hurricane season

Cuba was left reeling on Thursday after Rafael, a fierce Category 3 hurricane, ripped across the island.

At the start of the hurricane season, NOAA predicted an above-normal year with 20 to 25 named storms, including 4 to 7 major hurricanes. In contrast, last year saw just 19 named storms.

The magnitude of the impact remained unclear through the early hours of the day, but forecasters warned that Hurricane Rafael could bring “life-threatening” storm surges, winds and flash floods to Cuba after ravaging parts of the Cayman Islands and Jamaica.

Hurricane Rafael has strengthened to a Category 2 storm and is expected to become a major hurricane by Wednesday evening.

Hurricane Rafael strengthened into a Category 3 storm Wednesday morning just hours before it was forecast to make landfall in Western Cuba.

Hurricane Rafael picked up in intensity and became a Category 3 storm before making landfall in Cuba Wednesday.

A system in the Caribbean became Tropical Storm Rafael Monday and was expected to become a hurricane later in the week, forecasters said.

Texans on Mission shares how they’re helping people rebuild and recover in the aftermath of two devastating hurricanes.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said the owner of a dog found abandoned amid Hurricane Milton was identified and will face one count of aggravated cruelty to animals.

As Hurricane Milton barreled into and across Florida, it spawned dozens of tornadoes, knocked out power to millions, damaged homes, flooded neighborhoods and led to hundreds of rescues.

Back-to-back storms leave residents feeling exhausted, sleepless and coping with mixed feelings of gratitude and guilt.

Milton is the second major storm to hit Florida in two weeks. Some people cannot return home, and debris remains from Hurricane Helene. NBC 5’s Candace Sweat shows how everyone affected pushes through back-to-back disasters.

Milton is the second major storm to slam Florida in just two weeks.

Hurricane Milton barreled into the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday after plowing across Florida, pounding cities with ferocious winds and rain.

The dog was found tied to a fence off the highway on Wednesday as millions evacuate their homes before the storm makes landfall.

Although North Texas will face no impact from Hurricane Milton, the emotional impact is felt here by many who have friends and family affected. NBC 5’s Vince Sims reports on organizations already in place to help once Milton passes.

North Texans are stepping up once again to help in recovery efforts following Hurricane Milton’s landfall. NBC 5’s Katy Blakey reports organizations already involved in Helene clean up are now readying teams for Florida.

Hurricane Milton spared Mexico’s Quintana Roo as it takes aim at Florida’s battered Gulf Coast.

Gov. Ron DeSantis made a late appeal for residents to flee for shelter with a potentially historic storm expected to make landfall on Wednesday.