A new tropical system is potentially forming in the Gulf of Mexico, following a similar path to Hurricane Helene. This system is expected to bring wet and rainy conditions to much of the Gulf Coast, including areas still recovering from the impact of the recent hurricane.
The National Hurricane Center has reported a large, disorganized area of low pressure with showers and thunderstorms over the western Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. There is a medium chance that this system could develop into a tropical storm within the next seven days, with the weekend being the earliest possible timeframe for a tropical depression to form.
However, unlike Helene, this new system faces more challenges in terms of development and strengthening. The atmospheric conditions, particularly the disruptive winds at various levels, are expected to hinder the organization and strengthening of the storm.
Regardless of whether the system reaches tropical storm status, it is likely to bring heavy rainfall to parts of the Gulf Coast. Coastal areas of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle could start experiencing rain as early as Thursday, with storminess expanding over the weekend.
Some areas may receive more rainfall than others, depending on the exact track of the system. The Florida Peninsula, in particular, could see several inches of rain daily from Sunday into the following week.
While widespread flash flooding may not be a significant concern, the rain could impede ongoing cleanup efforts in areas affected by Hurricane Helene, such as Tampa. Fortunately, forecast trends suggest that the rain will remain south of the areas devastated by Helene in the Carolinas.
