This week on Florida Matters we talk to weather experts and hear stories about how communities across the state are preparing for the 2018 hurricane season.
The season kicked off on June 1, and scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predict this year will be normal or above average with up to four major hurricanes.
We hear meteorologist Jeff Huffman with the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network talk with Max Mayfield, former director of the National Hurricane Center and current hurricane specialist for WPLG-TV in Miami. They recently sat down together at the National Tropical Weather Conference in South Padre Island, Texas.
We remember those who died in a sweltering Broward County nursing home during a power outage in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. Those deaths spurred the state legislature to pass new rules that require nursing homes and assisted-living facilities to have backup generators. Though the rules went into effect June 1, much of the industry is not in compliance. We visit a St. Petersburg facility to see what challenges they face in making sure vulnerable residents are safe in severe weather.
We get tips about how residents can prepare for storms from Jacksonville-based meteorologist Angie Enyedi with the National Weather Service. She recently sat down with student journalists with the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network at FPREN’s weather center at WUFT in Gainesville.
We learn about a push in South Florida after Irma to help neighbors help each other if another major storm makes landfall, particularly those living in low-income communities.
We also visit Everglades City, which is still trying to piece itself back together more than eight months after Irma. We hear from a resident of the tight-knit fishing village who was deeply affected by the storm but is optimistic about the future.
You can hear more conversation about the 2018 hurricane season on our podcast Florida Matters More.
WUSF will keep you updated throughout the season with coverage of any storms that could impact our area. You can find the latest stories on our website.
You can also share your hurricane prep tips on our Facebook page or by tweeting @FloridaMatters.
