Potential Tropical Cyclone 18 is gaining strength in the western Caribbean and is on the brink of becoming a tropical storm within the next few hours. According to the latest bulletin from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), this system may strike western Cuba as a hurricane by Wednesday.
Currently moving north at approximately 11 km/h, the cyclone exhibits sustained winds reaching 55 km/h and maintains a central minimum pressure of 1004 mb. As of 4:00 AM EST today, it was positioned about 420 km south of Kingston, Jamaica, and 730 km southeast of the Cayman Islands.
Path and Intensification Forecast
The system is anticipated to evolve into a tropical storm by Monday in the Caribbean and could further intensify into a hurricane by Tuesday night. It is projected to travel northwest today and over the coming days, nearing Jamaica by the day's end.
The latest trajectory forecast suggests that the system could make landfall in western Cuba on the afternoon of November 6. Weather authorities have cautioned about potential rainfall accumulations ranging from 3 to 6 inches, with isolated areas possibly receiving up to 9 inches.
Potential Hazards and Precautions
Such conditions could elevate the risk of flooding and landslides, particularly in regions of Cuba already vulnerable due to their topography or infrastructure. Swells generated by the system are expected to impact the western Caribbean, potentially affecting Cuban shores with hazardous waves and minor coastal flooding.
Given the potential for the cyclone to intensify into a tropical storm and possibly a hurricane as it progresses northwest, residents in Cuba and the Florida Keys are advised to stay informed with updates and heed local authorities' guidance.
Heavy rainfall could also spread north, impacting parts of Florida and the southeastern United States in the coming days.