Tropical Storm Ian formed in the eastern Caribbean Sea on Friday and forecasts show it will strengthen to a major Category 3 hurricane as it potentially approaches Florida by the middle of next week .
It would be the first hurricane to hit the continental United States this year.
The National Hurricane Center said the system is expected to make landfall in Cuba early next week as a hurricane and then Florida on Wednesday. The NHC added that residents in Cuba, the Florida Keys and the Florida peninsula should have plans for the hurricane, although it is “too early to determine the exact magnitude and location” it will affect hurricane
“Should the system reach the Gulf of Mexico, which appears to be one of the most likely scenarios at this time, areas from the Florida peninsula to the Florida Panhandle will be at risk of a direct hit by a strong hurricane.” , said the head of AccuWeather. said on-air meteorologist Bernie Rayno.
Where is the new tropical depression now?
As of 5 PM EDT, the depression was located about 430 miles east-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica. It had maximum sustained winds of 35 mph and was moving at 15 mph.
A depression becomes a named tropical storm when its sustained winds reach 39 mph. It becomes a hurricane when its winds reach 74 mph.
FIONA GOES TO CANADA:Hurricane Fiona crosses Bermuda; Atlantic Canada braces for ‘historic storm’
Where is the new tropical depression headed?
The Hurricane Center said Friday: “On the forecast track, the cyclone’s center is expected to move through the central Caribbean Sea through Saturday, pass south of Jamaica Saturday night and Sunday, and approach Cayman Islands Sunday night and early Monday. .”
HURRICANE CLASSIFICATIONS:What is the wind speed scale for Hurricane Saffir-Simpson?
How will the storm affect Florida?
Early next week, the system is expected to move near or over western Cuba as a strengthening hurricane and then approach the Florida peninsula with significant intensity. or near hurricane, with the potential for significant impacts from storm surge, hurricane force winds and heavy rainfall. , the Hurricane Center said.
THE DAMAGE FROM FIONA IN PUERTO RICO:See the extent of Hurricane Fiona’s damage in Puerto Rico in charts and graphs
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis tweeted Friday that “while TD9’s eventual track is uncertain, Floridians should remain vigilant and ensure their homes are prepared for a possible impact.”
In response to the imminent threat of a storm strike, Governor DeSantis on Friday afternoon declared a state of emergency ahead of landfall for 24 counties at risk of being hit, he reported AccuWeather.
Will Tropical Depression Nine be called Ian?
Yes. The system will almost certainly be named Ian, which is the next name on the list of storm names established by the World Meteorological Organization. Tropical Storm Hermine (pronounced Her-MEEN) formed Friday afternoon off the coast of Africa, hence the name.
