Storm tracker: System in the Gulf could bring heavy rain to several states
Much of Florida and portions of the northern Gulf Coast could see heavy rainfall Thursday due to an area of low pressure currently located over the northeastern Gulf.
The National Hurricane Center said in a July 24 advisory the area of low pressure is "currently producing a broad area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms."
Forecasters said the system is forecast to move generally westward across the north-central and northeastern portion of the Gulf over the next day or two where some slow development is possible. By the weekend, the system is expected to move inland, ending its chances for development.
"Regardless or tropical cyclone formation, locally heavy rainfall is possible for portions of the northern Gulf coast through this weekend," the hurricane center said in the advisory. Hurricane center forecasters give this system a 10% chance of formation through the next seven days.
The National Weather Service said the heavy rain potential is expected to move west towards Texas on Friday, with additional downpours likely along the Gulf Coast.
NHC also tracking another system in the Pacific
The NHC also said in its July 24 advisory it is keeping an eye on another area of low pressure that is expected to form well southeast of the Hawaiian Islands this weekend.
Hurricane center forecasters said some gradual development is possible thereafter while the system moves generally westward. The system has a 30% chance of formation through the next seven days, according to the NHC.
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.
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.