• Tropical Storm and Storm Surge watches expanded from Florida to Louisiana as Gulf depression strengthens

    Tropical Depression Two became better organized over the northeastern Gulf of Mexico on July 20, 2026, prompting the National Hurricane Center (NHC) to expand the Tropical Storm Watch from the Florida Panhandle westward to southeastern Louisiana and issue a Storm Surge Watch for parts of the northern Gulf Coast. The depression had maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h (35 mph) at 15:00 UTC and is expected to become a tropical storm later today, followed by gradual strengthening through Tuesday.

  • High concentrations of Saharan dust affect Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands, moving west toward Florida and Texas

    High concentrations of Saharan dust are affecting Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands on June 26, 2026, reducing visibility and air quality as the Saharan Air Layer (SAL) moves west. Drier Saharan air is forecast to reach South Florida from late Saturday, June 27, followed by a dust plume over Southeast Texas late Sunday, June 28, where hazy skies and reduced air quality are possible.

  • Flood threat expands along Gulf Coast as Potential Tropical Cyclone One nears Louisiana

    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.

  • Major Georgia wildfires destroy 143 structures amid severe drought

    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.

  • Wildfires disrupt Amtrak rail services and strand passengers in Florida

    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.

  • Early-season wildfires surge across the United States with over 611 000 ha (1.51 million acres) burned year-to-date

    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.