AccuWeather meteorologists are predicting a developing storm in the Caribbean Sea could strengthen into a hurricane and impact the U.S. Gulf Coast late next week into the following weekend.
“The brewing tropical storm is expected to make a northeastward turn across Jamaica and Cuba next week, bringing heavy downpours and gusty winds to those islands. It is not out of the question it becomes a hurricane in the Caribbean prior to reaching Jamaica or Cuba,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alan Reppert. “This rain can lead to flash flooding, landslides, and difficult travel in parts of Jamaica and Cuba.”
READ: Caribbean Braces For Potential Tropical Cyclones As Patty Churns In The Atlantic: NHC
Water temperatures in the Caribbean Sea remain warm enough to help foster tropical organization and strengthening. Disruptive breezes, called wind shear, also remain low in the region.
AccuWeather hurricane experts are calling for a tropical storm to form by Monday night.
Potential Impacts:
- Jamaica and Cuba: Heavy rainfall (1-2 inches widespread, with localized amounts of 4-8 inches) could lead to flash flooding, landslides, and travel disruptions. Strong wind gusts of 40-60 mph are also expected. AccuWeather has issued a RealImpact™ Scale for Hurricanes rating of 1 for these islands, indicating localized flooding, damage to unanchored mobile homes, power outages, and coastal inundation.
- U.S. Gulf Coast: While the exact track and intensity are still uncertain, AccuWeather experts are urging residents along the Gulf Coast to closely monitor the storm’s progress. The storm could potentially bring significant impacts to the region late next week into the weekend.
READ: AccuWeather: Election Day Weather Could Impact Voter Turnout
Unusual Hurricane Season:
This hurricane season has been marked by unusual activity, including an early start with Hurricane Beryl and a lull in activity during what is typically the peak of the season. Five named storms have made landfall in the U.S. so far, with AccuWeather estimating total damages approaching $500 billion.
“We’re in the final month of hurricane season, and we’re expecting one to three named storms to develop this month,” said DaSilva. “There have only been three hurricane landfalls in the United States during the month of November since 1900. They all made landfall in Florida. We’ve never seen a tropical storm or hurricane on record make landfall in Texas or Louisiana during the month of November.”
Other Tropical Activity:
In addition to the Caribbean storm, Subtropical Storm Patty formed in the Atlantic and is tracking eastward towards Portugal.
AccuWeather experts are also monitoring another area for potential tropical development near the southwestern Atlantic.
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