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Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
NOAA debuts artificial intelligence models for hurricane season
The Brief The National Weather Service is rehiring more than 100 employees after mass layoffs. This will be the first hurricane season NOAA uses AI models in forecasts. Experts say the technology could reduce forecasting errors—but humans still lead the effort. TAMPA, Fla. - The National Weather Service is testing artificial intelligence for the first time this hurricane season. What we know NOAA officials say AI models will now join the suite of tools meteorologists use to track storm development and intensity. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube What they're saying Wallace Hogsett, a science and operations officer for NOAA, told FOX 13 this marks a pivotal year: "We were looking at [AI models] a little last year, but this is the first year they will be a part of the suite of models that we're looking at." He explained that traditional models involve solving complicated equations, and take a lot of computing power, so AI can help speed it up, and decrease errors. READ: Hillsborough County seeks feedback to decide how to spend $700 million in hurricane recovery funds "AI models, on the other hand, are looking at 30, 40, 50 years of four-dimensional data and processing all of that information very quickly, recognizing patterns and producing a forecast," said Hogsett. "We're hoping that these models will help continue the trend of lower errors in both track and intensity forecasts, which will allow people to have a clearer picture of the risk that they and their families will be under." FOX 13 Chief Meteorologist Paul Dellegatto agrees AI is promising — but not a replacement: "We look at this model, we look at that model, and now we look at AI models… it's simply another tool we use to forecast … I think AI is probably the future, but we're not there yet." What's next If forecasters find AI models reliable this season, NOAA says the tech could be permanently integrated into future forecasting operations. The Source This article is based on interviews conducted with National Weather Service scientists and FOX 13 Chief Meteorologist Paul Dellegatto. WATCH FOX 13 NEWS: STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app:Apple |Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Missing Pasco County boy, woman found safe
LUTZ, Fla. - The Pasco Sheriff's Office says a missing 6-year-old boy and 52-year-old woman have been found safe. No further details were released. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The Source This story was written with information from the Pasco Sheriff's Office. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
White House eyes major cuts to NOAA ahead of hurricane season
The Brief The Trump Administration is considering cutting NOAA's budget by $1.6 billion or 27%. Scientists and environmental advocates are concerned that slashing NOAA's budget will affect Florida's ability to respond to hurricanes. Gov. Ron DeSantis has said it will not affect the state's ability to respond to storms. TAMPA, Fla. - The Trump Administration is considering major funding cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), raising concerns among scientists, environmental advocates and former forecasters as hurricane season approaches. Last week's draft budget proposal outlines a potential $1.6 billion, or a 27% reduction in NOAA's funding. While no final decisions have been made, the discussions have sparked fears over the potential impact on climate, weather and ocean research. NOAA oversees the National Weather Service (NWS), a critical agency for monitoring and predicting hurricanes and other severe weather events. What they're saying "The National Weather Service is staffed for fair weather," retired meteorologist Daniel Noah said. "When we had hazardous weather like hurricanes coming toward us, we would all have to work overtime. So, if we reduce the staff any further, it makes me a little nervous for this year's hurricane season." READ: Tampa residents hope recent reckless biking arrests will send message to other bicyclists Environmental groups say the cuts would go far beyond hurricane forecasting. "The important work of NOAA has been under attack since Inauguration Day," said Gib Brogan of Oceana, an environmental nonprofit. "This challenges and undermines the decades of work that individuals that have committed their lives to this. The people who are experts in sea turtles and habitat conservation, fisheries management, climate science and more for our oceans." Brogan warned that slashing NOAA's research capabilities would "undoubtedly undermine the ability of weather forecasters to predict the coming storms or overall patterns that are affecting our weather." Agricultural industries could also feel the strain, as many farmers rely on NOAA's seasonal weather predictions. CLICK HERE:>>>Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The other side Despite the pushback, the White House maintains that cutting waste is a top priority. "DOGE is able to take out the waste, fraud and abuse, which appears to be rampant based on what we're seeing," said White House Senior Counsel Peter Navarro. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis voiced support for DOGE cuts last week, saying he believes the National Weather Service will be fine. "I think you're going to see it be okay with the National Hurricane Center. I really do," DeSantis said. The Source FOX 13's Evyn Moon collected the information in this story. WATCH FOX 13 NEWS: STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Tampa leaders discuss safety plans ahead of Women's Final Four events
The Brief Tampa Bay leaders discussed their safety plans ahead of the Women's Final Four events this weekend. Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said there will be an elevated presence of law enforcement throughout Tampa, but especially in places with large crowds. With the influx of people coming to the area, Bercaw emphasized that the roads will be backed up, so people should plan accordingly. TAMPA - Tampa Bay leaders shared their plans on Wednesday afternoon to keep everybody safe during all the Women's Final Four events this weekend. Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said there will be an elevated presence of law enforcement throughout Tampa, but especially in places with large crowds. With the influx of people coming to the area, Bercaw emphasized that the roads will be backed up, so people should plan accordingly. What they're saying "As with any major event, we anticipate increased traffic," Bercaw said. "There will be more vehicles and pedestrians downtown, and we encourage everyone to allow extra time for planning and for traveling and coming up with alternate routes." Law enforcement will be out in full force on foot, boat, bike, horseback and in the air. READ: $5,000 bonus checks sent out to new law enforcement officers across Florida As we move towards the summer and with high temperatures expected this weekend, Tampa Fire Chief Barbara Tripp said that people need to think about hydration when outside for long periods of time. "We want everyone to make sure they stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids while you're here," Tripp said. CLICK HERE:>>>Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The Source Information for this story was provided by the Tampa Police Department and Tampa Fire Rescue. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Florida house speaker pitches sales tax cut
The Brief Florida state leaders are debating cutting sales tax by three-quarters of a percent. The current state sales tax is 6%. Leaders say state spending can be cut to suit any drop in revenue the state experiences. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Could shopping get cheaper in Florida? State leaders are discussing cutting sales taxes, which are currently 6%. The state house speaker wants to lower it by three-quarters of a percent, hoping to save shoppers $5 billion a year. What they're saying "This will not be a temporary measure, a stunt or a tax holiday. This will be a permanent recurring tax reduction." said Speaker Daniel Perez (R-Miami). Cutting sales taxes by three-quarters of a cent would make a $100 purchase 75 cents cheaper, while a $10 purchase would be about seven cents cheaper. "This year, we'll try a novel concept and make Florida more affordable by giving the people of Florida their own money back to them," said Perez. Sales taxes make up 40% of all the state's revenue, which goes to pay for the state's roads, law enforcement, education and environmental protection. Budget chairs have started identifying potential cuts, but none are public yet. The other side "There's nothing wrong with it in concept," said House Minority Leader Rep. Fentrice Driskell. "(But), where are we going to make up those funds? Right now, we don't have those details, and I'm not willing to make that trade-off if it means that we give less services to Floridians." Some allies of Governor Ron DeSantis point out that a quarter of sales tax revenue comes from visitors, so why lessen the burden on them? Let them help pay for Florida's budget. The governor is fighting for his own property tax reform. PREVIOUS: Gov. DeSantis' idea to eliminate property taxes may come with risks "Some of the foreigners, I mean, you have the ability in some of those areas that draw a lot of people to shift the tax burden away from your own people," said DeSantis. What's next Sales taxes here are already half a point lower than the national average. Perez insists state spending can still be scrimped to meet the drop in revenue. Experts say they would have to. "It's a meaningful cut," said Jared Walczak of the Tax Foundation. "So the state would at least have to grow government at a much slower pace than it already has as an already low-tax state. There probably do need to be some cuts to accomplish this." The house speaker says that potential cuts could be identified when budget committee chairs reveal the results of a deep dive into state spending on Friday. Florida is projected to have a $2 billion surplus this year, but some projections predict a budget deficit by 2028. The Source FOX 13's Evan Axelbank collected the information in this story. WATCH FOX 13 NEWS: STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
