The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has reported the emergence of potential tropical cyclone nine in the Gulf of Mexico. The agency has issued tropical storm warnings for sections of western Cuba and the northeastern Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico.
Forecasts suggest that the system may escalate into a hurricane by Wednesday morning. As of 11:00 a.m. on Monday, the system was situated 130 miles south-southwest of Grand Cayman and 350 miles south-southeast of the westernmost point of Cuba. It was moving northward at 6 mph with sustained winds reaching 30 mph.
According to the NHC, the disturbance is expected to strengthen and could be near hurricane status when it enters the Caribbean Sea by Tuesday night. "Tropical storm conditions are anticipated over parts of western Cuba and the northeastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, with potential hurricane conditions," the report specifies.
Potential for Major Hurricane
The system is projected to intensify as it moves north over the eastern Gulf of Mexico and could become a major hurricane by the time it reaches the northeastern Gulf Coast on Thursday. There is an increasing risk of storm surges and damaging hurricane-force winds along portions of the northern and northeastern Gulf Coast, including the Florida Panhandle and parts of Florida's west coast.
Threats of Heavy Rain and Flooding
Potential tropical cyclone nine is expected to bring heavy rainfall to areas in the western Caribbean, which may lead to flooding and possible landslides in western Cuba. The NHC has issued tropical storm warnings for parts of western Cuba, including Pinar del Río, Artemisa, and the Isla de la Juventud.