Hurricane Erin, the first major hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, rapidly intensified Friday night, with the storm now reaching Category 5 strength with sustained winds of 160 mph.

In a statement, Cory Schwisow, interim director of Monroe County Emergency Management, said the county was recently qualified to receive “60% of post-disaster reimbursement funds upfront,” which he said “significantly reduces the financial strain on our county and enhances our ability to respond swiftly to emerging needs.”

At the time, Aug. 13, 2004, Hurricane Charley was one of the worst storms to hit the Southwest Florida coast and surrounding areas. We look back.

A Heat Advisory is in place once again across Central Florida. This will be in place from 11am-7pm. Afternoon highs will reach the low and middle 90s, with feels-like temperatures around 105-109°+.  Be sure to take it easy if you have any outdoor plans and stay hydrated!

In the afternoon, highs will soar to the low 90s and it will feel like the triple digits when the humidity is factored in. Some scattered storms will be possible around midday into the early afternoon. Later in the day, they will be steered inland and toward the West Coast.