A tropical storm could threaten Mississippi Coast. Here’s the latest forecast for TD19
Editor’s note: Read Saturday’s updated forecast here.
A Tropical Storm Watch was issued for southeastern Florida on Friday as a new depression creeps across the panhandle, bringing the potential for heavy rain to the Mississippi Coast by early next week.
Tropical Depression Nineteen is moving west-northwest at 8 mph with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph, the National Hurricane Center advised at 4 p.m.
The low-pressure system is expected to enter the Gulf of Mexico by early Saturday and could strengthen to “near hurricane” intensity by the time it reaches the northern Gulf Coast.
“Dangerous impacts from storm surge, wind and heavy rainfall will be possible along the Gulf Coast from the Florida Panhandle to Southeastern Louisiana this weekend and early next week,” weather officials say.
Those in the region are urged to stay vigilant as Storm Surge, Tropical Storm or even Hurricane watches could be issued in the coming days, the NHC advised.
The Mississippi Coast could feel tropical storm-force winds by late Sunday, forecasts show.
The NHC also warned that the cone of uncertainty is much more uncertain than usual after 48 hours, “as small changes in the forecast steering flow could result in this system moving over the northern Gulf Coast faster and to the northeast of what is shown here.
“As a result, the risk of seeing direct impacts from this system extends well outside the cone of uncertainty, even more so than usual in this case.”
Tim Destri, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in New Orleans, said it’s too early to tell how severe weather impacts to the Gulf coast could be, but urged residents to “watch [it] closely” so they’re prepared.
The wave has the potential to “bring a surge of tropical moisture to the region, increasing chances of persistent heavy rain and even thunderstorms through next week,” Destri told McClatchy News.
The risk for high winds and high tides is also possible, according to Destri.
Weather maps show TD19 isn’t far behind a second tropical system already in the Gulf. Labeled Disturbance 2 by the NHC, it is moving toward Mexico, has a 20% percent chance of developing into a depression as it moves west-southwest away from the Gulf Coast.
But the National Weather Service forecasts that Mississippi’s coast could get up to a quarter-inch of rain on Saturday, “except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms” as it moves westward. The chance for showers is 80% Saturday and Sunday, experts say.
The Mississippi Coast likely won’t see any major impacts from this system, according to Destri.
This story was originally published September 11, 2020 at 11:58 AM.