South Florida

Florida is facing weather and climate risks. Here’s a look at some

Stories by Miami Herald journalists, with AI summarization

This collection of stories highlights the challenges Florida faces with escalating climate risks and extreme weather events.

One article discusses Miami's native trees, emphasizing the risk from rising temperatures and the shift toward possibly planting more exotic species. Another story covers the impact of funding cuts on flood control projects in South Florida, stressing the need for alternative financial resources.

A third article questions preparedness for monster hurricanes like Helene and Milton, underscoring the lack of flood insurance coverage and the necessity for better disaster resilience.

Read the stories below.

Belongings stacked in front of a flood-destroyed home in Bradenton Beach after Hurricane Helene on Oct. 2, 2024. By Tiffany Tompkins

NO. 1: ARE WE READY FOR MONSTER HURRICANES LIKE HELENE AND MILTON? NOT REALLY | OPINION

This year’s hurricane season, which ends Nov. 30, is on track to exceed NOAA’s above-normal activity predictions | Opinion | Published November 19, 2024 | Read Full Story by Chris Brown

Kenneth Feeley, UM biology professor and Director of the Gifford Arboretum Department of Biology, measures a tree on campus. His research found that more than half of Miami’s trees will be stressed by rising temperatures. By Ashley Miznazi

NO. 2: ABOUT HALF OF MIAMI’S NATIVE TREES AT RISK FROM RISING TEMPS. WHAT SHOULD WE PLANT NOW?

“Unfortunately many trees will be lost and that’s a consequence of modern climate change” | Published December 6, 2024 | Read Full Story by Ashley Miznazi

Robert Husted walks through the flood waters surrounding his neighborhood with his dogs, Michael and Mi’Lady, at right, in North Miami, Fla., on Thursday. The state and multiple cities declared a state of emergency as floodwater poured into homes and businesses, stopped traffic on Interstate 95 and froze travel from both major airports. By Al Diaz

NO. 3: MILLIONS IN SOUTH FLORIDA FLOOD-CONTROL PROJECTS ON HOLD AFTER TRUMP FEMA CUTS

On the chopping block: projects in Miami, Key West and Broward. | Published April 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alex Harris

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