Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine is currently moving across the Caribbean Sea towards the Gulf Coast of Florida, with forecasters predicting it will strengthen into a hurricane by Wednesday. As a result, hurricane watches and warnings have been issued for almost all of Florida’s western coastline, with storm surges of up to 15 feet possible. The storm, which is currently referred to as Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, is located about 150 miles west of Grand Cayman with sustained winds of 35 mph. It is expected to move northwest over the next few days, posing a potential threat to Florida’s coastal areas.
The National Hurricane Center has issued hurricane and tropical storm watches for the entire western coast of Florida, extending from Indian Pass near Panama City to Englewood, including Tampa Bay. A storm surge watch has also been issued for some areas in Florida, as well as parts of eastern Mexico and Cuba. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall to western Cuba and the Cayman Islands, as well as parts of the southeastern U.S., which could lead to flash flooding and urban flooding. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in 41 counties and sandbags are being distributed to residents in anticipation of potential flooding.
The NOAA has predicted an extremely active hurricane season, with the possibility of 17 to 24 named storms, eight to 13 hurricanes, and four to seven major hurricanes. The warm sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean Sea, along with other atmospheric conditions, have contributed to the high activity expected this season. Human-caused climate change is also playing a role in the warming of sea surface temperatures, making it more likely for storms to intensify rapidly and become more frequent. This could potentially lead to more hurricanes making landfall in the U.S.
If Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine does become a hurricane, it would be the fifth hurricane to hit Florida in the past three years. This trend is concerning for the state, as the impact of hurricanes can be devastating to communities and infrastructure. The authorities are urging people to prepare for the storm and exercise caution, as the potential for storm surges and strong winds poses a significant threat. It is important for residents in the affected areas to follow the guidance of local officials and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and well-being during the storm.
