(Gray News) – People along the Gulf should keep their eyes on what’s happening in the Caribbean.
Forecasters issued an advisory Monday for Potential Tropical Cyclone 9, which is expected to develop into a hurricane on Wednesday “and continue strengthening as it moves across the eastern Gulf of Mexico” into potentially a major hurricane by Thursday.
It’s currently 130 miles south-southwest of Grand Cayman, heading to the north at 9 mph, with maximum sustained winds near 30 mph.
In its key messages, the hurricane center urges people along the Gulf Coast to be prepared for the storm’s potential impacts, which include strong winds, heavy rain and storm surge.
Watches and warnings have been issued for locations in Mexico and Cuba so far.
The storm will be named Helene, the next name on the list.
The previous storm, Gordon, stayed offshore in the Atlantic.
The National Weather Service has tips on what to do before a hurricane, including how to know your zone and what to include in your family’s emergency kit.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration expects an above-average hurricane season, it said in its updated guidance last month, because of higher-than-usual ocean temperatures and the potential for the climatic phenomenon called La Nina in the coming months.
The Atlantic hurricane season continues until Nov. 30.
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