The Weather Authority launches WINK Doppler 3X, SWFL’s most advanced radar

WINK, the Weather Authority, was already the station viewers in Southwest Florida trusted most for storm coverage— especially during hurricane season. Now WINK’s storm reporting is even stronger thanks to its new WINK Doppler 3X dual-polarization radar. WINK’s dual-pol Doppler radar is the most powerful in Southwest Florida, three times more powerful than any other […]

EF0 tornado confirmed to have touched down in Charlotte County Saturday

The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay has confirmed an EF0 tornado touched down in the Oakland Hills and Rotonda areas of Charlotte County Saturday Morning. The Weather Authority team submitted photos to the NWS, who confirmed the damage is consistent with data and reports. This marks the 10th tornado in Southwest Florida since December. […]

Flooding

Storm caused localized flooding in parts of Southwest Florida

While the storm pushed through the Gulf of Mexico, Southwest Florida saw some of the effects of the rainmaking event. Lee County Sanibel Island saw consistent rainfall from the storm throughout the afternoon and evening on Friday. The combination of consistent rainfall and winds did keep people away from the beach. Michael Sosebee, vacationing in Sanibel, […]

Bonita Springs Beach

Teens OK after getting caught in rough surf off Bonita Springs Beach

Three teens in the gulf near Bonita Springs caused a commotion when they tried swimming in rough surf. We know thrill-seekers like being out there in a storm, but it can be dangerous. Luckily those teenagers are OK. The fire department says a parent on the beach called 911 when they spotted the teens nearly […]

Lessons Everglades City learned from Hurricane Irma

Everglades City is using the lessons it learned from being hit hard by Hurricane Irma to prepare for the storm that is making its way toward Southwest Florida. The devastation from Hurricane Irma is burned into the memories of all living in Everglades City and Chokoloskee. “The towns just a few feet above sea level […]

Storm isn’t deterring visitors from enjoying Southwest Florida

Weather can be extremely unpredictable, and hurricane season alone can ruin some vacation plans. But people arriving at RSW refuse to let the weather ruin their stay in Southwest Florida. It’s one thing for people to vacation when a hurricane’s bearing down. It’s quite different when an unorganized rain-maker is headed this way. Tourists at […]

blind pass

Closures ahead of Potential Tropical System One

Tropical System 1 isn’t just taking away sunshine and clear skies in Southwest Florida. Here is a list of events that have now been canceled due to the ongoing storm. While Tropical System 1 continues to downpour, Southwest Florida is seeing cancelations on Friday. Here’s a developing list of the cancelations: Lee County Art Walk […]

RSW

Storm causing delays and cancellations at RSW

While the storm continues its downpour, flights at RSW are seeing delays and cancellations on Friday. As the storm develops more will become clear but for now, there is a bit of turbulence. Five flights have been canceled and about a dozen more have been delayed so far. So, if you’re flying today, it’s possible […]

Sandbags

Sandbags in Southwest Florida: Where to find them, how to make them

Here is a guide to finding sandbags in Southwest Florida for those preparing for severe weather, or making them yourself, as well as general tips on their use. Where you can find sandbags: WINK News scoured Southwest Florida ahead of the landfall of what will likely form into Tropical Storm Alex and was able to […]