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Recent rainfall has improved conditions in parts of the St. Johns River Water Management District, but groundwater, lakes, and rivers remain affected by a prolonged dry period. Phase III water restrictions remain in place in affected areas as officials urge residents and businesses to conserve water.
Recent rainfall brings relief, but regional water recovery remains slow
Recent rainfall has improved conditions in parts of the St. Johns River Water Management District, but groundwater, lakes and rivers remain affected by a prolonged dry period. Phase III water restrictions remain in place in affected areas as officials urge residents and businesses to conserve water. more
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Lightning striking over neighborhood.
Fatal lightning strike offers warning for Apopka residents
A fatal lightning strike near a Celebration hotel demonstrates how quickly a developing thunderstorm can become deadly. The incident warns Apopka residents not to wait for heavy rain or frequent lightning before seeking shelter. more
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The St. Johns River Water Management District averaged 6.84 inches of rainfall in August, nearly matching the month’s long-term average. However, groundwater remained very low, and every county in the District continued to face a 12-month rainfall deficit.
August rainfall offers relief, but groundwater remains very low across water district
The St. Johns River Water Management District averaged 6.84 inches of rainfall in August, nearly matching the month’s long-term average. However, groundwater remained very low, and every county in the District continued to face a 12-month rainfall deficit. more
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Recent rainfall has improved drought conditions in portions of northeast and central Florida, but the St. Johns River Water Management District says a full recovery will take time. Phase III Extreme Water Shortage restrictions remain in effect as groundwater levels, river flows, and accumulated rainfall deficits continue to concern water managers.
Recent rain brings relief, but extreme drought restrictions remain in effect
Recent rainfall has improved drought conditions in portions of northeast and central Florida, but the St. Johns River Water Management District says a full recovery will take time. Phase III Extreme Water Shortage restrictions remain in effect as groundwater levels, river flows, and accumulated rainfall deficits continue to concern water managers. more
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Florida’s summer thunderstorms bring a heightened risk of deadly lightning strikes. UF/IFAS Extension experts explain how to recognize an approaching storm, find safe shelter, and avoid common mistakes.
Boom! That thunder signals lightning is near
Florida’s summer thunderstorms bring a heightened risk of deadly lightning strikes. UF/IFAS Extension experts explain how to recognize an approaching storm, find safe shelter, and avoid common mistakes. more
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As tropical weather systems begin to form, many Orange County residents are turning to a tried-and-true defense against flooding: sandbags. Whether you have used them before or this is your first time, here is what you need to know to make the most of this simple but effective tool.
Prepare for the Storm: How to use sandbags for flood protection
As tropical systems begin to form, Orange County residents can use sandbags to reduce the risk of minor flooding around their homes. Bags should be filled halfway and stacked in a staggered pattern, preferably over a plastic tarp for additional protection. Orange County opens self-service distribution sites before major storms, but officials caution that sandbags are no substitute for evacuating when instructed. more
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Summer storms have brought welcome rainfall to much of Central Florida, but water officials say the region is still far from recovering from the prolonged drought. The St. Johns River Water Management District is urging residents to continue conserving water as mandatory restrictions remain in place.
Water shortage restrictions remain in place as drought recovery continues
Summer storms have brought welcome rainfall to much of Central Florida, but water officials say the region is still far from recovering from the prolonged drought. The St. Johns River Water Management District is urging residents to continue conserving water as mandatory restrictions remain in place. more
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A dangerous heat wave is pushing heat index values above 100 degrees across much of the United States, prompting cancellations of outdoor events and increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses. This expert guide explains the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and what you can do to protect yourself and your family.
As a major heat wave grips much of the US, here’s how to stay safe – and the heat stroke warning signs to watch for
A dangerous heat wave is pushing heat index values above 100 degrees across much of the United States, prompting cancellations of outdoor events and increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses. This expert guide explains the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and what you can do to protect yourself and your family. more
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Orange County lifts burn ban after week of improved drought conditions
Orange County has officially lifted its burn ban after steady rainfall reduced drought conditions across the area. Recreational open burning is once again permitted in unincorporated Orange County and communities served by Orange County Fire Rescue. more
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When the temperature soars inside homes, being outside even on very hot days can feel less uncomfortable than being indoors.
Heat waves can leave homes dangerously hot – even for young, healthy adults
Most people assume the greatest danger during a heat wave is outside, but experts say indoor temperatures can become even more deadly when air conditioning fails. New research shows many homes can quickly reach dangerous conditions during prolonged power outages, especially older, poorly insulated houses. more
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Orange County's Office of Emergency Management will host the 2026 Hurricane Expo: Power of Preparedness on June 20 at Oak Ridge High School. The free event will connect residents with emergency responders, safety vendors, and preparedness resources. National Weather Service meteorologist Brendan Schaper will provide an update on the 2026 hurricane outlook.
Orange County to host free Hurricane Expo with forecasts, safety tips and emergency resources this weekend
Hurricane season is underway, and Orange County wants residents to prepare before a storm forms. The free Hurricane Expo on June 20 will feature expert forecasts, preparedness tips, and giveaways while supplies last. more
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After months of unusually dry conditions, May brought the first above-average rainfall across the St. Johns River Water Management District since October 2025. Despite the improvement, drought conditions remain widespread, and groundwater levels continue to lag behind normal seasonal levels.
Rainfall brings limited relief as drought continues across District
After months of unusually dry conditions, May brought the first above-average rainfall across the St. Johns River Water Management District since October 2025. Despite the improvement, drought conditions remain widespread, and groundwater levels continue to lag behind normal seasonal levels. more
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A 6.1 magnitude earthquake near Cuba sent tremors across much of Florida on Monday afternoon, prompting thousands of reports to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Aftershocks likely after 6.1 magnitude earthquake felt across Florida
A 6.1 magnitude earthquake near Cuba sent tremors across much of Florida on Monday afternoon, prompting thousands of reports to the U.S. Geological Survey. Scientists say aftershocks are highly likely over the next week, though there is no tsunami threat. more
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UF/IFAS experts have released a comprehensive hurricane preparedness checklist to help Floridians get ready for what forecasters expect to be an active hurricane season.
UF/IFAS shares hurricane preparedness checklist as forecasters predict active season
UF/IFAS experts have released a comprehensive hurricane preparedness checklist to help Floridians get ready for what forecasters expect to be an active hurricane season. The guidance covers disaster supplies, communication plans, food storage, generator safety, pet preparedness, and private well protection.   Now that Hurricane Season is here, it’s best to get your home and business ready for one of the fierce storms before … more
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Subsidized flood insurance lowers the cost of living in coastal waterfront homes at high risk of flooding.
Hurricane season is here: Federal flood insurance carries 2 moral hazards – which you face depends largely on how wealthy you are
Flood insurance was designed to help Americans recover from disasters, but critics say the system creates unequal outcomes. While some homeowners benefit from subsidized coverage, many lower-income families remain uninsured or underinsured and struggle to recover after major floods. more
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Hurricane season is here, and Orange County wants residents to prepare before stores become crowded and supplies become scarce. Officials recommend building an emergency kit now so families can focus on safety rather than last-minute shopping when storms approach.
Build your hurricane emergency kit now, Orange County officials stress
Hurricane season is here, and Orange County wants residents to prepare before stores become crowded and supplies become scarce. Officials recommend building an emergency kit now so families can focus on safety rather than last-minute shopping when storms approach. more
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One of NOAA’s WP-3D Orion hurricane hunters, dubbed Miss Piggy, flies over Tropical Storm Idalia on August 28, 2023.
Hurricane forecasts have improved dramatically, saving lives, but federal cuts threaten to stretch NOAA resources to breaking point
Hurricane forecasts are more accurate today than at any point in history, giving residents more time to prepare, evacuate, and protect property before storms strike. However, researchers warn that budget cuts, staffing shortages, and reduced investment in weather science could jeopardize future improvements in forecasting. One of NOAA’s WP-3D Orion hurricane hunters, … more
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Orange County is reminding residents that hurricane preparedness involves more than stocking supplies — especially for families with young children. Head Start officials say early planning and calm, age-appropriate conversations can help children feel safer and more secure if storms disrupt daily routines.
Orange County urges families with young children to prepare early for hurricane season
Orange County officials are encouraging families with young children to begin hurricane preparations early as the 2026 season approaches. Experts say simple conversations, familiar routines, and involving children in emergency planning can help reduce anxiety during severe weather events. more
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Hurricane Katrina.
UF study finds hurricanes can both devastate and help wildlife populations
A new University of Florida study found hurricanes can dramatically reshape wildlife populations in ways both destructive and surprisingly beneficial. Researchers discovered that storms can kill animals, spread invasive species, force migration, and, in some cases, even help certain species thrive. more
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Much of the United States is experiencing drought conditions even as stronger storms deliver heavier rainfall events, a contradiction scientists say is tied to climate change and a warming atmosphere. Researchers warn that the changing water cycle is creating new challenges for flooding, agriculture, water supplies, and infrastructure.
Why America can face drought and downpours at the same time
Much of the United States is experiencing drought conditions even as stronger storms deliver heavier rainfall events, a contradiction scientists say is tied to climate change and a warming atmosphere. Researchers warn that the changing water cycle is creating new challenges for flooding, agriculture, water supplies, and infrastructure. more
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Florida officials warn that wildfire risks could remain elevated through the summer as severe drought conditions persist statewide. More than 2,100 fires have already burned across 135,000 acres in Florida this year.
Florida officials warn wildfire danger could intensify through summer as drought deepens statewide
State officials are urging Floridians to prepare for a prolonged and dangerous wildfire season as drought conditions continue across much of the state. Officials say most fires this year have been human-caused, while lightning from summer storms could create additional risks in the months ahead. more
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Florida Power & Light is encouraging residents to prepare now for the six-month hurricane season by creating emergency plans and assembling storm kits. The utility emphasized evacuation readiness, generator safety, power line awareness, and keeping important documents accessible before severe weather arrives. FPL also urged customers to stay informed through local emergency management agencies and outage updates after storms.
How to Prepare for a Hurricane: Safety tips from FPL
Hurricane season is nearly here, and FPL is urging Floridians to prepare before the next storm forms. The utility shared tips on evacuation planning, emergency kits, generator safety, and staying informed during power outages and severe weather.     At Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), safety is the cornerstone of our commitment to … more
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The PSN Registry helps identify residents who may require additional assistance during an emergency because they rely on medical equipment powered by electricity, require caregiver support or need transportation assistance to reach a secure location.
Early hurricane prep key for residents with special needs
Orange County officials are encouraging residents with medical, mobility, or caregiving needs to prepare early for hurricane season by registering for the County’s People with Special Needs Program. The registry helps coordinate shelter access, transportation, and emergency support for residents who cannot safely remain at home during a disaster. more
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Community health centers from across Florida met in Tampa last week for a two-day emergency preparedness summit focused on hurricane season readiness.
Florida community health centers prepare for hurricane season with disaster readiness summit
As Florida enters hurricane season, community health centers are strengthening emergency response plans based on hard lessons learned from past storms and disasters. During a statewide summit in Tampa, healthcare leaders discussed generator testing, supply sharing, tornado drills, and the importance of realistic emergency training. more
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District staff evaluated rainfall totals, aquifer levels, river flows, and drought indicators before recommending the action. Despite earlier conservation measures, conditions have continued to worsen due to a lack of rainfall, requiring additional mandatory restrictions to help protect regional water resources.
District declares Phase III water shortage as extreme drought worsens statewide
The St. Johns River Water Management District has issued a Phase III Extreme Water Shortage declaration in response to severe drought conditions, declining groundwater levels, and reduced river flows across northeast and central Florida. The order imposes stricter irrigation limits, expands restrictions into parts of Lake County, and calls on residents and businesses to immediately reduce non-essential water use. more
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