Tropical Storm Nadine Develops Near Belize; No Immediate Threat to Florida

The National Hurricane Center is tracking Tropical Storm Nadine, located near Belize with max sustained winds of 45 mph and a forecasted landfall later today. Rainfall of 4 to 12 inches is expected in affected areas. Another potential tropical system is being monitored near Puerto Rico with a 60% chance of development.

On Saturday, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) began monitoring Tropical Storm Nadine, which has emerged near Belize. As of 8 a.m., Nadine was positioned approximately 60 miles east of Belize City and 105 miles southeast of Chetumal, Mexico, with maximum sustained winds recorded at 45 mph while moving westward at a speed of 9 mph. Tropical-storm-force winds were reported to extend up to 230 miles north of the storm’s center. Forecasters at the NHC anticipated an increase in the storm’s forward speed throughout the day. Projections indicate that Nadine is expected to make landfall along Belize’s coastline later in the morning or early afternoon, subsequently traversing northern Guatemala and southeastern Mexico by later this evening. Following its landfall, a weakening of the storm is expected to commence, as it is likely to dissipate over southeastern Mexico by early Sunday. Nadine is forecasted to deliver between 4 to 8 inches of rainfall, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 12 inches, particularly across northern Belize, northern Guatemala, and the southern Mexican states ranging from Quintana Roo to Veracruz. Additionally, the NHC is evaluating another system characterized by a trough of low pressure located over an area extending northward of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, which is producing some showers and thunderstorms. “Recently received passive microwave imagery also suggests that a well-defined surface circulation could be developing,” forecasters emphasized. Should these developments continue, the NHC noted that a tropical depression or storm could potentially form later in the day as this system moves westward at 10 to 15 mph. Forecasts suggest that this system may track north of Hispaniola today and approach the Turks and Caicos Islands, southeastern Bahamas, and extreme eastern Cuba by Sunday. The likelihood of development for this system over the next two days is estimated at 60%. Thus far, the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has yielded 14 named storms, including nine hurricanes, with three having impacted Florida. The season has also witnessed two potential tropical cyclones, one of which did not materialize prior to landfall in September. The NHC’s current count of 15 in its naming scheme reflects these circumstances, despite only 14 storms being officially named. The hurricane season is set to continue through November 30.

Tropical Storm Nadine represents a significant weather event within the context of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which is monitored and forecasted by the National Hurricane Center (NHC). This season has already produced multiple named storms and hurricanes, with varying impacts on coastal regions, including Florida. The current threat posed by Nadine highlights the importance of tracking tropical systems in order to mitigate potential damage and ensure public safety. Moreover, the development of additional systems, as indicated by the disturbance near Puerto Rico, underscores the continuing challenges faced during the hurricane season, which officially concludes at the end of November.

In summary, Tropical Storm Nadine is actively being tracked by the National Hurricane Center as it approaches landfall in Belize and subsequently Northern Guatemala and Southeastern Mexico. An increase in rainfall ranging from 4 to 12 inches poses a potential flood risk in several areas. Furthermore, another system with a 60% chance of development is being monitored north of Puerto Rico. The ongoing activity of the 2024 hurricane season emphasizes the necessity for vigilant tracking and preparedness in coastal regions.

Original Source: www.tampabay.com