Search
Close this search box.

NHC issues first advisory for Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine as it threatens Gulf Coast

A disturbance in the northwestern Caribbean Sea is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane as it moves toward the U.S. Gulf Coast, potentially bringing life-threatening conditions later this week.
NHC

The National Hurricane Center issued its first advisory Monday for Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, located about 130 miles southwest of Grand Cayman. The system is expected to intensify as it travels northward across the Caribbean and into the Gulf of Mexico.

  • Forecasters predict the cyclone will reach hurricane strength by Wednesday and could become a major hurricane before reaching the northeastern Gulf Coast on Thursday.

“There is an increasing risk of life-threatening storm surge and damaging hurricane-force winds along portions of the northern and northeastern Gulf Coast, including the Florida Panhandle and portions of the Florida west coast,” the hurricane center warned in their public advisory.

As of 11 a.m. EDT Monday, the disturbance had maximum sustained winds of 30 mph. It was moving north at 6 mph, with a shift to a northwestward motion expected Tuesday.

Tropical storm warnings have been issued for parts of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and western Cuba, including the Isle of Youth. Hurricane watches are in effect for portions of Mexico’s east coast and Cuba’s Pinar del Rio province.

The system is forecast to bring heavy rainfall to the western Caribbean, with 4 to 8 inches expected over western Cuba and the Cayman Islands. Isolated areas could see up to 12 inches, creating a risk of flash flooding and mudslides.

  • Storm surge could raise water levels by 2 to 4 feet above normal tide levels in parts of western Cuba and along Mexico’s eastern Yucatan Peninsula coast.

As the cyclone moves northward, heavy rainfall is expected to spread into the southeastern United States starting Wednesday, bringing a risk of flash and river flooding, according to NHC.

The National Hurricane Center urged residents in potentially affected areas to monitor forecast updates and ensure they have hurricane plans in place. While the exact location and magnitude of impacts remain uncertain, officials emphasized the importance of preparedness given the system’s potential for rapid intensification.

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“Yea Don Gaetz of all people, he should go!”
Respond
“Why the H... does anyone vote for any politician who is in favor of having the horrible disgusting private beaches? Every resident, every visitor, every tax payer MUST have a...”
Respond
“The air force doesn't own or need the land! It isn't theirs. It was mostly Choctawhatchee National Forest. The air force tried to sell that land in the 2000's but...”
Respond
“Those signs that you recommend have been there for years, just people annoyed them to the point that Eglin has now had to step the game up”
Respond
“Now that Ms. Ketchel has torn down more dunes, plus paved over what was beautiful sand, golf carts can drive from one end to the other. No way to cross...”
Respond
“It shows the beach being a part of the property. This was part of the plot plan. When the documents were shown to the attorney in depositions the Walton County...”
Respond
“Great history lesson. The only point I'll disagree with is the multi use path... I think its a good thing. Maybe a lot of money but it may save a...”
Respond
“This fence is a colossal waste of DoD dollars and needs to be investigated. These dollars should have been spent supporting the warfighter. The ruse that it protects environmentally sensitive...”
Respond
“This article is obviously written by someone with 0 knowledge of the area. The erosion happening now is because " The Wall," as anyone that's been here since the 70's...”
Respond

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER

Get the weekday email that actually makes reading local news enjoyable again.