Tropical Cyclone 9 is brewing in the Gulf of Mexico and it’s expected to become a major hurricane in the coming days. The National Hurricane Center has officially named Invest 97-L as Potential Tropical Cyclone 9, signaling that it has a high probability of developing into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours.
Currently, the storm is in an environment conducive to rapid intensification, and forecasters predict that it will strengthen into a major hurricane, reaching at least Category 3 status before it reaches the Big Bend area of Florida. If the system further develops into a tropical storm, it will be named “Helene.”
Residents in the Deep South, particularly in Florida and Georgia, are advised to closely monitor the progress of this storm. Potential impacts include life-threatening storm surge, hurricane-force winds, and the possibility of tornadoes, starting as early as Wednesday.
Global weather models are showing a high level of agreement on the expected intensity and track of Helene. After making landfall, the storm is projected to move into the southeast US, possibly heading towards the Tennessee River Valley. The latest spaghetti plots, which display different computer models, demonstrate a remarkable consensus on the storm’s path.
In addition to the immediate coastal threats, there is a risk of inland flooding, with heavy rain potentially affecting areas like the Blue Ridge and Smokey Mountains. Hampton Roads can also expect increased rain chances on Friday and Saturday as the outer bands of Helene bring moisture from the Atlantic.
Furthermore, there is another area of concern in the eastern Atlantic that may develop into a tropical system in the coming week. This system is likely to be named “Isaac” if it reaches tropical storm status.
For the latest updates and forecasts on these developing tropical systems, viewers can stay informed through the 13News Now Weather Team on television, online, and on the 13NewsNow+ streaming app available on Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV. Remember to stay prepared and stay safe during this active hurricane season.
