Leslie Hudson
Multimedia MeteorologistLeslie Hudson is an experienced Multimedia Journalist and Digital Meteorologist whose career is marked by significant professional milestones. A trailblazer in the industry, she holds the distinction of being the first female AMS meteorologist in the Orlando market. Her extensive background in public safety and emergency management led to her being appointed by Florida’s Governor to the State of Florida’s Hurricane Catastrophic Fund Council from 2002 to 2007. Notably, she was the sole meteorologist in the state selected for this prestigious council.
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City of Sarasota Police DepartmentA lower-category storm can still be deadly, and the kind of danger a hurricane brings often depends on which part of the state is in its path. -
Credit via The City of Miami BeachRecord amounts of sargassum seaweed are washing onto beaches from Florida to Texas creating foul odors, frustrated beachgoers, and threatening coastal economies across multiple states.
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Florida’s rainy season doesn’t begin all at once, and it doesn’t behave the same way all summer. It tends to build across the state, then shift through three distinct phases. -
In Florida, hurricane preparation works best when it begins before the season ever tests it—even a small step now can lower risk and reduce pressure later. -
Clear skies can be misleading. In Florida, some of the most dangerous hurricane hazards begin after the storm—during cleanup, return, and recovery. -
During storm season focusing on protection during the storm is mission critical. And in Florida, that can mean wind, water, and tornadoes all unfolding at the same time. -
In Florida, evacuation and final preparations need to happen before conditions deteriorate—because the safe window often closes faster than expected. -
The forecast cone shows the likely path of a storm’s center—but in Florida, dangerous impacts often extend far beyond it. -
The best time to prepare in Florida is before hurricane season ramps up—when supplies, insurance decisions, and evacuation plans can be made without pressure. -
For Florida, hurricane season prep starts with understanding that not all risk looks the same. Hurricane impacts can include storm surge, inland flooding, destructive wind, tornadoes, and more. -
A developing El Niño could affect Florida in two major ways: fewer Atlantic hurricanes, followed by a wetter, stormier winter with greater severe weather risk. NOAA says El Niño over a 60% chance of developing in summer 2026, with a 1-in-3 chance of becoming strong by late fall. -
Colorado State University is one of the most highly revered names in hurricane forecasting, and for Florida, that matters. Here’s why a landlocked university has become so influential for a state that sees more hurricane hits than any other.
