Odds Increasing for Possible Tropical System in the Gulf
Published August 26, 2023 9:30AM | Updated 4:35PM
A possible tropical system in the Gulf of Mexico is showing signs of becoming a tropical depression in the next day or two, according to the National Hurricane Center. The system is becoming more organized and is expected to strengthen. Florida is still in the projected pathway.
The tropical system, currently moving slowly through the Caribbean and approaching the Gulf of Mexico, has now strengthened to become a tropical depression. There is a possibility that it could further intensify into a tropical storm and eventually a hurricane before reaching Florida.
The National Hurricane Center upgraded Invest 93L to Tropical Depression Ten shortly after 4 p.m. At its 5 p.m. advisory, the NHC reported that the storm was about 65 miles northeast of Cozumel, Mexico and was nearly stationary. The minimum central pressure was measured at 1006 mb.
The NHC stated that little overall movement is expected through Sunday, but a slow, generally northward motion is expected to begin on Monday. Over the next 48 hours, the depression is expected to gradually strengthen and is likely to become a tropical storm on Sunday.
Tropical Depression 10 is expected to slowly move northward into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. The exact path of the system is still uncertain, but it is projected to cross the Gulf of Mexico towards Florida. Western Cuba and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula may experience heavy rain from this system.
Florida should remain prepared for possible impacts as early as Tuesday and Wednesday, according to FOX 35 Chief Meteorologist Jayme King. Regardless of where the system makes landfall, heavy rain, gusty winds, and isolated tornadoes are all possible.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has instructed the state’s Emergency Management Team to prepare for the potential tropical system. He urged residents to remain vigilant and prepare for possible impacts early next week. In response, a state of emergency has been declared for 33 Florida counties to allow for the staging of resources and for residents to begin preparing for the storm.
An invest system, short for “investigative system” or “area of interest,” is used to identify areas of disturbed weather being monitored for potential tropical development. Once the National Hurricane Center expresses interest in a potential system, spaghetti forecast models are generated to help forecast its path. Invests are identified by numbers ranging from 90-99, with the letter “L” attached if the system is located in the North Atlantic. This system of identification is crucial for forecasters, especially when tracking multiple tropical disturbances in the same area.
As the tropical depression continues to develop, it is important for residents in the potential path to stay informed and prepared for any potential impacts.
What are the potential impacts and landfall projections for the anticipated tropical system by early next week?
Anticipated by early next week. The forecast track still has Florida in the potential path of the system, although the exact track and intensity remain uncertain at this time.
The main concern with this tropical depression is the potential for heavy rainfall and flooding. As the system moves slowly through the Gulf of Mexico, it is expected to gather moisture and could unleash significant rainfall when it reaches land.
Residents in Florida and along the Gulf Coast are advised to closely monitor the progress of this system and prepare for possible impacts. This includes staying informed of the latest weather updates and heeding any evacuation orders or other safety recommendations issued by local authorities.
While it is too early to determine the exact impacts and potential landfall of this tropical system, it is important for residents in the affected areas to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.
I hope everyone in Florida stays safe and prepared for any potential impacts from this tropical system.