Some preparation needs to happen well before a storm is imminent. That includes trimming or removing dead or weakened tree limbs and shrubs that hang over homes to lessen potential damage from high winds, said Mistie Hinote, a spokeswoman for the Texas Department of Insurance.

Don’t be fooled – there’s still time for major activity this season. Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, the strongest-ever storm to hit Jamaica, had winds topping 185 mph and could have turned toward the Sunshine State.

Scientists call this “rapid intensification”. As the planet warms, this violent strengthening is becoming more common. These storms are especially dangerous as they often catch people off guard. That’s because forecasting rapid intensification, although improving, remains a huge challenge.

Mercer County officials are taking a step in the right direction for future disasters, staying a few steps ahead of the game to help their neighbors. Damage from past disasters, especially the aftermath of Hurricane Helene,

Here are the top stories we're following around The Big Bend, South Georgia, Nationally, and your Weekend forecast.

While Hurricane Melissa has caused destruction in the Atlantic, forecasters have been keeping an eye on developments in the UK