AccuWeather meteorologists are forecasting a developing storm in the western Caribbean to rapidly intensify into a hurricane, potentially making landfall along the U.S. Gulf Coast on Thursday. This has the potential to be the strongest hurricane landfall in the U.S. this season.
The Florida Panhandle and Big Bend region need to be prepared for significant hurricane impacts. The storm has the potential to rapidly intensify into a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher), with landfall expected on Thursday. Heavy rainfall, powerful wind gusts, storm surge, and tornadoes are all possible threats.
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“Everyone along the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend region needs to be prepared for hurricane impacts,” said AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva. “This setup has the potential to become the strongest hurricane landfall in the U.S. so far this season.”
Residents in the potential impact zones should start preparing now. Review your safety plans and stay updated on forecasts. The Florida Panhandle and Big Bend Region could see 4-8 inches of rainfall, with localized amounts up to 24 inches, and wind gusts of 100-120 mph.
Tampa Bay is vulnerable to storm surge and flooding if the storm tracks further west.
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The Florida Peninsula and other areas are at risk of spin-up tornadoes. Inland areas could experience flooding rainfall and damaging wind gusts even hundreds of miles inland. Western Cuba and the Northeast Yucatan Peninsula face a moderate risk to lives and property with potential storm surge.
Warm water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico are favorable for rapid intensification, contributing to the storm’s potential strength. AccuWeather experts emphasize the importance of preparedness, highlighting the potential for widespread power outages, dangerous impacts hundreds of miles inland, and the possibility of this being a highly impactful and memorable storm for the 2024 hurricane season.
AccuWeather urges everyone in the potential impact zones to closely monitor forecast updates throughout the week and take necessary precautions.
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