Hurricane Fred now a Category 3

Hurricane Fred is now the season's second major hurricane but appears to be no threat to land and will likely weaken by Thursday, forecasters said Wednesday morning.

Erika weakens to depression, expected to dissipate in days

Forecasters downgraded Erika from a tropical storm on Thursday as the system continued to rapidly erode.

The National Hurricane Center dropped all watches and warnings at 5 p.m., as Erika's winds dropped to 35 mph. But even as a weaker and poorly organized depression, it remained windy and wet, and was expected to dump up to six inches of rain on Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

Weakening Tropical Storm Erika could dissipate

Tropical Storm Erika took aim at Puerto Rico on Wednesday but the weak and wobbling storm appeared on its last legs.

With the storm shredding under strong wind shear, the National Hurricane Center said there was a good chance Erika could dissolve into a depression as it approached Hispaniola on Friday and dissipate into a tropical wave near the Turks and Caicos by Sunday.

Forecasters take closer look at tropical wave

A Hurricane hunter plane on Tuesday was investigating a large tropical wave that appeared to be strengthening as it neared the Leeward Islands.

The National Hurricane Center said the system had a good chance of becoming Tropical Storm Erika within a day or two.

Tropical Storm Erika forms, possibly bound for Bahamas

Tropical Storm Erika formed Tuesday off the Leeward Islands on a path that could put it somewhere near the Bahamas by Sunday.

From there, forecasters at the National Hurricane Center said, the path was uncertain and could depend on how strong the system becomes.

Hurricane center closely watching tropical wave

A large, well-organized tropical wave that appears likely to become the season's fifth tropical storm, Erika, continued to move toward the Windward Islands on Monday.

Weakened Tropical Storm Danny remains a soggy, blustery concern for Northeast

Ragged and weakened, Tropical Storm Danny meandered toward North Carolina's Outer Banks on Friday -- with large, dangerous seas its most serious threat to the Northeast coast.

Tropical Storm Danny forms in Atlantic

Tropical Storm Danny formed Wednesday on a path that could threaten coastal North Carolina and the Eastern Seaboard by Saturday.

At 5 p.m., the National Hurricane Center reported that the system remained disorganized but had grown powerful enough to become the season's fourth named storm, with winds topping 45 mph.

Hurricane Bill a Category 4, but poses no threat to Florida

Hurricane Bill hit Category 4 on Wednesday and its 135 mph winds might grow even stronger over the next few days.

The first major hurricane of the season posed the most serious and immediate threat to Bermuda but, by week's end, a weaker but still formidable Bill also could move close to New England, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.

NOAA now expects quieter hurricane season

El Niño should knock some of the wind out of the sails of the 2009 hurricane season, federal forecasters predicted Thursday.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reduced its prediction for named storms by nearly a quarter but cautioned that the so-far snoozing tropics would still likely waken and churn up a near-normal number of storms.

HURRICANE SEASON

Hurricane experts recommend radios over nondigital portable TVs

Your old portable television probably can't be relied upon this hurricane season, but there's a cheaper alternative.

BEFORE THE STORM

Take the time to safeguard your home

The most important precaution you can take to reduce damage to your home and property is to protect the areas where wind can enter.

YOUR VEHICLE

Fill up, park in a safe spot

BEFORE THE STORM Keep vehicle in a garage or carport, if available. Otherwise, park close to the building on the side away from the wind. Vans and semi-trailers can be blown over if they are exposed to the full force of the winds.

PLAN AHEAD

Only three shelters take pets

Plan now for your pet's safety during a storm. If you live in an evacuation zone, you will be required to leave, no matter how many pets you own.

FOOD

Surviving power outages, eating well

This hurricane season will be my 30th in South Florida. Though blessedly spared outright devastation, we have, of course, been touched.

INSURANCE

On the way: higher bills, less help from state

South Floridians know the drill: Hurricane season is about to start. It's time to check your homeowners' insurance policy to make sure you have sufficient coverage.

PROTECT YOUR POOL

Disconnect, shock and lower water level

Before a storm hits, here's what you should do to protect your swimming pool: If you fear flooding, lower the water to about three inches below the skimmer. Close the skimmer valve to prevent damage to the pump and piping. Water in the pool will act as a shield for the finish of the pool, protecting it from sand and flying debris.

WEATHERING THE STORM

This gear will light your way, even cook

Here are some of the latest gadgets to help you through hurricane season. Who's Cranky? Life+Gear's Quad-Power, $40 Talk about your all-in-one hurricane gadget. Quad-Power is an LED Flashlight, AM-FM Radio, NOAA Alert, weatherband, cellphone charger, emergency flasher and even a 130-decibel siren. It's called Quad-Power because it can get its power from four sources: crank power, battery power (3 AAA batteries not included), car's cigarette lighter adapter or wall outlet. It might be a good idea...

FPL TIPS

With electricity, it's safety first

Power outages may be inevitable during a storm, but you should be aware of potential electrical hazards and ways to minimize your risk. Below are electricity-related tips to keep your home and family safe during hurricane season, courtesy of Florida Power & Light (FPL).

STORM PREPARATION

Talk to experts, see products at expos

The American Red Cross of Greater Miami and the Keys and Miami-Dade County will host a Storm Prep Expo: Get Ready for Hurricane Season from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Dr.

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