A major hurricane is expected to form this week and threaten the Gulf Coast, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Monday.
The NHC said in a forecast discussion Monday that a “disturbance” named Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine “is expected to intensify into a major hurricane before it approaches the northeastern Gulf Coast on Thursday.”
In its forecast discussion, the NHS said “it is too soon to pinpoint the exact location and magnitude of impacts,” but also said ”the potential for life-threatening storm surge and
damaging hurricane-force winds along the coast of the Florida Panhandle and the Florida west coast is increasing.”
“We are tracking Potential Tropical Cyclone #9, which is likely to strengthen this week as the system enters the Gulf of Mexico,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said in a post on the social platform X Monday. “I have issued Executive Order 24-208, declaring a state of emergency in 41 counties in Florida that could see potential impacts from the storm and directing Florida agencies to prepare as necessary. We will continue to monitor the storm’s path and keep Floridians updated.”
Florida’s Division of Emergency Management also said in a post on X Monday that “Potential Tropical Cyclone 9 may impact Florida later this week.”
“Prepare your home NOW. If you can pick it up, put it up!” the post continued. “Anything left outside of your home can become dangerous debris in high winds. Continue to monitor the weather & listen to all orders by local officials.”
