Residents along the Gulf Coast are being advised to prepare for a potential tropical threat as a developing system in the Caribbean shows signs of forming into a tropical storm or hurricane. Forecast models suggest a strong storm could emerge in the eastern Gulf of Mexico by the end of the week, although the forecast remains uncertain with several possible outcomes.
The system, now named Invest 97L, allows the National Hurricane Center (NHC) to run specialised models to gather more information. The NHC reports a high chance of tropical development from the northwestern Caribbean Sea to the southern and eastern Gulf of Mexico over the next seven days.
A broad area of low pressure is currently causing disorganised showers and thunderstorms over the northwestern Caribbean and parts of Central America. The NHC indicates that environmental conditions favour the development of this system, with a tropical depression or storm likely to form in the coming days as it moves northward.
A new tropical threat is taking aim at the Gulf Coast. @ginger_zee has the latest on the storm, which is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the South. pic.twitter.com/Xdn8wSIbyz
— Good Morning America (@GMA) September 23, 2024
Heavy rain is expected over Central America in the next few days. The NHC advises that areas in the northwestern Caribbean, Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, and western Cuba should closely monitor the system’s progress. Later this week, the system is expected to move northward over the Gulf of Mexico, prompting communities along the northern and northeastern Gulf Coast to stay alert.
The strength and exact impact location of the storm remain uncertain. There is a general consensus on the steering pattern among various forecasts, but details will determine the specific impact area. Development chances for Invest 97L are expected to increase through Monday, potentially forming a tropical depression or storm by Tuesday.
Hurricane Watches could be issued for parts of the U.S. Gulf Coast, tracking Tropical Storm Helene by midweek. The storm could make landfall between Louisiana and Florida on Thursday or Thursday night. Residents in these areas should stay informed and prepare for a significant storm.
By Friday, the storm is likely to weaken as it moves inland across the Southeast, but it will continue to bring heavy rain and gusty winds.
A weather pattern known as the Central American Gyre, a broad area of low pressure that brings heavy rain, is contributing to this development. This gyre could lead to torrential rainfall, flooding, and landslides across Central America, and could help form tropical storms or hurricanes if conditions are favourable. Current Caribbean water temperatures are near record-warm levels, influencing potential development. The system’s ultimate path will depend on the strength and location of the gyre and atmospheric patterns in the southern U.S.
What Other Media Are Saying
- AOL.com reports that Florida and Louisiana are bracing for a possible tropical storm or hurricane, with favorable environmental conditions for its development in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. (Read more)
- WDSU reports that Invest 97L, identified in the Western Caribbean, is forecast to track into the southern Gulf of Mexico, potentially impacting Louisiana midweek. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is Invest 97L?
Invest 97L is a naming convention used by the NHC to track and analyze potential tropical disturbances.
Where is Invest 97L expected to develop?
Invest 97L is expected to develop in the northwestern Caribbean Sea and move towards the Gulf of Mexico.
What areas should monitor Invest 97L?
Areas in the northwestern Caribbean, Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, western Cuba, and the U.S. Gulf Coast should monitor Invest 97L.
When could Invest 97L become a tropical storm or hurricane?
Invest 97L could become a tropical storm or hurricane by the middle of the week.
What impact could Invest 97L have on the Gulf Coast?
Invest 97L could bring heavy rain, gusty winds, and potential flooding to the Gulf Coast from Louisiana to Florida.
