FORECASTING CRUCIAL: Especially as experts predict a well above-average 2024 season beginning June 1. PHOTO COURTESY OF NEWSROOM.FPL.COM

Growing up in Indiana and then living in Oklahoma – the heart of tornado alley – for 15 years, Chris Kerr witnessed just how quickly skies can turn from calm to chaos. He can vividly recall the roaring winds that came with each deadly storm, especially the last EF5 (strongest classification of tornadoes) on record in the U.S. that affected his friends and coworkers in May 2013, but barely missed his home.

These memories, etched into his soul, fuel his dedication as a meteorologist today at Florida Power & Light Company (FPL). From afternoon thunderstorms to named hurricanes, he forecasts weather conditions to help restoration crews get the lights back on safely and quickly for customers by informing them of any threats or challenges they may face, like lightning, high winds, storm surge or flooding.

“I like being able to see the results from the forecasts and being able to make a difference,” said Kerr while looking through weather tracking models on his various computer screens. The graphics software he and his colleague, Tim Drum, use is just like what the Weather Channel and other media entities use to present graphical weather forecasts.

Hurricane Preparedness Open House

Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. African American Research Library & Cultural Center 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale Learn how to prepare your family, pets and property for all hazards including hurricanes, severe weather, fire and unexpected disasters. Explore resources available and get FREE emergency preparedness items while supplies last. No registration required. Visit Broward Official Hurricane Site: https://www.broward.org/Hurricane/Pages/Default.aspx

Get Hurricane Ready

Preparing for hurricane season means deciding if you should ride out the storm in your home or evacuate to safer shelter. How do you decide? Listen in as Assistant Fire Chief Brent Bloomfield goes over the checklist and details the pros and cons of each in the West Palm Beach 2024 Hurricane podcast. Follow these links to learn how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

• Know Your Risk: Find out how rain, wind, water could impact where you live.

• Know your Evacuation Zone: You may have to evacuate quickly due to a hurricane.

• Gather Supplies: Have enough food, water, and other supplies for every member of your family to last at least 72 hours.

• Make an Emergency Plan: Make sure everyone in your household knows and understands your complete family communication plan.

• Stay Informed: Know where to go for trusted sources of information during a hurricane event. Visit for regular updates and sign up for eNotifications or the Insider Newsletter.

• Special Needs Shelters: You must register with Palm Beach County in advance. Call (561) 712-6400 (TTY: 561712-6342).

During a hurricane event, you may contact the Mayor’s Response Hotline at (561) 822-2222 (TTY: 800-955-8771). For emergencies, dial 9-1-1.