The Tropics

High Sea Surface Temperatures, Dissipating Saharan Dust and More: Conditions For Hurricane Formation Are Becoming Ideal

Watch out for storm development in the tropical Atlantic this week.

08/04/2025 By Bob Bunting

Tropical Update

Keep Your Eyes on the Tropics This Month

June can be a concerning month for the Suncoast, because storms form in the southern Caribbean and then move northward through the Yucatan area into the Gulf.

06/02/2025 By Bob Bunting

Not an April Fool's Joke

Climate Adaptation Center Predicts 17 Named Storms, 10 Hurricanes and Five Major Hurricanes for 2025

We'd love to say we're pulling an April fool's joke, but record-high ocean temperatures and other meteorological conditions tell a different story.

04/01/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Tropical Update

Hurricane Rafael Is Rapidly Developing, But Expected to Shift Westward

Our region could see gusty winds and about an inch of rain.

11/06/2024 By Bob Bunting

Hurricane Helene

In Worst-Case Scenario, Sarasota Is Ground-Zero for Hurricane Milton

Storm surge warnings, hurricane warnings, and flash flood and tornado risks are all happening ahead of Milton's landfall.

10/09/2024 By Bob Bunting

Hurricane Milton

Hurricane Milton Expected to Bring Catastrophic Impacts to the West Coast of Florida

The eye of Hurricane Milton will likely pass over, or close to, the Sarasota-Manatee area late Wednesday night and early Thursday early.  

10/08/2024 By Bob Bunting

Hurricane Milton

Hurricane Milton Is Now a Category 5 Storm. Here's What You Need to Know.

Milton has undergone one of the three fastest intensifications on record—and it is still getting stronger.

10/07/2024 By Bob Bunting

Hurricane Milton

Both Sarasota and Manatee Counties Call For Zones A, B and C to Evacuate Now

Along with the City of Anna Maria and the Town of Longboat Key, zones A through C, and all who live in manufactured home, mobile home or boat communities, are being evacuated ahead of Hurricane Milton.

10/07/2024 By Staff

Hurricane Milton

Rapidly Intensifying Hurricane Milton Forecast to Make Landfall Wednesday

The Suncoast could experience a direct hit.

10/06/2024 By Bob Bunting

Tropical Update

Tropical Depression 14—Which is Forecast to Become Hurricane Milton—Is Forming in the Gulf

The storm will likely become a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) in the Gulf of Mexico and approach the Suncoast with the potential of a direct hit on Wednesday.

10/05/2024 By Bob Bunting

Weather Report

Another Tropical System Will Form in the Southwest Gulf This Weekend

It's too early to know where its center will form or if it will strike land, but at minimum, the southern two-thirds of Florida is likely to face another extreme precipitation event.

10/04/2024 By Bob Bunting

Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene Is Causing Widespread Flooding Throughout the Region

Flood and storm surge warnings are in effect, and a tornado watch has also been issued for the region. Here's what else to know tonight.

09/26/2024 By Staff

Tropical Update

Hurricane Helene Has the Potential for Severe Impacts Outside Its Projected Path

Helene is a very large storm covering a lot of area—like Hurricane Debby, but much more powerful—and in a bad location for Florida.

09/25/2024 By Bob Bunting

This Blows

What Exactly Does Storm Surge Mean?

And how are hurricanes classified? We're answering your questions.

09/25/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Hurricanes

Tropical Storm Helene Takes Shape

We could see 24 hours or more of gale-force winds, 5 or more inches of rain, and storm surge after the eye passes.

09/23/2024 By Bob Bunting

Weather

Where to Get Sandbags in Sarasota County and Manatee County

Ahead of Tropical Cyclone Nine, both counties have opened sandbag operations this week.

09/23/2024 By Staff

Spin Cycle

More Than 50 Inches of Rain Have Fallen in Sarasota Over the Past Three Months

And with Hurricane Francine churning in the Gulf, this hurricane season's lull may be over. Here's what's happening in the tropics right now.

09/10/2024 By Bob Bunting

Weather

Tropical Storm Debby Will Bring Heavy Rain, Wind and Possible Coastal Flooding to Our Area

Be prepared for freshwater flooding from lots of rain and gale force winds of 50 to 60 miles per hour on the barrier islands as the storm passes.

08/04/2024 By Bob Bunting

Tropical Storm Debby

Tropical Storm Debby Has Officially Formed; Manatee County Issues Voluntary Evacuation for Zone A

Despite being out of the "cone of uncertainty," our region will still see 5 to 10 inches of rain and potential flooding and storm surge.

08/03/2024 By Megan McDonald

Weather

Keep Your Eyes on the Tropics: Invest 97L Could Become Tropical Storm Debby This Weekend

No matter what, the Suncoast is forecast to get 3 to 5 inches of rain over the next few days.

08/02/2024 By Bob Bunting