Increasing tropical threat between the Caribbean and Gulf this week
MIAMI — The National Hurricane Center is closely monitoring a growing area of tropical thunderstorm activity in the Caribbean, with a high likelihood of becoming the season’s next named tropical cyclone by the week’s end.
2024-09-23 11:57:10 - VI News Staff
Where will it go?
Though precise tracking remains uncertain, coastal areas from Mobile to Tampa should brace for a potentially rapid intensification, as the system is projected to surge northward toward the Gulf Coast. The most likely scenario is a landfall in the Florida Panhandle.
How strong will it get?
The atmosphere will be primed, and the extremely warm Gulf waters will be ready to fuel a strengthening storm from Wednesday to Thursday. The next name on the list is Helene. Some forecast model guidance predicts rapid intensification over the northern Gulf. Rapid intensification occurs when a storm’s peak wind speed increases by 30 knots (35 miles per hour) in 24 hours or less. There is a chance that this storm could be a Category One or Two hurricane before hitting land on Thursday.