As of 8 am Tuesday, Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine is gaining strength and is located approximately 150 miles west of Grand Cayman. The system is currently moving northwest at 9 mph, with maximum sustained winds near 35 mph.
Watches and warnings have been issued in anticipation of its potential impact. A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for areas including Indian Pass to Flamingo, Tampa Bay, and Charlotte Harbor.
Hurricane Watches have been issued for regions spanning from Cabo Catoche to Tulum in Mexico, Pinar del Rio in Cuba, and Englewood to Indian Pass, including Tampa Bay, in Florida.
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Tropical Storm Warnings are in place for Grand Cayman, Rio Lagartos to Tulum in Mexico, and the Cuban provinces of Artemisa, Pinar del Rio, and the Isle of Youth.
Additionally, a Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Dry Tortugas, the Lower Florida Keys west of the Seven Mile Bridge, Flamingo to south of Englewood, and west of Indian Pass to the Walton Bay County line.
Forecasts indicate that the system is likely to intensify into a hurricane by Wednesday and will continue to strengthen as it tracks across the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Wind and storm surge warnings are anticipated to be issued later today.
Read: AccuWeather Experts Urge Florida, U.S. Gulf Coast To Prepare For ‘Major Hurricane’
Residents in potentially impacted areas should stay vigilant and monitor updates from their local National Weather Service office. It’s crucial to take necessary precautions as the storm develops.
Watches and Warnings:
- Storm Surge Watch: Indian Pass to Flamingo, Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor
- Hurricane Watch: Cabo Catoche to Tulum, Mexico; Pinar del Rio, Cuba; Englewood to Indian Pass, Florida; Tampa Bay
- Tropical Storm Warning: Grand Cayman; Rio Lagartos to Tulum, Mexico; Artemisa, Pinar del Rio, and Isle of Youth, Cuba
- Tropical Storm Watch: Dry Tortugas; Lower Florida Keys west of the Seven Mile Bridge; Flamingo to south of Englewood; West of Indian Pass to Walton Bay County line
Forecast:
The system is expected to strengthen into a hurricane on Wednesday and continue to intensify as it moves across the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Wind and storm surge warnings are likely to be issued later today.
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Hazards:
- Rainfall: Heavy rainfall is expected across western Cuba, the Cayman Islands, and the Yucatan Peninsula, with potential for flooding. The Southeastern U.S. could see 3 to 6 inches of rain, with isolated areas receiving up to 10 inches, leading to flash and urban flooding.
- Storm Surge: Life-threatening storm surge inundation is possible along portions of the Florida Gulf Coast. Water levels could rise significantly above ground level in some areas.
- Wind: Hurricane conditions are possible in Cuba and Mexico by early Wednesday and in the U.S. watch areas late Wednesday and early Thursday. Tropical storm conditions are expected in the warning areas in Cuba and Mexico beginning later today, and are possible in southern Florida and the Keys on Wednesday, and in the Florida Panhandle on Thursday.
- Surf: Dangerous surf and rip currents are expected along the southern coast of Cuba, the Yucatan Peninsula, and will spread northward toward the west coast of Florida and the northeastern Gulf Coast.
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