AccuWeather experts are issuing urgent warnings as a powerful hurricane is expected to develop in the Caribbean Sea this weekend, potentially reaching Category 3 status and posing a threat to Florida next week.
“All of the conditions are coming together to allow this storm to intensify rapidly. There is plenty of moisture, low wind shear and very warm water temperatures. We don’t see any obstacles that could prevent this storm from exploding into a major hurricane,” said DaSilva. “This storm will likely become our 12th hurricane of the season, which is a testament to the supercharged nature of the season. The historical average is seven hurricanes.”
READ: Tropical Depression Likely In Western Caribbean, Heavy Rain Expected In Jamaica: NHC
The storm is expected to become a named tropical storm by Thursday, taking the name “Sara” as the next on the Atlantic basin list. If it continues on its projected path, it could impact parts of the Yucatan Peninsula, Honduras, Nicaragua, and potentially move toward Florida early next week.
The potential storm could affect Florida’s west coast by the middle of next week, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Wright Dobbs.
“We are going to see it possibly enter the Gulf of Mexico into early next week,” Dobbs told the News Service of Florida. “Then, a cold front is going to come in from the west. Where it goes from there is still highly uncertain, as well as the strength, but at least everywhere across Florida right now should be prepared for the possibility of a hurricane.”
Heavy rainfall is forecasted across southern Jamaica, eastern Nicaragua, and Honduras through the weekend. Rainfall totals could exceed 8 inches, with localized maximums up to 36 inches, leading to life-threatening flooding, landslides, and travel disruptions.
Strong winds are also expected to hit the Yucatan Peninsula and western Cuba. Wind gusts could exceed 120 mph along the northeastern coast of the Yucatan, causing widespread damage and power outages.
AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter emphasized the need for Floridians to stay vigilant.
READ: AccuWeather: Hurricane Threat Looms In The Caribbean, Florida On Alert
“These warm waters will act like high-octane rocket fuel for this brewing storm,” said Porter. “We want everyone in Florida to closely monitor forecast updates.”
Meteorologist Bernie Rayno echoed this warning, stating, “This is a recipe for explosive intensification,” Rayno said. “Everyone needs to be prepared for the possibility of a hurricane landfall along the Gulf coast of Florida next week. It’s time to get ready.”
If the storm reaches Category 4 status, it would join a short list of powerful November hurricanes, including Eta and Iota from 2020. The unusually warm ocean temperatures and favorable atmospheric conditions could lead to rapid intensification, making Sara one of the strongest late-season hurricanes on record.
AccuWeather experts note that the storm’s path depends on the strength of an area of high pressure to its north. If the high pressure is strong, the storm may be steered westward, impacting Central America more heavily and potentially sparing Florida. However, if the high pressure weakens, Sara could turn northward, increasing the risk for Florida.
READ: Dogecoin Searches Skyrocket 777% Amid News Of Elon Musk Heading Trump’s DOGE Agency
“Late-season tropical systems that emerge from the Caribbean have a history of turning toward Florida, which does not need any more impacts from tropical systems after several devastating storms this year,” said AccuWeather Senior Director of Forecasting Operations Dan DePodwin.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.