Hurricane season is approaching
Original reporting by Lydia Diehm
Hurricane season is just weeks away.
As Tampa prepares, experts are changing how we see the forecast.
Crews are working hard to clear ditches and storm drains ahead of hurricane season, hoping to reduce life-threatening flooding that the region saw with hurricanes Milton and Helene in 2024.
At the same time, the National Hurricane Center is changing the forecast cone.
The NHC’s new cone uses an updated design and now includes inland watches and warnings.
“The new cone uses ellipses because we are able to, instead of doing absolute error, look at the individual components of error,” said Deputy Director of NHC Jamie Rhome.
This means having a forecast that better reflects how a storm may behave.
The biggest problem is how people may interpret the cone.
“It’s not an impact graphic. It does not tell you where the strong winds are going to be. It does not tell you where the storm surge will occur… or where heavy rainfall and flooding may occur,” said Brnach Cheif of the Hurricane Specialist Unit Dan Brown.
While coastal areas are often seen as the most at risk, the new cone highlights that the impacts don’t stop there.
Inland areas can still see heavy rain, flooding and strong winds.
This misunderstanding can lead people to make decisions based on limited information.
When it comes to evacuating, don’t rely on the cone alone. Always follow guidance from your local emergency officials.
For the latest information, visit nhc.noaa.gov.
Tampa Humane Society is running out of space
Original reporting by Zoe Sax
The Humane Society of Tampa Bay is barking for help. They have run out of space for medium and large dogs.
The dogs are over 30 pounds and are too old to be considered puppies, though some are just a few years old.
With the kennels full, some dogs are currently being housed in the intake kennels, which are needed for incoming dogs.
“I would say right now to help us out just come in. Walk a dog for us, spend some time with them, sign up to volunteer, sign up for doggy day out to get them out of the shelter for a little bit,” said Humane Society employee Antonio Fernandez.
To learn more, visit humanesocietyoftampabay.org.
Credits
Anchors: Julia Soukar & Ayla Yebba
Teleprompter: Zoe Patrick
Producer: Zoe Sax
CG: Joana Riva
Floor Director: Sofia Celis Avellaneda
Tech Director: Zach Sherman
Editor: Gio Chitto
Web: Maya Gluck
Social Media: Catarina Rocha Tapias
Social Reporter: Hannah Lau Gleciano
Audio: Emma Brisk
Camera: Lydia Diehm
Clock: Dr. Stephanie Elder
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Stephanie Elder
Graduate Assistant: Grace Ficara