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Current Situation and Weather Update
Pleasant Fall Conditions Expected Across Much of the State Today...Cold Front to Move through Florida Today and Tonight Ushering in Much Cooler and Dry Air...Low Humidity Will Raise the Wildfire Danger Today and Tuesday...
Updated 8:00 AM EDT MondayClear, cool, breezy and dry conditions are expected statewide today as a cold front moves through the state and strong high pressure builds quickly into the region. A strong cold front will move quickly southeast, moving across the Florida Panhandle during the morning hours and clearing the southern Peninsula tonight. No rain is expected with this frontal passage, and will only be marked by a brief increase in clouds. In its wake, strong high pressure will build from the Plains states into the region, ushering in an even cooler and drier airmass and resulting in breezy winds. Otherwise, another sunny day is expected statewide, with the only slight chance for rain near the Florida Keys near a stalled front over the Florida Straits.
The very dry air moving through the state will increase the wildfire risk today across the northern half of the state and across much of the state on Tuesday. A Red Flag Warning is in effect today from 1pm to around 7pm across all of North Florida as well as across much of Central Florida, mainly along and north of I-4, due to long durations of critically low humidity values and high dispersion indices from breezy winds. The dry will flow across all of Florida by Tuesday afternoon, and Fire Weather Watches and Red Flag Warnings are in effect for much of the Florida mainland.
Winds will increase across out of the northwest across North Florida this afternoon behind the front and will increase tonight across Central and South Florida. The combination of high pressure to the north and low pressure associated with the front to the south will produce sustained winds of 10-20mph, with frequent gusts of 25mph or greater. Winds will be especially strong across the Florida Panhandle and a Lake Wind Advisory is in effect for the entire eastern Florida Panhandle and Florida Big Bend until 7pm EDT/6pm CDT. Winds will subside to 5-10mph this evening across North Florida, but will increase to around 10-15mph overnight across Central and South Florida as the front passes through.
Strong northwest winds will produce a moderate risk of rip currents along much of the West Central Florida coast today, mainly north of Sarasota. Lingering ocean swells along the East Coast will result in a low to moderate risk of rip currents today.Please click here to access your Florida beach destination forecast.
Temperatures will be cooler today as colder air flows into the area. High temperatures across North Florida are only expected to reach the upper 60s and low 70s today, with max temperatures expected to be in the upper 70s and low 80s across Central and South Florida. Low temperatures tonight will be much cooler. Overnight low temperatures will range from the mid 30s inland to the upper 30s and low 40s along the coast across North Florida. With continued breezy winds and a dry airmass, frost formation is not expected. Low temperatures across Central Florida are expected to be in the mid to upper 40s, with lows in the 50s expected across mainland South Florida. Minimum temperatures in the mid 60s are forecast for the Florida Keys.
The tropical Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico remain quiet and tropical development is not anticipated during the next several days. Please click here for the latest forecasts and outlooks from the National Hurricane Center.
| Flood Warning - Northern Lake, Southern Lake (Florida) FLOOD STATEMENT Issued At: 2008-10-27T14:24:00 Expired At: 2008-10-31T06:00:00 Issuing Weather Forecast Office Homepage: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mlb/ |
| Flood Warning - Inland Volusia, Coastal Volusia (Florida) FLOOD STATEMENT Issued At: 2008-10-27T14:24:00 Expired At: 2008-10-31T06:00:00 Issuing Weather Forecast Office Homepage: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mlb/ |
| Wind Advisory - Inland Escambia (Florida) URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE Issued At: 2008-10-27T13:52:00 Expired At: 2008-10-27T21:00:00 Issuing Weather Forecast Office Homepage: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mob/ |
| Red Flag Warning - Inland Escambia (Florida) RED FLAG WARNING Issued At: 2008-10-27T08:15:00 Expired At: 2008-10-29T00:00:00 Issuing Weather Forecast Office Homepage: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mob/ |
| Red Flag Warning - Inland Escambia (Florida) RED FLAG WARNING Issued At: 2008-10-27T08:15:00 Expired At: 2008-10-28T00:00:00 Issuing Weather Forecast Office Homepage: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mob/ |
| Red Flag Warning - Coastal Escambia (Florida) RED FLAG WARNING Issued At: 2008-10-27T08:15:00 Expired At: 2008-10-29T00:00:00 Issuing Weather Forecast Office Homepage: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mob/ |
| Wind Advisory - Coastal Escambia (Florida) URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE Issued At: 2008-10-27T13:52:00 Expired At: 2008-10-27T21:00:00 Issuing Weather Forecast Office Homepage: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mob/ |
| Red Flag Warning - Coastal Escambia (Florida) RED FLAG WARNING Issued At: 2008-10-27T08:15:00 Expired At: 2008-10-28T00:00:00 Issuing Weather Forecast Office Homepage: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mob/ |
| Wind Advisory - Inland Santa Rosa (Florida) URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE Issued At: 2008-10-27T13:52:00 Expired At: 2008-10-27T21:00:00 Issuing Weather Forecast Office Homepage: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mob/ |
| Red Flag Warning - Inland Santa Rosa (Florida) RED FLAG WARNING Issued At: 2008-10-27T08:15:00 Expired At: 2008-10-28T00:00:00 Issuing Weather Forecast Office Homepage: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mob/ |
| Red Flag Warning - Inland Santa Rosa (Florida) RED FLAG WARNING Issued At: 2008-10-27T08:15:00 Expired At: 2008-10-29T00:00:00 Issuing Weather Forecast Office Homepage: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mob/ |
| Red Flag Warning - Coastal Santa Rosa (Florida) RED FLAG WARNING Issued At: 2008-10-27T08:15:00 Expired At: 2008-10-28T00:00:00 Issuing Weather Forecast Office Homepage: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mob/ |
| Red Flag Warning - Coastal Santa Rosa (Florida) RED FLAG WARNING Issued At: 2008-10-27T08:15:00 Expired At: 2008-10-29T00:00:00 Issuing Weather Forecast Office Homepage: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mob/ |
| Wind Advisory - Coastal Santa Rosa (Florida) URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE Issued At: 2008-10-27T13:52:00 Expired At: 2008-10-27T21:00:00 Issuing Weather Forecast Office Homepage: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mob/ |
| Red Flag Warning - Inland Okaloosa (Florida) RED FLAG WARNING Issued At: 2008-10-27T08:15:00 Expired At: 2008-10-28T00:00:00 Issuing Weather Forecast Office Homepage: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mob/ |
| Red Flag Warning - Inland Okaloosa (Florida) RED FLAG WARNING Issued At: 2008-10-27T08:15:00 Expired At: 2008-10-29T00:00:00 Issuing Weather Forecast Office Homepage: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mob/ |
| Wind Advisory - Inland Okaloosa (Florida) URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE Issued At: 2008-10-27T13:52:00 Expired At: 2008-10-27T21:00:00 Issuing Weather Forecast Office Homepage: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mob/ |
| Red Flag Warning - Coastal Okaloosa (Florida) RED FLAG WARNING Issued At: 2008-10-27T08:15:00 Expired At: 2008-10-28T00:00:00 Issuing Weather Forecast Office Homepage: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mob/ |
| Red Flag Warning - Coastal Okaloosa (Florida) RED FLAG WARNING Issued At: 2008-10-27T08:15:00 Expired At: 2008-10-29T00:00:00 Issuing Weather Forecast Office Homepage: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mob/ |
| Wind Advisory - Coastal Okaloosa (Florida) URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE Issued At: 2008-10-27T13:52:00 Expired At: 2008-10-27T21:00:00 Issuing Weather Forecast Office Homepage: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mob/ |
National Weather Service
Florida Officials Urge Fire Safety As Residents Prepare For Cold Weather
State emergency management and fire officials are urging residents throughout the Sunshine State to check their heating appliances, smoke detectors and chimneys in preparation for significantly colder temperatures that will plunge into the state Monday behind an arctic cold front. By taking basic safety precautions, residents can reduce their chances of fire, property damage and loss of life.
Read More About Fire Safety For Cold Weather Release
Florida Emergency Managers to Gather for 2008 Current Issues Seminar
Local emergency management officials will convene on Tuesday, October 28 at the State Emergency Operations Center for the second session of the 2008 Current Issues in Emergency Management, seminar hosted by the Division of Emergency Management. The multi-day session is titled “Doing More With Less."
Florida Emergency Management Launches New Preparedness Videos to Aid Deaf and Hearing Impaired Residents
The Florida Division of Emergency Management has launched five preparedness videos designed to aid Floridians who are deaf or hearing impaired. The web-based video series is produced in a “plain-language” format featuring a certified signer-interpreter using American Sign Language (ASL), easy to read graphics, and clear audio sound. “We want all Floridians to get a plan to be a survivor,” said State Emergency Management Director Craig Fugate.
Read More About the New Preparedness Videos Release
Tropical Storm Fay Recovery
Tropical Storm Fay Survivors with Insurance
May Still Be Eligible For Disaster Assistance
As the November 10 deadline to apply for disaster assistance approaches, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) are reminding those individuals who were initially denied assistance because they have homeowners’ or flood insurance that they may still be eligible for assistance.
Read More on the Insurance and Disaster Assistance Release
Bradford, Clay, Madison and Taylor Counties Now Eligible For Individual Disaster Assistance – Charlotte County Gets Public Assistance
Federal aid has been made available to four Florida counties in the wake of Tropical Storm Fay. Residents of Bradford, Clay, Madison and Taylor counties who suffered damage or loss as a result of Fay can now register for disaster assistance. Multilingual operators are available to speak to applicants. The toll-free telephone numbers are open from 7 a.m. to midnight daily until further notice. Individual Assistance is available in affected counties. Residents in approved counties should register with FEMA by phone or at www.fema.gov.
Read Four Counties Eligible for Disaster Assistance Release
1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
Speech or hearing disabilities call TTY 1-800-462-7585
- Individual Assistance Available for 27 Florida Counties
- Disaster Recovery Centers Open in 7 Florida Counties
- Public Assistance Available for 41 Florida Counties
Suspect Fraud, Waste or Abuse?
Call the Office of the Inspector General of FEMA
Officials of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) caution Floridians to be on the lookout for fraudulent activities by unscrupulous individuals who try to take advantage of situations created by disasters such as Tropical Storm Fay.
The Office of the Inspector General of FEMA investigates all citizens' complaints of fraud, waste or abuse involving FEMA contracts, programs or personnel. It maintains a toll-free Fraud Hotline at 1-800-323-8603.
Read More on Fraud, Waste or Abuse Release
Water Will Find a Way: Flood Insurance Facts
Everyone in Florida lives in a flood zone. This simple statement underscores one of the greatest needs in being financially prepared to withstand most severe weather events in Florida, according to disaster recovery officials in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Fay.
The officials point out that flood zone ratings do not guarantee flood safety, they simply indicate the degree of risk for potential flooding. Experience shows people don’t need to live near water to be flooded. In fact, years of statistics reveal between 20 and 25 percent of all flood insurance claims come from low-risk areas hit by severe downpours, hurricanes, water backup due to inadequate or overloaded drainage systems as well as dam or levee failure, etc.
The good news is Floridians can buy flood insurance no matter what the flood risk is – high or low. Flood insurance is available to any resident of a community participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
For more information about the NFIP and flood insurance, call 800-427-4661, or contact your insurance company or agent.
Read Full National Flood Insurance Release
Florida's Enhanced Mitigation Plan Approved
The Division of Emergency Management announced today that it has received approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Florida’s enhanced mitigation plan. This recognition will increase the amount of funding Florida receives to mitigate disasters in the state. The recent approval of the plan by the Federal Emergency Management Agency increases the percentage of total federal assistance the state receives for mitigation activities from 15 percent to 20 percent.
"I applaud the hard work by the Division of Emergency Management to get this important plan approved," said Governor Charlie Crist. "This extra funding for mitigation activities will assist Floridians in making their communities more resistant to future disasters."
Read Full Mitigation Plan Approved Release
Florida Disaster Recovery Fund
Tropical Storm Fay hit Florida bringing a tremendous amount of rain and causing massive flooding through the state. The Florida Disaster Recovery Fund was originally founded in 2004 to provide assistance to hurricane victims for losses not covered by immediate recovery groups, insurance or government
funding. The fund, managed by the Volunteer Florida Foundation,works with non-profit organizations in affected communities. To donate to the Florida Disaster Recovery Fund visit www.FloridaDisasterFund.org.
Please also visit the visit the Florida Donations Portal and give financially to a relief organization or get trainedby a local relief organization to volunteer during times of disaster.
NOAA Weather Radio
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service office. NWR broadcasts official Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Get A Plan!
In any major disaster, emergency workers may not be able to reach everyone right away. What would you do if you had no electricity, no gas, no water and no telephone service? Having a plan for your family and their needs will help ensure their safety and comfort during these difficult times. A well thought-out plan of action for you and your family can go a long way toward reducing the damage from hurricanes, tornados, wildfires, severe thunderstorms and flooding that could strike the state of Florida.
Get Your Family Plan Today! | Get Your Business Plan Today!
Hurricane Preparedness
- NOAA's Hurricanes - Be Prepared
- FEMA's Hurricane Information
- American Red Cross Hurricane Preparedness
- Hurricanes - Evacuate or Stay?
- Family & Individual Disaster Preparedness
- What to do when a Hurricane Watch is Issued
- Against the Wind - Protecting Your Home From Hurricane Wind Damage (PDF)
- Avoiding Hurricane Damage - A Checklist For Homeowners (PDF)
- Hurricane Fact Sheet - from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (PDF)
Special Needs Sheltering Information Index
A new resource, developed by Volunteer Florida and hosted by the Florida Division of Emergency Management, is one of several tools available to help persons with disabilities and their families develop a "Florida specific" Disaster Plan.
This site's goal is to provide persons with disabilities information on special needs registration by county in the most accessible format possible. It has been designed with few graphics, and avoids the use of JavaScript, image maps, complex navigation schemes, and other techniques that can create barriers to access in order to ensure this page is as user-friendly as possible for people using assistive technologies.
The links provided are contact information for your county Special Needs Registry. The information we are able to provide varies: some counties have registration forms available online in a downloadable format or that can be electronically submitted, while others may have only a telephone number for registration.
Visit the Special Needs Sheltering Information Index
Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act During Emergencies
As a reminder, local governments as well as the State must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act with regard to public accommodation. Please review the attached memorandum and the Florida ADA Emergency Shelter Checklist to assist you in the preparation for the 2008 hurricane season. If you have any questions, please contact Chip Wilson, Statewide Disability Coordinator at 850.413.9892.
Memorandum (PDF) | Emergency Shelter Checklist (PDF)
ADA Toolkit for Emergency Managers (PDF)
Updated:
October 27, 2008 10:03
