Hurricane watch ordered for Florida's western coast as storm moves closer
A hurricane watch and warnings of storm surges up to 15 feet high were issued Tuesday for almost all of Florida's western coastline as a potential tropical storm moves across the Caribbean Sea and towards the Gulf Coast.
A hurricane watch and warnings of storm surges up to 15 feet high were issued Tuesday for almost all of Florida's western coastline as a potential tropical storm moves across the Caribbean Sea and towards the Gulf Coast.
Currently called Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, the storm is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane Wednesday and authorities are urging people to prepare and exercise caution.
The hurricane watch extends from Indian Pass in north-west Florida near Panama City, down to Englewood, and includes Tampa Bay.
At 8 a.m. ET the weather system was about 150 miles west of Grand Cayman, with sustained winds of 35 mph. It’s moving northwest at 9 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.
When it is upgraded to a storm, the system will be named Helene, making it the fourth hurricane to hit the U.S. this year.
Rating: 5