The Atlantic hurricane season is off to an active start with two potential tropical threats developing in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. The first system, located in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, has a high chance to develop into a tropical depression or storm before Wednesday. This system could bring heavy rainfall and flooding threats to parts of Mexico, Central America, and the US, including Texas, Alabama, Florida, and the Carolinas.
Another system is located in the Atlantic Ocean and may approach the coast of the southeast US on Thursday or Friday. Both systems are being closely monitored by meteorologists and forecasters.
The Gulf of Mexico system could become Tropical Storm Alberto, which would be the first named storm of what's expected to be a busy Atlantic hurricane season. The National Hurricane Center has issued tropical storm watches or warnings for portions of the Gulf Coast as the system approaches. Even if it falls short of reaching tropical storm status, a plume of rich, deep tropical moisture is expected to surge into Mexico, Texas, and Louisiana into the middle of the week.
The Atlantic Ocean system is forecast to approach the coast of the southeast US on Thursday or Friday. This system may bring heavy rainfall and strong gusty winds from Melbourne, Florida, to Charleston, South Carolina.
Both systems are expected to bring significant impacts to their respective regions. It's important for residents in these areas to stay informed and take necessary precautions as the situations develop.
The Atlantic hurricane season is shaping up to be an active one, with record predictions for the number of named storms. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecast an 85% chance for an above-average year, with a typical year averaging about 14 tropical storms. The record for most named storms in a season is 30, set in 2020.
Stay tuned for updates on these systems and the Atlantic hurricane season as they develop.