Jim Dickey

, St Croix - Hurricanes have played a major role in the local history of the Gulf Coast. There have also been several storms over the last 250 years that have helped to shape and change the course of our nation's history. To mark our nation's semi-quincentennial, let's look at one such storm of historic significance, one that occurred all the way back in 1772. Now, official hurricane data maintained by the National Weather Service only goes back to 1851.

FORT MYERS, Fla. - While we started our Thursday with a dry and sunny morning, widespread storms are expected to develop and wash through the Gulf Coast as we head through the afternoon and evening. Before the storms begin, your Gulf Coast Weather Most Accurate Forecast calls for a hot and humid early afternoon, with temperatures climbing into the 90s and heat index values pushing toward and over 105 degrees.

It's going to be another hot afternoon, with most of the cooling rain and thunderstorm activity focused on our deep inland areas. Your Gulf Coast Weather Most Accurate Forecast has peak heat index values pushing over 105 degrees for much of the Gulf Coast this afternoon, so be careful as you venture out into the heat, and be sure to stay hydrated! Storms will begin to develop as the sea breeze builds in off of the Gulf during the early afternoon hours.