Accurate storm surge predictions are critical for giving coastal residents time to evacuate and giving emergency responders time to prepare.

The potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize storm surge forecasts is becoming increasingly evident as the National Hurricane Center (NHC) embarks on testing new AI models. These efforts aim to enhance the accuracy of storm predictions and ultimately save lives.

Flooding rainfall is a concern for Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Melissa is forecast to meander over the central Caribbean Sea and could potentially become a major hurricane.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster on Friday declared a state of emergency as the tropical disturbance moved closer, telling residents of his state to monitor the forecast and start preparing. The governor's order puts emergency plans in place and makes federal help available.

After a year of repairs from storm surge damage, the Beach Art Center in Indian Rocks Beach will have its grand reopening on Friday night.

One person was dead and two were missing in western Alaska on Oct. 13 after the remnants of Typhoon Halong last weekend brought hurricane-force winds, ravaging storm surges, and floodwaters that swept some homes away, authorities said. More than 50 people had been rescued — some plucked from rooftops.