Caribbean Storm Brewing: What to Expect

As the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season nears its end, a new player is entering the stage: a tropical depression in the western Caribbean. Forecasters predict that this system, currently named Tropical Depression 19, could grow into a tropical storm and possibly even a hurricane. If it reaches tropical storm strength, it will be dubbed Sara. The National Hurricane Center has already issued hurricane watches and tropical storm warnings for parts of Honduras. The storm is expected to linger near the north coast of Honduras through the weekend, bringing heavy rainfall. Rainfall amounts could range from 10 to 20 inches, with some areas potentially receiving up to 30 inches by early next week. This could lead to severe flooding and mudslides.Hurricane hunters are on the move, investigating the storm's strength and structure. The system is forming in an area with favorable conditions, such as warm waters and low wind shear, which help it grow stronger. Forecast models suggest that the storm will remain in the western Caribbean through the weekend before moving into the Gulf of Mexico early next week. From there, the models predict a turn toward Florida by late next week. However, forecasts can change rapidly, so it's important for residents in the region, including Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and Florida, to stay updated.