Tropical Storm Claudette is no longer a threat to residents in Florida’s Panhandle, as it was earlier downgraded to a tropical depression. Claudette made landfall southeast of Fort Walton Beach at 50 miles per hour around 12:10 am, Central Time.
Claudette brought heavy rains to the affected areas and particularly near coastal locations. There have been reports of flash flooding and about four inches of rain fell in the western Florida Panhandle.
The state has activated its storm line to assist those Floridians whose homes, businesses or vehicles were damaged by the storm.
“The first step to recovery is knowing where to find help, and our insurance specialists are available to help storm victims contact insurance companies and file claims,” said Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink. “Our goal is to help residents rebuild as quickly as possible.”
Florida residents who have questions or need help filing a claim can call the storm line at 1-800-22-STORM. Also, general information insurance information is available at: www.MyFloridaCFO.com
Meanwhile, as Tropical Storm Claudette showed signs of petering out, Hurricane Bill, the first of the season, has picked up steam in the Atlantic Ocean.
Bill reached hurricane strength Monday morning in the Central Atlantic, and is now located about 1080 miles east of the Lesser Antilles. Bill has strengthened and maximum sustained winds are now at 90 mph. There is a chance that Bill could go through rapid intensification in the next 24 to 30 hours. Bill is forecast to become a major hurricane (category three or higher) in about 36 hours.
The forecast is for Bill to move west-northwest through the open tropical Atlantic over the next few days. The current forecast track calls for Bill to miss the Leeward Islands and Puerto Rico to the north. Even with Bill missing the islands to the north, rough surf and dangerous rip currents will be possible along the beaches of these islands in the coming days.
Residents and visitors of Bermuda should also monitor the progress of Hurricane Bill very closely. The hurricane has the potential to bring impacts to the island by this weekend.
Also, out in the Atlantic Ocean is Tropical Depression Ana (35 mile per hour winds) located 105 miles southwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Ana is very poorly organized at this time as it races westward. Ana could be reduced to a tropical wave sometime later today depending on what the reconnaissance aircraft finds.
For more information on Hurricane Bill and other storms, please visit: www.weather.com
