Storm tracker: Tropical depression could soon form in the Gulf, bring heavy rain
Editor's note: This system's chances of developing have increased. Click here for the latest update on July 17.
The National Hurricane Center said on Tuesday, July 15, it is continuing to track a trough of low pressure located off the Atlantic coast of Florida that is "gradually becoming better defined."
The system, now designated as Invest 93L, is forecast to move west across the Florida Peninsula Tuesday, then reach the northeastern Gulf by the middle part of this week, hurricane forecasters said.
The NHC said environmental conditions appear generally favorable for additional development and that a tropical depression could form by the middle to latter part of this week as the system moves across the northeastern and north-central Gulf.
"Regardless of development, heavy rainfall could produce localized flash flooding over portions of Florida through mid-week," the hurricane center said, adding that portions of the north-central Gulf Coast could also see flash flooding during the middle to latter portions of this week.
The system currently has a 40% chance for tropical development over the next seven days and a 40% chance over the next 48 hours.
Atlantic storm tracker
This forecast track shows the most likely path of the center of the storm. It does not illustrate the full width of the storm or its impacts, and the center of the storm is likely to travel outside the cone up to 33% of the time.
Spaghetti models for Invest 93L
Illustrations include an array of forecast tools and models, and not all are created equal. The hurricane center uses only the top four or five highest performing models to help make its forecasts.
How do hurricanes form?
Hurricanes are born in the tropics, above warm water. Clusters of thunderstorms can develop over the ocean when water temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If conditions are right, the clusters swirl into a storm known as a tropical wave or tropical depression.
A tropical depression becomes a named tropical storm once its sustained wind speeds reaches 39 miles per hour. When its winds reach 74 mph, the storm officially becomes a hurricane.
Prepare now for hurricanes
Delaying potentially life-saving preparations could mean waiting until it’s too late. "Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period," NOAA recommends.
- Develop an evacuation plan: If you are at risk from hurricanes, you need an evacuation plan. Now is the time to begin planning where you would go and how you would get there.
- Assemble disaster supplies: Whether you’re evacuating or sheltering-in-place, you’re going to need supplies not just to get through the storm but for the potentially lengthy aftermath, NOAA said.
- Get an insurance checkup and document your possessions: Contact your insurance company or agent now and ask for an insurance check-up to make sure you have enough insurance to repair or even replace your home and/or belongings. Remember, home and renters insurance doesn’t cover flooding, so you’ll need a separate policy for it. Flood insurance is available through your company, agent, or the National Flood Insurance Program. Act now, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.
- Create a family communication plan: NOAA said to take the time now to write down your hurricane plan, and share it with your family. Determine family meeting places, and make sure to include an out-of-town location in case of evacuation.
- Strengthen your home: Now is the time to improve your home’s ability to withstand hurricane impacts. Trim trees; install storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass; seal outside wall openings.
Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at Paste BN. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@gannett.com.