the tropical cyclone that threatens Florida and the National Hurricane Center

Florida braces for possible tropical cyclone as hurricane season heats up

Florida is preparing for a potential tropical cyclone that could form in the Gulf of Mexico and bring heavy rain, strong winds and storm surge to the state early next week. The system, which is currently a low-pressure area near the Yucatan Channel, has a high chance of becoming a tropical storm or even a hurricane in the next seven days, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

The NHC said that the system is expected to move northward over the eastern Gulf of Mexico on Sunday and Monday, and then approach the northern Gulf Coast on Tuesday and Wednesday. The exact track and intensity of the storm are still uncertain, but the NHC warned that “interests in Florida and along the northern Gulf Coast should monitor the progress of this system.”

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 33 counties on Saturday, ranging from Bay County in the Panhandle to Lee County on the southwest coast. The declaration allows state and local officials to mobilize resources and coordinate response efforts ahead of the storm. DeSantis urged residents to have at least seven days of supplies, including food, water, medicine and batteries.

“If you are in an area that has experienced flooding, you need to make preparations,” DeSantis said at a press conference. “Have a plan to protect your property.”

The governor also said that he has been in contact with President Joe Biden and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, who assured him that the federal government is ready to provide assistance if needed.

If the system becomes a tropical storm with sustained winds of 39 mph, it will be named Idalia. It would be the ninth named storm of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. The season has been above average so far, with eight named storms, including three hurricanes.

The NHC said that the system could take advantage of the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the loop current to strengthen and possibly reach category 1 hurricane status, with winds of at least 74 mph. The main limiting factor for its development could be the wind shear in the upper atmosphere, which could disrupt its circulation.

Meanwhile, another tropical storm, Franklin, formed in the central Atlantic on Saturday and is moving northwestward at about 15 mph. Franklin is expected to become a hurricane on Sunday and reach maximum winds of 80 mph on Monday. There is no immediate threat to land, but Bermuda should monitor its progress.

The NHC said that Franklin is likely to turn northward and then northeastward by Tuesday, staying away from the U.S. coast. However, it could produce large swells that could affect portions of the east coast and Atlantic Canada later next week.

The NHC advised people to stay informed about the latest forecasts and warnings from their local authorities and media outlets. They also recommended visiting [ready.gov] or [listo.gov] for tips on how to prepare for hurricanes and other disasters.

Sources:

: [NHC: Tropical cyclone likely to form in Gulf this weekend; Florida in cone]

: [Gov. Ron DeSantis declares state of emergency for parts of Florida ahead of potential tropical cyclone]

: [Tropical Storm Franklin forms in Atlantic; no threat to land]

: https://www.ready.gov/

: https://www.listo.gov/