hurricanes News

After 18 Years, $1.5B Dike Repair Done at Florida’s Lake O

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — After 18 years, a $1.5 billion project was officially completed Wednesday to repair the sprawling dike around Florida’s Lake Okeechobee that protects thousands of people from potentially catastrophic flooding during hurricanes. The Herbert Hoover Dike …

Natural Disasters Caused $313B Economic Loss in 2022 – Aon

Natural disasters, many driven by climate change, caused global economic losses of $313 billion in 2022, insurance broker Aon estimated on Wednesday, of which less than half was insured. Losses from natural catastrophes covered by the insurance sector amounted to …

‘Ongoing’ Talks About Possible Special Session in Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — As Louisiana continues to be plagued by insurance woes, with insurers leaving or going out of business in the hurricane-stricken state, some lawmakers say a special legislative session to address the crisis is imminent. Discussions …

‘Emergency Berm’ Helped Beaches During Ian, Nicole

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — While crews finish final details of a widespread St. Johns County beach repair project, county officials are considering work next year to undo erosion from Tropical Storms Ian and Nicole. “In five to six months, we …

Law Firm that Touted Technology Accused of Fraud, Hits Blockade in La. Courtroom

Zach Moseley says his law firm has invested millions of dollars in technology to serve more clients. During a video interview with a social media consultant, he said McClenny Moseley & Associates hopes to represent 50,000 policyholders with claims caused …

House Advances Giant Texas Storm Surge Project in Water Bill

HOUSTON (AP) — Fourteen years after Hurricane Ike ripped through thousands of homes and businesses near Galveston, Texas — but mostly spared the region’s oil refineries and chemical plants — the U.S. House of Representatives voted Thursday to authorize the …

USDA: Florida Orange Crop Down 36% After Twin Hurricanes

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Production of oranges in Florida this season is forecast to be down 36% from earlier estimates, in part a reflection of twin hurricanes that battered growing regions, according to U.S. Agriculture Department figures released Friday. …

Florida Launches Home-Hardening Grant Program to Prevent Hurricane Damage

Florida officials this week announced the hard launch of My Safe Florida Home, a program that provides up to $10,000 grants for wind-mitigation efforts for homeowners in vulnerable areas. Once completed, the fortification work can result in significant discounts on …

US Storm Survivors: We Need Money Faster, Less Red Tape

MIDDLETOWN, N.J. (AP) — Survivors of storms that pounded several U.S. states say the nation’s disaster aid system is broken and that they want reforms to get money into victims’ hands faster, with less red tape. On the 10th anniversary …

Historic Homes May Prove to Be More Resilient Against Floods

SUFFOLK, Va. (AP) — Whenever historic homes get flooded, building contractors often feel compelled by government regulations to rip out the water-logged wood flooring, tear down the old plaster walls and install new, flood-resistant materials. It’s a hurried approach that’s …