Category Archives: Adverse Weather

Adverse Weather

Small Scale Cyclones: The Rare Waterspout and Tornado

Dangerous weather events are not exactly commonplace along the gulf coast. You may come across a story of a tornado that caused mild damage to something already predisposed to damage, but it’s not usually severe. The more common waterspout is usually over water, typically dissipating in shallow water. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of any damage caused by a waterspout in all my life living near the water. These systems are only minor threats to coastal communities. They’re really more like exciting phenomenon for your viewing pleasure than any type of real threat. Continue reading Small Scale Cyclones: The Rare Waterspout and Tornado →

Adverse Weather

Cold Front Rain Bands

Cold front rain bands are moving through the area. The conditions are kind of nasty right now, choppy, windy, and small.  The swell is solidly from the west.  Because it is so small, beach-breaks are probably working better.  The swell is noticeably getting better as I write this. Warm air is being scooped up into the atmosphere by the cold air.  This is causing these strong bands of rain. The tide turned about two hours ago.  If you get any cool pictures, send them in. Continue reading Cold Front Rain Bands →

Adverse Weather, East Florida

Matthew Carnage

Dalton Smith and Corey Howell went for a cruise along the east coast of Florida to explore carnage left after Hurricane Matthew wreaked havoc along the coast. Trees were uprooted, railroad structures were damaged, streets were flooded, and property was damaged. This is what happens when a category three storm with maximum sustained winds around 120 miles per hour brushes the coast. Continue reading Matthew Carnage →

Adverse Weather, Opinion, Research

Wastewater Triggered Red Tide (K. brevis)

Red tide is engulfing the coastline after a nasty wastewater spill may have triggered an intense algal bloom. Hurricane Hermine made landfall on the northern gulf coast of Florida on September second. The repeated bouts of rain put many of the aging sewage systems into overload. Even with sewage plants purging water pre-storm, the sewage systems became overloaded. Wastewater was lost into Tampa Bay, wastewater that was quickly washed into the gulf.  Wastewater can be a trigger for the naturally occurring Red Tide (K. brevis) blooms. Continue reading Wastewater Triggered Red Tide (K. brevis) →

Adverse Weather, Opinion

Beach Erosion from Hurricane Hermine

The foreground of this image is of the beach closer to the existing T-groin. This section of beach was re-nourished with sand just this past year. As you can see there are a considerable amount of lime rocks on what is left of the beach.
Continue reading Beach Erosion from Hurricane Hermine →