In 2008, residents of Hispaniola experienced one of their worst hurricane seasons in recent memory.

Volunteer weather watchers in Florida who are part of a nationwide observation network did a great job monitoring Tropical Storm Fay, experts say. Melissa Griffin, the co-state coordinator for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network in Florida, said her branch was able to collect vital information regarding the 2008 storm that was then passed along to the National Weather Service, USA Today said Monday. By having a dense network of dedicated observers, Florida CoCoRaHS was able to provide invaluable information during Tropical Storm Fay, Griffin said. Folks in Florida did a great job of measuring and reporting, said Nolan Doesken, who founded the weather watching program that is in its 14th year.

The Associated Press RALEIGH Heavy rains from Tropical Storm Hanna appear to have helped some central and southern North Carolina counties struggling with water shortages and drought, according to a federal drought map released Thursday.

By DREW DIXON Beaches officials are applying to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for help with hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of repairs and cleanup after Tropical Storm Fay.

By WENDI ZONGKER The water just kept rising. Tropical Storm Fay dumped almost 20 inches of rain in Hilliard. And the swollen St. Marys River crested in Macclenny Monday at just over 21 feet, according to Nassau County Emergency Management.