Storm

The month of August begins a rapid climb to the climatological peak of hurricane season on September 10th. Historically, 90% of all hurricanes and 95% of all major hurricanes happen after August 1st.

Colorado State University hurricane researchers continue to call for an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season, despite the development of a robust El Niño and predicted 18 named storms in 2023, including five named storms that already formed.

Tropical Storm Bret is expected to continue intensifying the next few days and likely hit hurricane status late Wednesday or early Thursday.

Environmental conditions allowed for additional development of a tropical wave that pushed off African last week and Tropical Depression Three formed Monday and then grew into Tropical Storm Bret by Monday afternoon.

A tropical wave that has moved off the coast of Africa since last week has strengthened into Tropical Depression Three. A second wave is now also moving into the Atlantic.

Strong and severe storms are likely in the Peninsula late this afternoon and evening. The SPC has placed most of the Peninsula from Jacksonville down to Miami in a Slight Risk for severe weather. The greatest storm coverage is expected in the Enhanced Risk area from Ocala through Orlando and into Fort Pierce.

"We anticipate that the 2023 Atlantic basin hurricane season will have slightly below average activity," the CSU forecast release said. "Current neutral ENSO conditions look fairly likely to transition to El Niño this summer/fall. However, there is considerable uncertainty as to how strong an El Niño would be, if it does develop. Sea surface temperatures in the eastern and central Atlantic are much warmer than normal, so if a robust El Niño does not develop, the potential still exists for a busy Atlantic hurricane season."

With construction of a 350-home housing development on a Bonita Springs golf course set to move forward, a neighboring subdivision that controls water runoff is concerned about what this will mean for the community’s drainage system and water quality despite plans showing improved storm water management and less flooding.

Hurricane watches and tropical storm watches have been issued for much of the east coast of Florida ahead of Nicole's midweek arrival.

Governor Ron DeSantis isues itate of emergency for 34 counties to prepare for potential impacts from the storm