Heavy rainfall, flash flooding, storm surge, and isolated tornadoes are expected across portions of the Gulf Coast as Potential Tropical Cyclone One tracks along the Texas coast on June 17, 2026. While the system is unlikely to develop into a tropical cyclone, it could bring rainfall totals of up to 500 mm (20 inches) to some areas along with the severe weather.
Three people were found dead after an airboat carrying seven passengers took on water and capsized near the Kissimmee River in Highlands County, Florida, on June 15, 2026, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and local authorities.
A large wildfire burning in western Broward County, Florida, has scorched nearly 2 023 ha (5 000 acres) as of May 11, 2026, sending smoke toward the Pembroke Pines area while fire crews worked to contain the blaze. It was 20% contained after burning approximately 1 942 ha (4 800 acres), according to the Florida Forest Service (FFS).
The Highway 41 Fire west of Miami, Florida, doubled in size to approximately 2 023 ha (5 000 acres) between April 27 and April 28, 2026, with no containment reported. Authorities have closed sections of Everglades National Park as smoke impacts travel along U.S. Route 41.
Two major wildfires in southeast Georgia have burned over 16 000 ha (40 000 acres) and destroyed 143 structures by April 25, 2026, with federal fire officials reporting extreme fire behavior near the Florida line. The Highway 82 Fire in Brantley County and the Pineland Road Fire in Clinch and Echols counties remained 10% contained, with evacuations and road closures in effect.
Amtrak partially suspended rail operations in Florida on April 20, 2026, due to wildfires in Putnam and Clay counties, which have burned approximately 1 093 – 1 214 ha (2 700 – 3 000 acres). Passenger trains were halted as a precaution, including Train 98 from Miami to Jacksonville carrying 232 passengers.
A rip current incident off Cocoa Beach, Florida, left two adults dead on April 14, 2026, after they entered the ocean to help a child in distress. The child survived, while both rescuers were pulled from the surf unresponsive and pronounced dead at the hospital.
Wildfire activity intensified across the United States in March 2026, with 44 large fires burning approximately 399 800 ha (987 989 acres) as of March 27. Since January 1, more than 611 000 ha (1.51 million acres) have burned from 15 436 fires, well above the 10-year average, while evacuations, burn bans, and localized impacts were reported as containment improved in several key incidents by March 29.
Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage restrictions will take effect across the Southwest Florida Water Management District region on April 3, 2026, following severe drought conditions and declining water supplies. The order imposes one-day-per-week irrigation limits and additional conservation measures, with stricter enforcement and localized rules implemented by utilities such as Pinellas County.
At least 11 people were rescued by Lee County, with two sustaining injuries after a pontoon boat capsized near the Fort Myers Beach, Florida, on March 24, 2026.
