Prepare for Gulf Storm: Florida and Alabama Residents Urged to Take Action

Residents of Florida and Alabama Warned to Prepare for Potential Gulf Storm

Weather experts are keeping a close watch on a large area of low pressure near Central America. This system could turn into a tropical storm or hurricane and may hit Florida or Alabama later this week. However, there is still uncertainty about its exact path and strength.

As of Sunday, the rain and thunderstorms around the system were not well-organized. Rodney Wynn, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay, said, “There’s still a lot we don’t know. The storm could change direction. We’re advising everyone from Florida’s west coast to the northern Gulf Coast to prepare for possible impacts. It could affect a wide area.”

According to the National Hurricane Center, the storm has an 80% chance of developing in the next seven days and a 40% chance in the next two days. It could become a tropical depression or storm as it moves north into the Gulf of Mexico.

Once the storm forms, forecasters will have a clearer idea of its path. Current predictions show it might move toward the Florida Panhandle and Alabama, while other models suggest it could head toward Tampa Bay.

Even if the storm doesn’t hit Tampa Bay directly, the area may still face increased rain, strong winds, water spouts, tornadoes, and possible storm surges. Wynn mentioned that these weather conditions could worsen by midweek.

People are encouraged to prepare now by gathering supplies for a hurricane kit, creating a family emergency plan, checking if they live in a flood zone, and staying updated on weather reports.

In addition to the Gulf system, forecasters are also watching a tropical wave in the eastern Atlantic, which has a 50% chance of developing over the next week.

Stay safe by staying prepared and informed.