A tropical system forecasted to develop in the Caribbean may intensify into Hurricane Sara and potentially impact Florida. Environmental conditions are favorable for development, with a projected shift westward and then northwest. Recent hurricanes have highlighted Florida’s vulnerability to late-season storms, necessitating ongoing preparedness.
Forecasters in Florida have reported that a tropical system currently forming near Hispaniola and Puerto Rico is expected to intensify over the next few days, potentially developing into a hurricane that could impact Florida. The low-pressure area in the Caribbean is projected to evolve into a tropical storm named Sara by the end of the week, with forecasts indicating its drift into the western Caribbean and likely further strengthening in the southern Gulf of Mexico. While the exact trajectory remains uncertain, some models suggest a shift eastward towards Florida. According to the National Hurricane Center, the conditions in the Caribbean Sea are conducive for development, with a tropical depression anticipated to form as the system moves westward. By the following week, the storm is expected to change course towards the northwest. This would mark Sara as the 18th named tropical cyclone of the 2024 hurricane season. Recently, Florida experienced the impacts of Hurricane Rafael, which struck western Cuba as a Category 3 storm and caused significant disruptions, including a complete power outage in the region. Furthermore, the territory faced an earthquake shortly thereafter. Hurricane Rafael generated hazardous surf conditions along the Gulf Coast. Experts attribute the increasing frequency of late-season hurricanes to climate change, which is likely contributing to elevated sea temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico. Notably, the Atlantic hurricane season traditionally concludes on November 30. AccuWeather’s Lead Hurricane Expert, Alex DaSilva, cautioned, “Don’t let your guard down just because the calendar says we’re heading into mid-November. Conditions and water temperatures in the tropics are still primed for tropical storms to form in the final weeks of hurricane season. History shows that Florida faces a higher risk of tropical impacts than any other state during the month of November.”
The Atlantic hurricane season officially extends from June to November, traditionally marking the peak time for storm development. However, due to climate change, hurricane activity has been observed to persist later into the calendar year, as sea surface temperatures remain conducive for storm formation. Florida, situated in a vulnerable location, often experiences significant tropical weather events, especially in the latter half of the hurricane season. This highlights the necessity for preparedness and awareness among residents.
In summary, a tropical system developing in the Caribbean poses a potential threat to Florida, with forecasts indicating its evolution into Hurricane Sara. While its path remains uncertain, historical patterns and current environmental conditions necessitate vigilance from Floridians during this time of the year. Experts continue to emphasize the importance of preparedness as elevated ocean temperatures suggest an increased risk for tropical storms late in the hurricane season.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
