Hurricane watchers increase odds of tropical storm forming off Florida coast as flight chaos erupts
The likelihood of a tropical storm forming in the Gulf of Mexico this week has increased, hurricane forecasters warned Tuesday.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is monitoring a weather disturbance currently moving across the Atlantic, which now has a 40 percent chance of developing into a tropical cyclone within the next 48 hours.
The system is expected to move across Florida and into the Gulf of Mexico by midweek, where environmental conditions could support further development.
If it strengthens into a named storm, it would be called Tropical Storm Dexter.
The NHC raised the storm’s seven-day formation chances from 30 percent on Monday to 40 percent on Tuesday, reflecting growing concern as the system progresses westward.
Residents along the Gulf Coast are urged to stay alert for updates, as the system could bring heavy rain, flooding, and gusty winds regardless of whether it becomes a named storm.
The storm has already triggered flight delays and cancellations up and down the East Coast. Heavy thunderstorms along the entire East Coast already delayed thousands of flights on Monday, with ground stops issued at nearly a dozen major airports.
According to Flight Aware, over 1,400 flights have already been delayed as of 8:45 am ET Tuesday. More than 800 have been cancelled.
The odds of a major rainstorm turning into a tropical storm off the Florida coast have just quadrupled, hurricane forecasters warned Tuesday
The National Hurricane Center has updated their original predictions for a soaking storm that has already grounded flights along the East Coast, moving the chances that it develops into a dangerous cyclone from 10 percent to 40 percent this week
In Florida, the developing storm is projected to bring over four inches of rain to central and South Florida through Tuesday night.
Strong rip currents and rough rough surf will affect beaches throughout the region through Wednesday.
‘Businesses from Florida through the central Gulf Coast should prepare for shipping delays, flight disruptions and localized infrastructure strain,’ AccuWeather warned.
‘Flood-prone areas may have storm water management issues and short-notice closures as conditions evolve through Thursday.’
Dexter is projected to reach sustained wind speeds of 60 mph when it makes landfall in New Orleans tomorrow.
Regardless of classification, the storm will bring heavy rainfall and flash flooding to Louisiana and the central Gulf Coast.
A storm surge of one to three feet is forecast for eastern Louisiana and Mississippi, with wind gusts of 40 to 60 mph possible in southeastern Louisiana
