Fay Slams Cuba, Floridians Flee

Feared hurricane fails to develop, but state warns of flood, tornado danger

(NEWSER) - Tropical Storm Fay made landfall in southwestern Florida early this morning but did not develop into a hurricane as feared, the Miami Herald reports. Heavy rain and 60mph winds have hit the state, but Fay is expected weaken as it moves inland. Officials warn that the storm could spawn flooding and tornadoes, and storm tides 5 feet above average were predicted. More»

A little preparation can save big bucks

(NEWSER) - The government’s storm-watching body upped this year’s hurricane forecast to include 14 to 18 named storms, which could spell trouble for travelers. Forbes offers tips to stem potential financial losses and prevent your Caribbean vacation from going south.

• Know your risks: The National Hurricane Center offers a month-by-month historical snapshot of hot spots.

Miami police are quiet on details in the aftermath of gruesome attack

(NEWSER) - The man attacked Saturday in Florida by a naked man who tried to chew off his face is fighting for his life in a Miami hospital, reports the Miami Herald , which reveals that the attacker also reportedly tried to gouge out the victim's eyes. But beyond that, there are few new details: Police still are not identifying either man, releasing specifics about the gruesome attack (though cocaine psychosis remains their leading theory), or revealing why both men were naked. But the shocking story has grabbed national headlines—and led to more than one mention of zombies. With quotes like this, it's easy to see why: "The guy just stood, his head up like that, with pieces of flesh in his mouth," says one witness. "And he growled." More»

Storm expected to make landfall near Puerto Vallarta today

(NEWSER) - Residents of Mexico's central Pacific coast have been warned that this Bud's for them. Hurricane Bud, the first Pacific hurricane of the season, has weakened to a Category 2 storm and is headed in the direction of the tourist city of Puerto Vallarta, where swimming has temporarily been banned, reports the AP . It had measured as a Category 3, but its maximum sustained winds dipped early today to near 110mph; it is still forecast to reach Mexico's coast as a hurricane. On the Atlantic side, forecasters predict a normal hurricane season this year , with up to three major hurricanes. More»

Forecast calls for normal year, less severe than recent years

(NEWSER) - Hurricane forecasters say this looks to be a pretty standard year for the Atlantic, with one to three major hurricanes expected in the six-month season that begins June 1. Some specifics from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration :

• Expect nine to 15 named storms, meaning winds reach at least 39mph