Tropical Depression Nine Updates: Cyclone to Hit Gulf Coast Late This Week; Impact and Path Bared [MAPS]
Tropical Depression Nine could intensify into a storm once it reaches favorable conditions near the Gulf of Mexico.
Tropical Depression Nine is set to hit the Gulf Coast with strong winds, heavy thunderstorm, and possible flooding late this week. This tropical depression has just developed along the south of Florida Sunday and now, it is moving in a northeastern path towards the Gulf Cost of the U.S. Nine was formerly known as Disturbance 99L.
Weather experts have been monitoring Nine since last week as it slowly developed in the region. Reports said that dry air, strong winds, and the movement of the depression along the mountainous Caribbean Islands have eased its development into a storm. More favorable factors have led to the development of the system into a depression on Sunday afternoon.
Nine could strengthen in Gulf of Mexico
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Experts also said that as Nine could strengthen as it passes through the Gulf. At present, it looks disorganized, but it could quickly become a storm as it moves northward then northeastward along the Gulf of Mexico.
Dan Kottlowski, AccuWeather hurricane expert, said that as Nine moves farther from Cuba, it moves to an area more favorable for organizing and strengthening to become a full-blown storm. Should Nine become a storm, it will be officially known as Tropical Storm Hermine. Nine was last estimated to make landfall along the northeastern part of the Gulf Coast, as well as the central and northern parts of the Florida west coast by the end of the week.
Aside from Nine, another tropical depression named Eight is being monitored off the coast of North Carolina.
Nine's impact: wet Labor Day scenario
At this rate, Nine could move along the coast of Georgia and then along the Carolina coast, dampening Labor Day celebrations.Ed Vallee, specialist from AccuWeather, also forecasts enhanced showers and heavy thunderstorms to hit the said areas. This could also lead to flooding and potential threats of mudslides in the affected places.
Should Nine become a storm, it could increase the risk of flooding and may bring four to eight inches of rain even before it makes landfall.
Warnings up
Residents and travellers bound for the northeastern part of the Gulf Coast, as well as the coastal Carolinas were advised to monitor forecasts for the tropical depression. Preparations for potential flooding were also encouraged. Low-lying areas in Florida were also told to watch for warnings. Meanwhile, drenched cities in Louisiana were also told to keep an eye on the tropical disturbance, in case it moves farther west.
Heavy thunderstorms brought about by Tropical Depression Nine could also bring power outages, dangerous rough seas, and possible tornadoes.
