Developing tropical storm in gulf could become hurricane: Where is it going and when?
The National Hurricane Center is warning that a weather system developing in the Gulf of Mexico could become a hurricane by mid-week as it moves north.
Meteorologists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, have warned that 2024 could see an above average number of storms. The prediction is for 17 to 25 named storms with as many as 13 hurricanes, possibly 7 major above Category 3.
So far there have been only five named storms in the Atlantic basin this season. However, the Atlantic hurricane season is just reaching its peak period and can continue well into autumn. The National Hurricane Center is warning that Potential Tropical Cyclone Six churning in the Gulf of Mexico could become a hurricane by mid-week.
Developing tropical storm in gulf could become hurricane: Where is it going and when?
The strengthening low pressure system in the Bay of Campeche northeast of Veracruz is forecast to become a tropical storm on Monday as it moves northwestward to northward. When its winds reach sustained speeds of 39 miles per hour Potential Tropical Cyclone Six will be baptized Francine.
It will move along the western Gulf of Mexico Coast en route to the lower 48. It is forecast to become a hurricane before it reaches the northwestern Gulf Coast by mid-week.
At this time, it is too early to “pinpoint the exact location and magnitude of impacts” according to the National Hurricane Center. However, “the potential for life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds are increasing for portions of the Upper Texas and Louisiana coastlines beginning Tuesday night,” the meteorological agency is warning.
“Hurricane and Storm Surge Watches will likely be issued for a portion of that area on Monday, and residents should ensure they have their hurricane plan in place,” the advisory said.
The brewing weather system “is expected to bring heavy rainfall and the risk of flash flooding from the coast of far northeast Mexico into portions of coastal Texas and Louisiana through Thursday,” warns the NHC.