Latest news with #ZackShields
Daily Mail
30-06-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mail
Hurricane trackers warn 39m Americans of 'tropical trouble' forming off US coast
Forecasters are tracking a large weather disturbance forming near Florida that could disrupt July Fourth holiday plans for millions across the Southeast. The system, still in its early stages, has the potential to develop into a tropical or subtropical storm by the end of the week. As of 8am ET Monday, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) gave it a 20 percent chance of development over the next seven days. Stormy conditions could affect more than 39 million people in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and the Carolinas, including both residents and holiday travelers. Coastal communities from Apalachee Bay and Big Bend to Tampa Bay are especially vulnerable, forecasters said. Even if the system doesn't develop into a named storm, the NHC and Florida emergency officials warn it could still bring heavy rainfall, gusty winds, dangerous surf, and life-threatening rip currents. 'More tropical trouble possible in the Gulf this week,' said Meteorologist Zack Shields. 'Not impacting Texas because the tropical disturbance is heading for Florida.' Locals and holiday travelers heading to the beaches are being urged to stay alert, as rough surf, dangerous rip currents, and gusty winds are possible, especially if the system strengthens into a tropical depression or storm. The system, still in its early stages, has the potential to develop into a tropical or subtropical storm by the end of the week Warm ocean waters and low wind shear, conditions that help storm clouds organize, are creating a favorable environment for tropical formation. While the odds of full development remain modest, forecasters warn that even a weak or slow-moving system could bring significant impacts to the region. Meteorologist Chris Sowers said the area could see multiple inches of rain between Wednesday and Sunday, just as millions head to beaches and parks for Independence Day celebrations. In the National Weather Service's Tallahassee region, daily rain chances exceed 85 percent through Wednesday, July 2. Further south along the coast, rainfall totals could reach double digits in the coming days. The heaviest rain is expected on Thursday, July 3. Rough weather is expected to arrive by midweek and linger through the holiday weekend. The system currently stretches from the northeastern Gulf of Mexico across the Florida Peninsula and into the Atlantic waters off the Southeast coast. The disturbance being tracked is referred to as a tropical cyclone in meteorological terms. This is a rotating system of organized clouds and thunderstorms that forms over warm ocean water with a closed circulation at the surface. The NHC and Florida Emergency Management officials warn that even without full storm formation, the system could bring locally heavy rainfall, gusty winds, rough surf, and life-threatening rip currents. If wind speeds increase, it may become a tropical depression, then a tropical storm, and possibly a hurricane. The NHC only assigns names to storms once they reach tropical storm status with sustained winds of at least 39 mph. Currently, this potential storm has no name. If it intensifies, it will be named Chantal, following Tropical Storm Barry, which made landfall in Veracruz, Mexico on June 29 before weakening. Despite the low odds of rapid development, the system is being monitored closely due to its proximity to land and the timing with the holiday travel peak. 'This disturbance poses no direct threat to Florida over the next five to seven days,' said the Florida Division of Emergency Management. 'But could bring weather hazards along both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.' NOAA, the National Weather Service, and the NHC are using satellite tools and color-coded maps to signal tropical development risk: yellow for low, orange for medium, and red for high. This system is currently within the yellow zone. 'If a system is near land and has the potential to develop, we won't wait to issue advisories,' said NHC Deputy Director Jamie Rhome. 'This helps residents prepare.' Meteorologist Jennifer Gray added, 'Many Fourth of July barbecues, beach trips, and outdoor activities in the region may need a plan B. 'Heavy rain looks likely as we head into the holiday weekend.' So far, there are no tropical storm watches or warnings in effect. But emergency services and forecasters advise residents to check local weather alerts and NHC advisories frequently. The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1 and runs through November 30.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Austin weather: Tornado watch in place for many Central Texas counties
The Brief Large complex of storms expected to form in Hill Country Area under enhanced risk of severe storms Look out for very large hail, damaging winds, lots of lightning and even isolated tornadoes possible AUSTIN, Texas - So far we haven't seen much rain during this Memorial Day Weekend. This will change today and tonight. A tornado watch is in effect until 10 p.m. for many Texas counties, including these in Central Texas: Bexar Blanco Burnet Comal Gillespie Hays Llano Mason San Saba Travis Below is a live look at the radar for today/tonight's weather event: The backstory Central Texas is under an enhanced risk for severe storms. We will have round one this morning and then round two happens this evening. We are expecting a large complex of storms to form in the Hill Country along an outflow boundary left behind from this morning's storms. The area is under a slight to enhanced risk of severe storms with the highest threat over the Hill Country. Timeline The storms are expected to hit the Hill Country between 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Austin metro area can expect storms between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. tonight. The Eastern counties will most likely see the storms between 9 p.m. and midnight. Why you should care Look out for very large hail, damaging winds, lots of lightning and even isolated tornadoes can't be ruled out. Quarter to baseball-sized hail is possible from Austin to the Hill Country. There is also the possibility of straight-line winds of 58 mph or more. Flooding is expected to be mostly localized with street flooding the biggest concern. What you can do If you're out and about, it will be very important to pay close attention to the weather today. Stay weather aware and track your local forecast for the Austin area quickly with the free FOX 7 WAPP. The design gives you radar, hourly, and 7-day weather information just by scrolling. Our weather alerts will warn you early and help you stay safe during storms. The Source Information from meteorologist Zack Shields.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Austin weather: City preparing for triple-digit heat this week
The Brief Central Texas is expected to get triple-digit temperatures this week The City of Austin is preparing for this incoming heat wave May 14 could be the hottest May afternoon ever in Austin AUSTIN, Texas - With triple-digit temperatures expected this week, Austinites and city departments are preparing for the heat. The backstory "Each day we're going to be breaking record highs starting on Tuesday, May 13, and that stretch could last all the way through the weekend. If we hit 103 or 104 on Wednesday, that'll be the hottest May afternoon ever for Austin," Zack Shields, FOX 7 meteorologist said. He says this level of heat this early in the year comes from a combination of drought and wind. "The ground is very dry, even though we've had some recent rains, then you factor in a huge dome of high pressure that's going to be pushing down on us," he said. "The wind coming in from the Southwest, that's a down-sloping wind. It compresses the air, heats it up even more to record levels." Why you should care The Austin Fire Department says they expect to see a spike in heat-related calls. "We're preparing for the hot summer once again," Division Chief Mark Bridges said. First responders recommend you stay hydrated and try to avoid strenuous activity in the afternoon. Also, know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. "If you're out, and you're not feeling right, you start sweating profusely, your pulse rate gets high, cool and clammy skin, that means you need to stop what you're doing, hydrate and get out of the heat," Bridges said. Signs of heat stroke include no sweating, hot skin, and loss of consciousness. If you see that, call 911. Big picture view The Homeless Strategy Office has notified the more than 3,500 people who have signed up for its text alert system, warning them of the heat and informing them where they can cool off. Branches of Austin Public Library and Park and Recreation's rec centers can be used as cooling centers during operating hours. Service animals are allowed. For a list of cooling centers, click here. With the heat, also beware of wildfire danger. If you're grilling, be careful. Don't have chains dragging from vehicles. "The hotter it gets and the longer it stays that way, the increased risk of wildfire comes about again, so we want to encourage everyone to just be responsible," Bridges said. Bridges also recommends getting your AC checked before the high temperatures arrive. AFD also has a free Structural Ignition Zone Evaluation program, where firefighters can evaluate your property to reduce your wildfire risk. Local perspective Some Austinites are ready for the heat. "Absolutely, can't wait, going on the lake paddleboarding all week," John Turman said. Others are making some changes to their routine, like Ethan Fitzpatrick and his dog. "That's why we're out here early right now. We already got the 89-degree heat coming in today, so we're trying to become a morning person out here and sort of transition," Fitzpatrick said. The Source Information from interviews conducted by FOX 7 Austin's Angela Shen
