Hurricane expected to make landfall along Gulf Coast later this week.

A potential hurricane is forecast to form in the Gulf of Mexico later this week, possibly making landfall along the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend region as a major Category 3 storm. The system, currently labeled as “potential tropical cyclone nine,” is expected to intensify rapidly once it enters the Gulf. Residents are urged to prepare for possible impacts, including powerful winds, heavy rain, power outages, storm surge, and tornadoes. Meteorologists warn that this storm has the potential to be the strongest hurricane landfall in the U.S. so far this season. The storm could also bring widespread flooding with 8-12 inches of rain and powerful wind gusts of up to 120 mph at landfall. Forecast models suggest a potential landfall in Florida or the northern Gulf Coast on Thursday, with conditions favorable for significant development and strengthening. The system, to be named Helene once it becomes a tropical storm, is expected to move northward from the Caribbean Sea into the Gulf of Mexico. Experts predict that Gulf of Mexico heat content is at record high levels, providing fuel for the storm to strengthen. This storm is part of what federal forecasters had earlier predicted to be an “extraordinary” hurricane season with as many as 24 named storms possible. Residents in the potential impact area are advised to monitor the storm closely and begin preparations immediately.

Photo credit
www.usatoday.com