DORIAN TO OUR EAST & FERNAND TO OUR WEST; TROPICS ACTIVE, YET SUNNY LOCALLY… Hurricane Dorian continues to be our top story this morning as heavy rain and gusty winds pelt the eastern coast of Florida. Dorian will continue jogging to the north before a sharp, northeasterly turn that is expected to happen tomorrow. Hurricane Warnings and Watches are in effect for parts of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. The Atlantic Basin, including the Gulf of Mexico, has really come alive over the last few days. We are now monitoring 5 (yes, 5) tropical hotspots. 3 of those 5 are already tropical cyclones. 2 more will likely become tropical storms later this week. Despite all of this activity in the tropics, we remain sunny and hot across south Alabama and northwest Florida today. High temperatures will be in the mid- to upper-90s. We’ve got more hot, dry days ahead. Let’s look at a few brief points this morning. My next video will be posted by midday.
HURRICANE DORIAN STILL PACKING A PUNCH… Hurricane Dorian continues to gradually move northwest this morning at about 6 mph. While the core of Dorian remains just offshore from the Atlantic coast of Florida, impacts are happening along the eastern half of the Florida Peninsula. Heavy rain and squalls from the hurricane continue to fling inland. Gusty winds are also happening at the local beaches. Hurricane Warnings remain in effect for much of the Atlantic coast of Florida.
NO IMPACTS FROM DORIAN LOCALLY… While significant impacts (including high/damaging winds, heavy rain, flash flooding, isolated tornadoes, and dangerous storm surge) are expected from Hurricane Dorian in parts of northeast Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, no direct impacts are expected in Alabama or northwest Florida.
FERNAND ABOUT TO MOVE INTO MEXICO… The tropical depression that formed in the west-central Gulf of Mexico became Tropical Storm Fernand yesterday. Maximum winds are in the 50-60 mph range. Fernand will cross the coast and move into Mexico later today. No direct local impacts from Fernand are expected in south Alabama or northwest Florida.
TROPICAL DEPRESSION 8 IN EASTERN ATLANTIC… Tropical Depression 8 formed yesterday in the far eastern part of the Atlantic Ocean just west of the Cabo Verde Islands. TD8 will probably become a tropical storm as it moves northwest over the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean in the next few days. The next tropical storm name for the 2019 season is “Gabrielle.”
DISTURBANCE IN ATLANTIC APPROACHING BERMUDA… There is a 50% chance that a tropical storm will form near Bermuda later this week. NHC says, “A trough of low pressure, located just west of Bermuda, is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Some development of this disturbance is possible, and a tropical depression could form during the next couple of days as the disturbance moves northeast, away from Bermuda. Afterward, upper-level winds are forecast to become less favorable for tropical cyclone formation. Interests in Bermuda should monitor the progress of this system, and areas of heavy rainfall are likely.”
70% CHANCE OF TROPICAL STORM FORMATION NEAR AFRICA… Another tropical wave is about to emerge off the African continent and move over the eastern Atlantic Ocean. The NHC discussion reads, “A tropical wave is forecast to emerge over the far eastern tropical Atlantic between Africa and the Cabo Verde Islands within the next day or so. Environmental conditions are forecast to be conducive for development, and a tropical depression is likely to form late this week or over the weekend while the system moves westward to west-northwestward.”
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My next video will be posted by midday. Let me know if you have any questions. Have a great Wednesday!