Tropical disturbance may impact Florida
The National Hurricane Center has reported an area to watch over the Atlantic Ocean and some have suggested it could impact Florida.Here’s what to know:A non-tropical area of low pressure is expected to develop this weekend in the southwest Atlantic. Some sub-tropical, or even tropical, development is possible as it moves north-northwest. The National Hurricane Center gives the system a 80% of formation in the next five days and 50% in the next two days. It will be one to watch for next week as it drifts toward the Southeast of the United States.Significant development is not expected with this low, but it’s predicted to bring windy conditions, rain showers and storms into Central Florida by Tuesday that may last as long as Thursday.Related: Tropical disturbance to bring rough weather to hurricane-torn Central Florida coastsThe National Hurricane Center said next week, a subtropical or tropical depression could form during the early part of the week. Coastal parts of Central Florida may see beach erosion, coastal flooding and rough surf, according to WESH 2 meteorologists.”Regardless of development, there is an increasing risk of coastal flooding, gale-force winds, heavy rainfall, rough surf, and beach erosion along much of the southeastern United States coast, the Florida east coast, and portions of the central and northwestern Bahamas during the early to middle part of next week,” the NHC wrote. In Volusia County, officials issued a warning Thursday about the storm’s potential to threaten its coastline. They said residents living on the coast should keep a close eye on the disturbance and start preparing right away. County officials there said potential storm impacts include strong rip currents, high surf and breaking waves up to 12 feet.Emergency management director Jim Judge said because the coast is already so damaged and eroded from Hurricane Ian that “this new system heading our way can significantly threaten those properties with more erosion.”Further, officials in Volusia County urged residents and visitors to stay off of the beach this weekend into early next week.The First Warning Weather Team is tracking the disturbance should it develop.Other tropical disturbancesNHC is tracking another system in the central subtropical Atlantic.It’s been given a 70% chance of development in the next five days and 70% in the next two days. “The system appears to be acquiring some tropical characteristics as it separates from a nearby decaying frontal system. If these trends continue, a short-lived tropical depression or storm is likely to form tonight or on Sunday while the system moves slowly west-northwestward to northwestward over the central Atlantic,” the NHC wrote. Forecasters said the system could eventually merge with a cold front in the middle of the week, preventing additional development. KNOW WHAT TO DO WHEN A HURRICANE WATCH IS ISSUEDStay tuned to WESH 2 News, WESH.com, or NOAA Weather Radio for storm updates.Prepare to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, and anything else that can be picked up by the wind.Understand hurricane forecast models and cones.Prepare to cover all windows of your home. If shutters have not been installed, use precut plywood.Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first-aid supplies, drinking water and medications.The WESH 2 First Warning Weather Team recommends you have these items ready before the storm strikes.Bottled water: One gallon of water per person per dayCanned food and soup, such as beans and chiliCan opener for the cans without the easy-open lidsAssemble a first-aid kitTwo weeks’ worth of prescription medicationsBaby/children’s needs, such as formula and diapersFlashlight and batteriesBattery-operated weather radioWHAT TO DO WHEN A HURRICANE WARNING IS ISSUEDListen to the advice of local officials. If you are advised to evacuate, leave.Complete preparation activities.If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away from windows.Be alert for tornadoes. Tornadoes can happen during a hurricane and after it passes over. Remain indoors, in the center of your home, in a closet or bathroom without windows.HOW YOUR SMARTPHONE CAN HELP DURING A HURRICANEA smartphone can be your best friend in a hurricane — with the right websites and apps, you can turn it into a powerful tool for guiding you through a storm’s approach, arrival and aftermath.Download the WESH 2 News app for iOS | AndroidEnable emergency alerts — if you have an iPhone, select settings, then go into notifications. From there, look for government alerts and enable emergency alerts.If you have an Android phone, from the home page of the app, scroll to the right along the bottom and click on “settings.” On the settings menu, click on “severe weather alerts.” From the menu, select from the most severe, moderate-severe or all alerts.PET AND ANIMAL SAFETYYour pet should be a part of your family plan. If you must…
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