While Hurricane Irma makes its way through South Florida, now is the time to download any smartphone apps that may help keep you informed during the storm.
Also, if you have battery banks, remember to charge them in case you need to charge your mobile devices later. A USB car charger is useful after a storm if your home is without power.
- iHeartRadio - WIOD News updated 24/7
- Stay in the know before, during, and after Hurricane Irma as she barrels through South Florida with 24/7 coverage of our #OperationStormwatch news station, WIOD 610 AM
- NOAA Radar U.S. - HD radar and forecasts
- Hourly predictive radar and severe weather warnings on a customizable platform
- Zello - Mobile walkie-talkie
- Live communication, CB Radio style, which offers a way to get in touch with others during times when calling and texting may not be as reliable (or have as strong of a signal)
- FireChat - Mobile communication app
- Messaging app to communicate with people around you (who are also using the FireChat app), even without an Internet connection or cellular phone coverage
- Florida 511 - Florida Department of Transportation traffic
- Provides real time traffic reports and incident information for the State of Florida with Florida 511. Proves helpful, especially as residents are asked to evacuate certain areas, causing increased traffic on major roadways.
- GasBuddy - Gas finder
- Still need to fill up the tank? GasBuddy helps you locate specific stations where you can get gas at that moment -- and has specifically been updated to assist those impacted by hurricanes...
- An message from GasBuddy: This app has been updated to provide "gas and power availability tracking for areas impacted by the hurricanes. Users who need to refuel cars, boats and jet skis to aid rescue operations can easily search for stations that have power and fuel. We ask that if you encounter a station with no fuel or no power, please edit the information in the app to assist others who are searching for gas."
- Waze - Community based traffic and navigation map
- FPL - Florida Power and Light
- Get instant, secure access to your FPL account, report an outage and receive updates regarding power outages and the storm.
- 311Direct - By Miami-Dade County
- Allows Miami-Dade County residents to report neighborhood problems, service requests, and code violations to the 311 Answer Center.
- SnapMap - By SnapChat
- Lets users share their location publicly or with friends on an interactive map. Many users were documenting the impact and rescue stories around Hurricane Harvey on their Snapchat Stories, which can be accessed on Snap Maps.
- Nextdoor - Social networking for your neighborhood
- Stay in the know about what’s going on in your neighborhood, and allow neighbors to help neighbors in this time of need.