Tropical Storm Nadine Forms Near Belize, No Threat to Florida
Tropical Storm Nadine has formed near Belize, with maximum winds of 45 mph and expected landfall along the Belize coast. The storm will pass through northern Guatemala and southeastern Mexico, bringing significant rainfall. Simultaneously, another system may develop off the coast of Puerto Rico, with a 60% chance of becoming a tropical depression or storm within the next two days. The current hurricane season has produced 14 named storms and continues to be active.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is currently monitoring Tropical Storm Nadine, which has formed near Belize. At 8 a.m. on Saturday, Nadine was situated approximately 60 miles east of Belize City and 105 miles southeast of Chetumal, Mexico, boasting maximum sustained winds of 45 miles per hour and moving westward at a speed of 9 miles per hour. The storm’s tropical-storm-force winds are projected to extend up to 230 miles north of its center. Forecasters anticipate an increase in Nadine’s forward speed throughout the day and evening. The storm is expected to make landfall along the Belize coast later this morning or early afternoon, subsequently advancing across northern Guatemala and southeastern Mexico by late afternoon into the evening. It is predicted that weakening will commence this afternoon once the storm moves inland, likely dissipating over southeastern Mexico by early Sunday. The storm is forecasted to deliver substantial rainfall, estimating between 4 to 8 inches with localized totals reaching up to 12 inches across northern Belize, northern Guatemala, and southern states in Mexico from Quintana Roo to Veracruz. In addition to Nadine, the NHC is observing another weather system stretching more than 100 miles north of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. This system is a trough of low pressure exhibiting showers and thunderstorms, with forecasters noting the potential for the development of a well-defined surface circulation. Should these developments persist, a tropical depression or storm may form as soon as later today, with the system projected to move generally westward at a pace of 10 to 15 miles per hour. The foreseen path could lead the system north of Hispaniola today, approaching the Turks and Caicos Islands, southeastern Bahamas, and extreme eastern Cuba by Sunday. The NHC has assigned a 60% probability of development for this system over the next 48 hours. The ongoing Atlantic hurricane season for 2024 has thus far yielded 14 named storms, nine of which were classified as hurricanes. Three of these storms impacted Florida, so the season’s total counts include two potential tropical cyclones. The rationale behind the NHC’s count of 15 in its naming scheme, despite 14 designated storms, stems from the occurrence of a cyclone that did not develop before making landfall back in September. It is important to note that the Atlantic hurricane season typically extends until November 30.
The formation of Tropical Storm Nadine and the monitoring of an additional weather system underscore the ongoing 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which is characterized by increased tropical activity. The National Hurricane Center plays a crucial role in tracking such systems, providing forecasts and updates on potential storms. As tropical storms can pose significant risks through high winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding, timely information is vital for communities and preparedness efforts, particularly in vulnerable coastal regions. This situation is further complicated by the 2024 season’s active nature, presenting a greater urgency for residents to stay informed and ready for weather warnings.
In summary, Tropical Storm Nadine is currently approaching Belize with anticipated landfall expected later today. Following landfall, it is expected to weaken as it moves inland across northern Central America. Concurrently, another potential weather system may develop into a tropical depression or storm, with significant implications for nearby island nations. The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has been notably active so far, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and preparedness for coastal residents as the season continues.
Original Source: www.tampabay.com
