Stay Tuned NOW with Gadi Schwartz – Aug. 2 | NBC News NOW

Tight Squeeze: Two Coasts Bracing for Weather Mayhem

A potential tropical cyclone is developing near the Gulf of Mexico, with Florida’s West Coast in its sights, while the western United States is battling dozens of wildfires, with resources stretched thin.

NBC News Meteorologist Bill Korff says the storm is expected to bring heavy rain and high winds to Cuba before moving southward, potentially threatening Florida’s West Coast by tomorrow night. The storm is currently classified as a potential tropical system, with forecasters warning of 6-12 inches of rainfall and strong gusts.

In California, wildfires are raging, with the park fire, the fourth largest in state history, burning over 400,000 acres. Firefighters are battling extreme heat and dry conditions, with concerns rising that new fires could spark due to lightning strikes over the weekend.

Meanwhile, on the other coast, Southern California is under a red flag warning due to high winds and low humidity, exacerbating the spread of wildfires.

Waiting for the Storm to Pass

NBC News correspondent David Fahrenthold is in Colorado, where wildfires are also raging. "We’re expecting very hot and dry temperatures this weekend, which could make the situation even worse," he warns.

Back in California, advocate groups are urging parents to wait until their children are at least 8th grade before giving them a smartphone. Ian Rapaport, a parent and journalist, agrees. "I don’t think phones are necessary for kids," he says.

But some experts argue that factors like social media use, not just the timing of smartphone distribution, play a larger role in youth mental health.

A Guide for the Visually Impaired

Artificial intelligence is being used in unexpected ways at the Olympics, including guiding visually impaired athletes through the Olympic Village and various competition venues. Intel’s app, developed with light detection and lasers, creates a 2D floor plan using voice navigation.

"This app is another aspect of the ability to help athletes focus on the job they came here to do," says Intel’s director of accessibility, Darl Adams, who is also legally blind.

AI technology is also being used to help translation and navigation in the Paris Metro.

A Recap of Tonight’s Show

From a potentially severe storm threatening Florida’s West Coast to raging wildfires on both coasts, this week’s news has been a real doozy. Stay tuned for updates and top stories on the NBC News app or follow us on social media for more breaking news and updates.