South Florida

Florida faces rising climate threats in 4 disaster reports

Stories by Miami Herald journalists, with AI summarization

Florida's climate challenges are intensifying, with hurricanes, inland flooding, wildfires and rising sea levels spotlighting the state’s vulnerability to climate change.

Hurricanes like Milton and Helene have demonstrated the growing frequency and severity of extreme rainfall, displacing vulnerable inland communities.

Inequities in disaster recovery exacerbate the issue, as low-income and minority populations often lack access to adequate resources, further widening wealth gaps after disasters.

Coastal flood risks are projected to worsen significantly by 2050.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers ride a flats boat through the flooded N 12th St in North Tampa, on Thursday, October 10, 2024, a day after Hurricane Milton crossed Florida’s Gulf Coast. By Pedro Portal

NO. 1: HURRICANE MILTON BROUGHT A SHOCKING DELUGE. THE REASON WHY DOESN’T BODE WELL FOR FLORIDA

‘Hurricanes are more intense, they’re wetter and seem to be moving at a slower pace.’ | Published October 18, 2024 | Read Full Story by Ashley Miznazi Ana Claudia Chacin

A resident walks with her belongings through the flooded N 15th St in North Tampa, on Thursday, October 10, 2024, a day after Hurricane Milton crossed Florida’s Gulf Coast. By Pedro Portal

NO. 2: AFTER DISASTERS LIKE MILTON, WHITES GAIN WEALTH, WHILE PEOPLE OF COLOR LOSE, RESEARCH SHOWS

The Biden administration has approved more than $2.3 billion for those affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Studies show the system for distributing the funds deepens historical divides. | Published November 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Amy Green

Homestead, FL- Florida Forest Service Helicopter gathers water from a retention pond behind Homestead Speedway Friday, March 21, 2025, to fight nearby wildfires in south Miami-Dade County. By David Goodhue

NO. 3: CONDITIONS ARE RIPE FOR A SPRINGTIME OF FIRES IN SOUTH FLORIDA, FOREST EXPERTS SAY

Drier winter conditions and two major hurricanes last year are big factors | Published March 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by David Goodhue Milena Malaver

A resident walks with her belongings through the flooded N 15th St in North Tampa, on Thursday, October 10, 2024, a day after Hurricane Milton crossed Florida’s Gulf Coast. By Pedro Portal

NO. 4: FLORIDA MOST AT RISK OF ‘SEVERE COASTAL FLOODING.’ NEW RESEARCH SHOWS WHERE

‘This is a level of exposure that’s going to require a massive amount of planning and investment in coastal resilience.’ | Published April 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Denise Hruby

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.