** Hurricane Announcements **

Sarasota’s Climate Adaptation Center (CAC) released its annual forecast for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season this week. 

The verdict? The CAC predicts 12 named storms, five hurricanes, and two major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). 

A few excerpts from their report:

• We are proud that over the past three hurricanes seasons, the early CAC Hurricane Season Forecast has been SPOT ON predicting Major Hurricanes! Over the past three season combined, the CAC has missed the number of Major Hurricanes by just 2. We forecast a total of 14 Major Storms and there were 12. No other forecast has been better! 
• A below average season but remember, IT DOESN’T TAKE A DIRECT HIT FOR THE SUNCOAST TO EXPEREINCE EXTREME IMPACT!
  • Idalia and Helene were far off the coast but did millions to billions in damage.
  • That is driven by the fact hurricanes are bigger, slower moving and come on top of 7 inches of sea level rise since 2000 right here on the Suncoast.
  • Also, wind shear ebbs and flows no matter what is happening with El Nino. Should a weak period of shear happen, and a storm moves into the Gulf over the deep warm water, rapid Intensification can and most likely, will occur. This is something we will watch very closely.
• Stay informed by subscribing to the CAC’s newsletter for storm forecasts and emergency updates. Listen carefully to storm information, evacuation orders, and other lifesaving information when a storm approaches. Listen to the experts!

Read CAC's full forecast and their top 10 hurricane preparation tips HERE.

Posted 04/25/2026

Source: Climate Adaptation Center 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season

In case you are interested, you can track 2026 Atlantic hurricane season activity and forecasts with Artemis, using maps and data on every tropical depression, tropical storm, and Atlantic hurricane that forms during the year. The website displays:

• 2026 hurricane season forecasts
• a tropical storm tracking map showing live named storm information
• recaps of storms
• satellite images of the Atlantic
• information from the U.S. National Hurricane Center about the current tropical conditions
• links to other useful hurricane season data sources

Posted 04/10/2026

Source: Artemis 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season

The Colorado State University (CSU) tropical meteorology team has issued its first forecast for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, calling for “somewhat below-normal” levels of activity, citing the potential for a robust El Niño and associated increases in vertical wind shear as key factors.

The CSU April forecast calls for 13 named tropical storms in the 2026 Atlantic season, with 6 becoming hurricanes and 2 achieving Category 3 strength or greater to become major hurricanes.

The forecast gives the following landfall probabilities for a Category 3 or stronger hurricane hitting the United States coastline:

• 32% for the entire US coastline (below the 1880 to 2020 average of 43%).
• 15% for the U.S. East Coast including Peninsula Florida (south and east of Cedar Key, Florida) (the average is 21%).
• 20% for the Gulf Coast from the Florida Panhandle (west and north of Cedar Key, Florida) westward to Brownsville (the average is 27%).

The CSU press release is available HERE.

The CSU full April 9, 2026 forecast document is available HERE.

CSU will be issuing seasonal updates of their 2026 Atlantic basin hurricane forecasts on Wednesday June 10, Wednesday July 8, and Wednesday August 5. They will also be issuing two-week forecasts for Atlantic TC activity during the climatological peak of the season from August–October. A verification and discussion of all 2026 forecasts will be issued on Tuesday November 24. All of these forecasts will be available on their website.

2026 storm names will be:

• Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal
• Dolly, Edouard, Fay
• Gonzalo, Hannah, Isaias
• Josephine, Kyle, Leah
• Marco, Nana, Omar
• Paulette, Rene, Sally
• Teddy, Vicki, Wilfred

Posted 04/09/2026

Source: Colorado State University April 9, 2026 Forecast for 2026 Hurricane Activity 

The AccuWeather early forecast for 2026 Atlantic tropical storm and hurricane activity calls for 11 to 16 named storms, with between four to seven hurricanes and two to four intensifying to become major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher.

In addition, AccuWeather forecasts between three and five direct storm impacts on the United States in the 2026 hurricane season, although these could be named tropical storms or stronger.

However, they also explain that “A direct impact to land can occur even if a storm doesn’t make landfall. It can also include tropical-storm-force winds reaching land, flooding rain from a storm just offshore, or a storm surge of at least 2 feet along the coast.”

Read the full article HERE.

Posted 03/30/2026

Source: AccuWeather article, Atlantic hurricane season forecast 2026: 11-16 named storms predicted by AccuWeather

Over time, your storm drains, roadside swales, and driveway culverts may get blocked up from yard waste, debris, etc. and cause drainage issues for you or your neighbors. Please check your storm drains, roadside swales, and driveway culverts and clean them out if needed.

Posted 05/29/2025

From Mayor Debi Lux ...

This is a timely reminder to prepare for hurricane season. Make sure your emergency plans are in place, supplies are stocked, and you stay informed through official city updates. Below is a checklist:

1. Stay Informed

• Sign Up for Alerts: Register for Alert Punta Gorda to receive real-time emergency notifications via phone, text, or email. Click HERE for information.
• Know Your Evacuation Zone: Visit Know Your Zone Charlotte County to determine your evacuation zone.
• Monitor Weather Updates: Keep a battery-powered NOAA weather radio or use reliable weather apps.

2. Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit

Ensure you have at least a 7-day supply of:

• Water: 1 gallon per person per day.
• Non-perishable Food: Canned goods, granola bars, etc.
• Medications: Prescription and over-the-counter.
• First Aid Kit: Bandages, antiseptics, etc.
• Flashlights & Batteries: Extra batteries for all devices.
• Hygiene Products: Toilet paper, soap, hand sanitizer.
• Important Documents: IDs, insurance papers, stored in a waterproof container.
• Cash: ATMs may be unavailable.
• Pet Supplies: Food, water, leashes, and vaccination records. 

3. Secure Your Property

• Trim Trees and Shrubs: Remove dead or weak branches.
• Secure Outdoor Items: Bring in furniture, grills, and decorations.
• Install Storm Shutters: Or board up windows with plywood.
• Check Insurance Coverage: Ensure policies are up-to-date.

4. Evacuation Planning

• Plan Your Route: Know the nearest shelters and multiple evacuation routes.
• Fuel Vehicles: Keep gas tanks at least half full.
• Prepare a Go-Bag: Include essentials like clothing, toiletries, and important documents.
• Special Needs: All shelters are operated by Charlotte County, including those for individuals with medical needs. Register with local authorities if you require assistance during evacuation. Charlotte County Special Needs Program
• If you live in an evacuation zone, don’t wait—make your evacuation plan now. We strongly recommend that public shelters be your 3rd or 4th option. The best plan is to stay with friends or family inland or on the other coast if possible. While shelters are safe, they are often crowded, lack amenities, and can be uncomfortable.
• If evacuation orders are issued, evacuate early—don’t delay. Roads become congested, gas can run out, and conditions worsen quickly.

5. During the Storm

• Stay Indoors: Away from windows and glass doors.
• Use Flashlights: Avoid candles to prevent fires.
• Monitor Updates: Keep informed through your weather radio or trusted news sources.
• https://www.facebook.com/CityofPuntaGorda

6. After the Storm

• Wait for Official All-Clear: Do not return home until authorities declare it safe.
• Avoid Floodwaters: They may be contaminated or electrically charged.
• Inspect Your Home: Check for structural damage and hazards.
• Document Damage: Take photos for insurance claims.

Essential Emergency Contacts

Emergency Services - Call 911

Local Non-emergency Services

• Punta Gorda Police Department: (941) 639-4111
• Punta Gorda Fire Department: (941) 575-5529
• Charlotte County Sheriff's Office: (941) 639-2101
• Charlotte County Fire/EMS: (941) 743-1367
• Charlotte County Emergency Operations Center: (941) 505-4620

Utilities & Services

• Florida Power & Light (FPL): 1-800-4-OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243)
• Charlotte County Utilities: (941) 764-4300
• Xfinity (aka Comcast) Cable Repair: (941) 625-6000 
• Ripple Fiber (formerly HyperFiber): (941) 208-3688

Medical Facilities

• AdventHealth Port Charlotte: (941) 766-4122 AdventHealth Port Charlotte
• HCA Fawcett Memorial Hospital: (941) 629-1181 https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/locations/fawcett-hospital

State & National Resources

• Florida Emergency Information Line: 1-800-342-3557
• FEMA: 1-800-621-3362
• American Red Cross: 1-866-438-4636

For more detailed information and resources, visit the City of Punta Gorda's Emergency Management page by clicking HERE.

Let’s hope for a quiet hurricane season ahead. Our city staff has worked tirelessly—often with long hours and under tough conditions—to help restore our beautiful community. 

While some homes are already repaired, many families are still facing major challenges. Please be patient, and remember that every step forward takes time. 

The small things will get done, but compassion goes a long way. Let’s take a moment to thank our dedicated city staff for all they do—especially our Public Works team, now officially recognized as first responders. 

Stay safe and prepared!

Posted 06/08/2025

Source: Mayor Debi Lux  Punta Gorda District 3 Newsletter dated 06/08/2025

The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1, 2025 through November 30, 2025 with the season generally peaking in September.

On May 5, 2025, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) released a call to prepare, listing must-do items for Floridians, such as knowing your evacuation zone and building a hurricane preparedness kit among many others.

You have to prepare and plan that we are going to have impacts from hurricanes!

Some essential steps from the FDEM are:

• Know Your Risk
  • Know Your Zone, Know Your Home - It’s important to know if you live in an evacuation zone, a low-lying, flood-prone area, a mobile home, or an unsafe structure. It is also important to know your home and its ability to withstand strong winds and heavy rain. This information will help you better interpret orders from local officials during a storm. For more information and to determine evacuation zones, visit KnowZoneHome.
• Prepare Before Hurricane Season
  • Build a Kit – Identify items your household may need on hand during and after a hurricane. Essentials of a kit should include enough non-perishable food and water to last each member of your family for at least seven days, extra medication, and important personal documents. For a complete checklist, visit DisasterSupplyKit.
• Understand Forecast Information
  • Have Multiple Ways to Receive Weather Alerts – You should have multiple ways to receive weather alerts and follow all directions from local officials. Have a battery-operated or hand-crank weather radio to ensure you can continue to receive alerts from the National Weather Service in the event of power outages or damaged cell towers. Sign up for emergency alerts at AlertFlorida.
• Get Moving When a Storm Threatens
  • Make a Plan – You should have a disaster plan specific to the needs of everyone in your household, including consideration of children, pets, and seniors. Visit PlanPrepare for more information. Plans should also consider where to go and what to do in the event of evacuation. You only need to evacuate tens of miles, not hundreds, to reach a safer, more inland location or shelter. 
  • Keep Gas Tanks Half Full – You should keep your vehicle’s gas tank at least half full to ensure you have enough fuel to evacuate as soon as possible without worrying about long lines at gas stations and to avoid gas shortages prior to a storm. If you have an electric vehicle, it’s recommended that the battery be maintained between 50% - 80% of capacity at all times, depending on the type of vehicle and what the vehicle’s manual recommends. Visit HalfwayFull for more information.
• Stay Protected During Storms
  • Stay inside, stay safe, and stay put. Do not attempt to go outside until the wind has calmed and local officials have deemed that the threat has passed.
• Use Caution After Storms
  • After a storm passes danger is still present. There may be downed power lines, hazardous debris, or displaced wildlife. Never enter flooded areas whether it be on foot or in a vehicle, and exercise extreme caution when cleaning up the areas around or in your home.
• Take Action Today
  • Resources are available at FloridaDisaster.org. Local county emergency management offices are also a great resource.

Visit FloridaDisaster.org/Guide to download the full Florida Hurricane Guide for more information on ways to prepare for hurricane season.

Follow FDEM on Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) for weather updates, safety tips, and essential preparedness information.

Posted 05/31/2025

Source: Paraphrased and/or copied from the Florida Division of Emergency Management website

Also check the Hurricane PREPARATION webpage on this website for additional information.

Before, during, and after a storm, it is crucial for residents to help reduce strain on the sewer systems by conserving water. Storm surge and heavy rainfall will inundate the sewer system, making it difficult for wastewater to flow properly. By limiting water use before, during, and directly after the storm — such as avoiding long showers, laundry, and excessive flushing — residents can help reduce the risk of sewer backups and overflows that could lead to contamination and further flood damage. Your cooperation can make a big difference in minimizing infrastructure stress.

For more information contact the City of Punta Gorda Utilities Department at (941) 575-5088 or Utilities@CityofPuntaGordaFL.com.

Posted 05/29/2025

Source: The City of Punta Gorda shared this information before Hurricanes Helene and Milton in a Media Advisory dated 10/09/2024

The City of Punta Gorda Utilities Department reminds residents to be aware of the potential effects of excessive rainfall and storm surge on the City’s sanitary sewer system.

While the City's sanitary sewer system is designed to handle wastewater efficiently, extreme weather conditions, such as those experienced during a hurricane, can overwhelm the system. This may result in temporary backups and overflows. Such conditions are largely driven by the volume of rain and storm surge, which can lead to standing water, property damage, and potential health risks.

Residents are advised to be aware of the following potential effects:

• Sewer Backups: In rare instances, excessive rainfall can lead to infiltration of the sewer system, which may cause temporary backups in homes or businesses.
• Contaminated Water: Sewer overflows can introduce contaminants into standing water and nearby bodies of water, creating a possible public health risk.
• Property Damage: Flooding during heavy rain and storm surge can result in property damage.

Posted 05/29/2025

Source: The City of Punta Gorda shared this information before Hurricanes Helene and Milton in a Media Advisory dated 10/05/2024