Tropical Storm Nadine Develops Near Belize, No Threat to Florida

The National Hurricane Center is currently tracking Tropical Storm Nadine, located near Belize, which is expected to make landfall today. Additionally, a potential new system north of Puerto Rico may develop further. The current hurricane season has seen 14 named storms and multiple impacts in Florida, with vigilance warranted as the season unfolds.

On Saturday, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) began monitoring Tropical Storm Nadine, as well as a potential new system over the northwestern Caribbean Sea. As of 8 a.m., Nadine was positioned approximately 60 miles east of Belize City and 105 miles southeast of Chetumal, Mexico, boasting maximum sustained winds of 45 mph and a westward movement at 9 mph. The storm’s influence extends tropical-storm-force winds up to 230 miles north of its center. The NHC anticipates an increase in Nadine’s forward speed throughout the day. The storm is predicted to make landfall along the Belize coast later in the morning or early afternoon, subsequently traversing northern Guatemala and southeastern Mexico later in the day. Forecasters anticipate that Nadine will begin to weaken as it moves inland, likely dissipating over southeastern Mexico by early Sunday. Rainfall expectations range from 4 to 8 inches across northern Belize and northern Guatemala, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 12 inches. Additionally, the NHC identified another weather system over 100 miles north of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, characterized as a trough of low pressure associated with showers and thunderstorms. Recent satellite imagery suggests the possible development of a well-defined surface circulation. Should these trends persist, a tropical depression or storm could form later in the day as the system advances westward at speeds between 10 to 15 mph. If the forecast holds, this system is projected to pass north of Hispaniola today and approach the Turks and Caicos Islands, the southeastern Bahamas, and extreme eastern Cuba by Sunday. The NHC currently estimates a 60% likelihood of development over the next two days. As a note, the ongoing 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has thus far recorded 14 named storms, including nine hurricanes, three of which impacted Florida. There have also been two potential tropical cyclones, with nomenclature counting reaching 15 due to prior system classifications bearing names despite non-development. The hurricane season extends until November 30.

Hurricanes and tropical storms form in the Atlantic Ocean during a designated hurricane season, which typically runs from June 1 to November 30. The National Hurricane Center in the United States plays a crucial role in monitoring and providing updates on these weather events. Yearly assessments indicate variations in storm activity related to climatic factors such as El Niño and La Niña. The current hurricane season has presented a noteworthy number of storms, raising awareness and preparedness in affected regions, particularly Florida, which frequently experiences hurricanes. The impacts of landfalling storms include high winds, substantial rainfall, and flooding, which can be significantly damaging to infrastructure and communities. The mention of multiple systems under observation reflects the complex nature of tropical cyclone developments and the need for vigilance in forecasting and preparedness.

In summary, the formation of Tropical Storm Nadine near Belize is being closely monitored by the National Hurricane Center, with expectations of landfall along the Belize coast today. The storm is expected to weaken as it moves inland, accompanied by significant rainfall. Additionally, another weather system is under observation, with a probability of developing into a tropical depression or storm shortly. The ongoing hurricane season continues to pose challenges and risks across affected regions, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and prepared for potential impacts. Residents in threatened areas must heed advisories and remain vigilant as the season progresses.

Original Source: www.tampabay.com