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 (now knowns as the Gulf of America) 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 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
AccuWeather meteorologists said in a statement: ‘Businesses from Florida through the central Gulf Coast should prepare for shipping delays, flight disruptions and localized infrastructure strain.’
‘Flood-prone areas may have stormwater management issues and short-notice closures as conditions evolve through Thursday,’ the weather agency added.
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, meteorologists warned the storm will bring heavy rainfall and flash flooding to Louisiana and the central Gulf Coast.
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
The disturbance, labeled Invest 93L, is expected to enter the Gulf on Wednesday, where environmental conditions, such as warm water and lower wind shear, are favorable for development.
Currently, forecasts warn that New Orleans is facing a high risk of flashing flooding and rip currents through Friday. Up to eight inches of rain is predicted to fall on the city starting Wednesday morning.
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
New Orleans is highly vulnerable to flooding due to its low elevation along the Gulf Coast. In fact, most of the city sits below sea level.
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