll Need State Help to Meet Paris Climate Goal
Even Palm Coast’s mayor has received requests to join the pledge, but many cities may be hamstrung by Republican governors and state legislatures that are less supportive of policies that would reduce fossil fuel emissions.
Funnel Cloud Reported Just North of Marineland; Severe Storm Watch Until 11 PM
A small, brief funnel cloud touched down over the Intracoastal just north of Marineland this morning, scampered over A1A then dissolved over the ocean.
Storm Damages Newly Repaired Dune Areas Along A1A, Stressing Urgency of Permanent Fix
Tuesday’s storm left various parts of A1A’s dunes–what’s left of them–damaged, but from an unexpected direction: officials have been fearing a breach from the ocean. The problem this time was rainwater pushing out.
All Storm Warnings and Watches Cancelled: “We’ve Dodged A Couple of Real Big Bullet”
Much of Palm Coast and Flagler County have a 30 percent chance of experiencing a tornado, as half the county is in a high-risk zone for very severe weather Sunday evening. The weather system spawned tornadoes across the Deep South, killing at least 15 people so far.
Trump and the Climate: His Hot Air on Warming Is Far From the Greatest Threat
Trump, who has called climate change a hoax, has frightened many with his embrace of fossil fuels. What’s truly scary, scientists and others say, is how much larger the problem is than one American president.
FPL Overpromised: Thousands of Flagler’s Residents Still Without Power; Gov. Scott Due in Flagler Beach in Late Morning
Some 17,000 Flagler customers remained without power Monday morning, and schools were closed. Gov. Rick Scott was to make an appearance in Flagler Beach with various officials.
The Climate Change Debate is Over: Seas and Temperatures Are Rising Dangerously
Increasing major storms and rising sea levels have long been predicted by climate models, and now they’re coming true. Time for deniers to concede defeat and become part of the solution, argues Todd Larsen.
Heavier Rains Than Hermine Expected In Next 24 Hours Over Flagler-Palm Coast
The unnamed tropical wave churning off the coast of Central Florida is expected to bring more rain and heavy thunderstorms over Flagler County in the next 24 hours than did Hurricane Hermine.
1st Hurricane Hits Florida in 11 Years; Flagler Spared, Tropical Storm Warning Cancelled
Hurricane Hermine was mostly a non-event in Flagler County, with limited rain and a bit of wind. Most government offices remained open Friday. The story was uglier in Florida’s Big Bend, where the hurricane made landfall.
Hurricane Amnesia Worries Officials as Florida Weathers 11th Year Without Direct Hit
On Friday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration gave a “near-normal” forecast for the 2016 Atlantic season, which means a 70 percent chance of 10 to 16 named storms, of which 4 to 8 could grow into hurricanes.
Quarter-Size Hail Strafes Flagler in Morning Storm
Hail fell across Bunnell and parts of Palm Coast between 8:15 and 8:30 a.m., the weather service reports. Some resident reported hail the size of half dollars.
Navy Schedules Bombing in Ocala Forest All Week: Windows Will Rattle
The Navy’s live bombing runs at Pinecastle this week are scheduled for 10 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, and noon to midnight into the weekend.
Hurricane Season Ends as Florida Escapes Direct Hit For 10th Straight Year
The current streak is made even more remarkable since Florida, with its 1,260 miles of coastline, has accounted for about 40 percent of hurricane landfalls on U.S. shores in that recorded time period, according to the National Weather Service.
Degraded Erika No Longer Severe Threat to Flagler, Though State of Emergency Still in Effect
Though a state of emergency remains in effect in Flagler, Erika has degenerated into a tropical depression and moved wide west of the Florida Peninsula.
With Florida Overdue for a Hit, Hurricane Season Begins on a Tide of Pessimism
NOAA predicts a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season, with between six to 11 tropical storms, but Florida’s insurance officials say the state’s nine straight hurricane-free seasons can;t last much longer.
Southwest Palm Coast Records a Low of 25 as Cold Snaps Power for Over 800 Customers
The lowest temperature in the county was reported at Eagle Rock, sinking to 24. Despite a cloudless sun, temperatures were still around 40 in Palm Coast at mid-morning, with winds strong enough to make it feel more like in the lower 30s.
Freeze Watch Issued for Flagler-Palm Coast From Wednesday Night to Thursday Morning
The cold front will remain in place until Friday, bringing overnight lows below freezing and daytime highs of only 50 Thursday and Friday. Warmer weather will return Thursday.
Hurricane-Free For 9th Consecutive Season, Florida’s Property Insurers Now Better Braced for Catastrophe
A single Andrew-like Hurricane could wipe out in a day what Florida has taken almost a decade to recoup, but those nine years of calm have also placed the state in a stronger position to face an eventual and inevitable catastrophic storm.
Southwest Palm Coast Tops Rainfall Totals With 5”, But No Flooding Issues This Time
Palm Coast and Flagler County weathered the latest front of very heavy rain well from Tuesday to Wednesday as up to 5 inches of rain fell in parts of the city and the county, but with no reported flooding or water damage.
Tornado Watch Cancelled for Flagler-Palm Coast, Schools Cancel Outdoor Activities, Games and Practices
A broad band of severe weather is bearing down on Flagler County and Palm Coast, where a severe thunderstorm warning has been issued until 3 p.m., and a tornado watch will remain in effect until 6 p.m.
Flooding Damage to 36 Homeowners Totals $380,000 as Calm Returns to Region
After two days of torrential rain in places and a maximum-recorded reading of 16 inches in central Palm Coast, two days of calm have restored normalcy to the city’s sewer system, lifting restrictions on water usage and ending cases of isolated flooding.
34 Homes Report Damage in Latest Flooding Totals as Rain Resumes; Graham Swamp Overflows
After 36 hours of calm, the National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory, in effect until 1:30 p.m., and a flood watch through this evening for Palm Coast, Bunnell, Flagler Beach and the rest of Flagler County, with rain aggravating flood-prone conditions from the weekend.
Relax: There May Be Some Rain, But No Sandbag-Begging Flooding Likely in Flagler
Despite television images of flooded roads and some flooded homes in parts of coastal Volusia County, Flagler’s emergency management director says residents should not be alarmed by what they see there or expect it replicated here.
Flagler Emergency Official Cautions of Heat Indices Reaching 108 Through Friday
Today through Friday the heat index is hitting unusually high levels and will range from 102 to 108 in Flagler County, especially inland, prompting weather and emergency officials to caution residents and vacationers to stay out of the heat if possible, or take safety measures when in the heat.
Tropical Storm Arthur Strengthens Toward Hurricane As It Veers Off Flagler’s Worry Path
Tropical Storm Arthur is strengthening into a hurricane, but is veering off the coast. Still, severe rip current dangers remain on beaches, and some periods of heavy rain are expected between Wednesday night and Thursday, but no impacts on the holiday weekend.
20% Chance of Florida Landfall Predicted as Calmer Hurricane Season Begins Sunday
For the six-month hurricane season, which begins June 1, NOAA predicts a 70 percent likelihood of 8 to 13 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 3 to 6 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 1 to 2 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher).
December’s Palm Coast Tornado Focus of Emergency Alert Survey in CodeRED Study
The City of Palm Coast is participating in a new University of Missouri-Columbia research study regarding emergency tornado notification–and asking residents who were in Palm Coast on Dec. 14, when the tornado struck, to take part in the survey and help improve emergency response and safety measures.
Eulogy For a Tornado: Palm Coast Memorializes December Twister in Numbers and Kudos
With a dramatic video narrated by Mayor Jon Netts and a line-up of presenters, the Palm Coast City Council heard and watched a recap of the December tornado that ripped through the city’s B, C and F Sections, with nearly final costs to property owners and to the city’s bottom line.
Temperatures Fall Less Than Feared, to 28 in Palm Coast; Freeze Warning Renewed Tonight
Tuesday night and Wednesday morning a light freeze is still expected locally, especially in the northern part of the county, with low temperatures in the upper 20s or low 30s inland again exposing plants and pets to cold hazards, and the duration of sub-freezing temperatures expected to last between four to six hours.
Federal Officials Descending on Palm Coast Thursday to Conduct House-By-House Evaluation for Aid
Federal, state, county and city officials will be in Palm Coast’s B, C and F Sections starting Thursday morning to conduct an assessment of Saturday evening’s tornado and decide what financial aide, if any, may be released.
Palm Coast Mayor Declares State of Local Emergency as Tornado Details Emerge
The state of local emergency does not release state or federal aid dollars, but it gives the city more freedom and authority to address the storm’s aftermath such as expediting permitting, scheduling more debris and trash removal than normal and applying for state support.
Spared Again: Florida Makes It Through 8th Straight Hurricane Season Without Major Hit
The pre-season forecast for the June-through-November storm season for the Atlantic and Caribbean was for 12 to 18 named storms, with between six and 10 reaching hurricane status. Saturday was the last official day of this year’s hurricane season.
All Quiet On the Hurricane Front Half-Way Through Season, But Don’t Relax Yet
Federal emergency managers held a news conference Wednesday to reinforce the message that Florida is just entering the thick of hurricane season in late August and September even though so far the 2013 hurricane season has been a breeze in Florida.
Tropical Storm Dorian Graying His Way West But Florida Not Yet in His Picture
Thursday morning Tropical Storm Dorian was closer to its nursery grounds in Africa than to either North or South America, but it was making a beeline west for the northern part of the Antilles, which it is forecast to reach by early next week. It’s too early to speculate about a threat to Florida.
Tropical Storm Chantal Is Depressed: More Soggy Than Worrisome Weekend for Flagler
Tropical Storm Chantal is on track to skirt the east coast of the Florida Peninsula this weekend, passing offshore of Flagler County, but as a tropical depression. The National Hurricane Center’s forecast so far raises few alarms about the storm’s severity, except for heavy rainfalls in the Antilles.
Tropical Storm Andrea: Flagler Under Storm Warning as Gov. Scott Takes Shots at Obama
Tropical Storm Andrea is here to stay for a few hours. Meanwhile, Florida Gov. Rick Scott, who seldom misses an opportunity to attack the Obama administration, on Thursday named–and blamed–President Obama as the reason why a potential response to storm emergencies needing National Guard personnel would be delayed.
Flagler Emergency Director Warns: Forget Hurricane Predictions. Just Be Prepared.
As forecasters predict a busy hurricane season–18 named storms, nine hurricanes, four major ones–Flagler’s Emergency Operations Director Troy Harper warned against basing preparedness on predictions and actively developing a disaster plan instead, whether at home or in one’s business.
Palm Coast Cited Among Florida Cities Most Vulnerable to Climate Change in Latest Review
The federal National Climate Assessment just released names Palm Coast among four Florida cities vulnerable to sea level rises and other vulnerabilities to climate change. Flagler County has no comprehensive initiative locally to frame long-term climate-change policy collectively.
Hurricane Sandy: Flagler May Get Lashed By Winds and Rip Currents But Little More
Hurricane Sandy became the 10th hurricane of the season Wednesday as it approached Jamaica and Cuba, but Flagler will only feel side effects from its tropical-storm winds, at most 25 to 35 mph, this weekend.
Isaac, Now a Category 1 Hurricane, Makes Louisiana Landfall With Huge Storm Surge
Isaac became a Category 1 Hurricane Tuesday. The vast, slow-moving hurricane is combing with high tides to produce enormous storm surges as Isaac threatenes New Orleans and coastal areas stretching to Florida’s Gulf coasts.
Disaster Recovery Days:
Rebuilding a Business After Hurricane Andrew
When Hurricane Andrews ravaged the physical location of the main offices of his electronic protection firm in Miami 20 years ago, Frank Gromling discovered new sources of ingenuity and rewards, despite, and at times because of, the struggles to rebuild.
Hurricane Andrew 20 Years Later: Memories of Resilience in a Storm’s Wake
Frank Gromling, who lived and worked in the path of Hurricane Andrew 20 years ago, remembers the days of the storm and its aftermath in a South Florida ravished beyond recognition. A spirit for rebirth was left intact, however.
Drought, Wildfires and the Hottest Month Ever: July Scorched American Earth
July 2012 was the hottest month ever in the contiguous United States, after a June that was the hottest in the northern hemisphere, in 132 years of record-keeping. The effects of global warming are especially pronounced in the polar regions.
Thunderstorm Warning Downgraded to Severe Weather Advisory Until 5:30 PM
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for northern Flagler County as well as northeastern Putnam and southeastern St. Johns counties until 5 p.m. Tuesday.
Tropical Storm Beryl: Weather Event Over, Memorial Day Brightens Up
Be cautious, but Beryl is no bear, and it may prove to have more benefits than drawbacks despite dampening Memorial Day plans and grills, at least for Flagler County, which may see heavy rain but may also be spared the rougher edges of the storm.