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A hurricane watch and warnings for storm surges up to 15 feet high have been issued for almost all of Florida’s western coastline as Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine moves towards the Gulf Coast. The storm is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane and authorities are urging people to prepare. The storm is currently located about 150 miles west of Grand Cayman and is expected to move across the Caribbean Sea and over the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane and tropical storm watches are in effect for the entire western coast of Florida, as well as parts of eastern Mexico and Cuba. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall, storm surge, and strong winds, potentially leading to flooding in the region. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in 61 counties and is urging residents to prepare for the storm. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted an extremely active hurricane season, with the potential for 17 to 24 named storms, including several major hurricanes. The warming of sea surface temperatures due to climate change is fueling the intensification of hurricanes, making rapidly intensifying hurricanes more common. The potential for this disturbance to become a hurricane would make it the fifth to hit Florida in three years.
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As storm approaches, hurricane watch issued for Florida’s west coast
