Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine began picking up speed as it continues its trek north-northwest toward the southeastern Gulf of Mexico, according to the National Hurricane Center’s latest advisory.
The probable path of the storm’s center shifted further east overnight, pointing it more toward the eastern Florida Panhandle and Big Bend area.
Hurricane and tropical storm watches have been issued across Florida’s Gulf Coast, stretching as far west as the Walton County line to as far south as the Dry Tortugas.
Potential Tropical Cyclone 9 timeline: When will Tropical Cyclone Nine become Hurricane Helene and make landfall? Here’s a timeline
Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 41 counties ahead of what could be a Category 3 Hurricane Helene by the time it makes landfall Thursday.
Florida Panhandle and Big Bend residents should continue monitoring the storm as it develops and make sure their hurricane preparations are in order as soon as possible.
Here is the latest on Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine.
What’s new with Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine? 8 a.m. update
Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine began picking up steam, moving north-northwest at about 9 mph, but there has been little development so far. Strengthening is expected to continue over the next few days as the storm reaches the Gulf of Mexico, which will fuel rapid intensification.
The storm’s path shifted east overnight, putting its sights more toward Florida’s Big Bend and the eastern Panhandle area. Hurricane and tropical storm watches have been issued across much of Florida’s Gulf and western coasts.
Florida Panhandle and Big Bend residents shouldn’t be confused by what could be misconstrued as a lull in development, however. AccuWeather still expects the storm to make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane.
Where is Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine now?
The system is moving north near 9 mph. It’s expected to begin moving northwestward on Tuesday and Tuesday night before it shifts toward a faster northward or north-northeast trajectory over the next couple of days.
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Tropical Cyclone Nine is about 150 miles west of Grand Cayman
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Tropical Cyclone Nine is about 205 miles south-southeast of the western tip of Cuba
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Maximum sustained winds: 35 mph
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Present movement: Northwest at 9 mph
Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine’s expected impacts
Rainfall: Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 4 to 8 inches over western Cuba and the Cayman Islands with isolated totals of around 12 inches. Over the eastern Yucatan Peninsula, 2 to 4 inches of rain is expected, with isolated totals over 6 inches. This rainfall brings a risk of considerable flooding.
Over the Southeastern U.S., Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 3 to 6 inches with isolated totals of around 10 inches. This rainfall will likely result in areas of locally considerable flash and urban flooding, with minor to isolated moderate river flooding also possible.
STORM SURGE: The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline. The water could reach the following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated areas if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide.
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Ochlockonee River to Chassahowitzka: 10-15 ft
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Chassahowitzka to Anclote River: 6-10 ft
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Indian Pass to Ochlockonee River: 5-10 ft
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Anclote River to Middle of Longboat Key: 5-8 ft
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Tampa Bay: 5-8 ft
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Middle of Longboat Key to Englewood: 4-7 ft
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Englewood to Bonita Beach: 3-5 ft
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Charlotte Harbor: 3-5 ft
Storm surge could raise water levels by as much as 2 to 4 feet above normal tide levels in areas of onshore winds along the southern coast of Pinar del Rio, Cuba, including the Isle of Youth.
Storm surge could raise water levels by as much as 2 to 4 feet above ground level in areas of onshore winds within the warning area along the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Wind: Hurricane conditions are possible within the watch areas in Cuba and Mexico by early Wednesday. Hurricane conditions are possible within the U.S. watch areas late Wednesday and early Thursday. Tropical storm conditions are expected in the warning areas in Cuba and Mexico beginning later today. Tropical storm conditions are possible in the watch area beginning on Wednesday in southern Florida and the Keys and Thursday in the Florida Panhandle.
Surf: Swells generated by the system will affect the southern coast of Cuba and the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico during the next couple of days. Swells will spread northward toward the west coast of Florida and the northeastern Gulf Coast on Wednesday and Thursday. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office.
Tropical Cyclone Nine spaghetti models
https://data.pnj.com/storm/nine/al092024/#spaghettiEmbed:
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Potential Tropical Cyclone 9 path shifted further east overnight
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