Hurricane season remains far from over as experts monitor two emerging tropical systems that threaten the Gulf of Mexico and southern U.S. coastal regions. According to The Weather Channel, a tropical wave originating near the African coast is advancing across the Atlantic, with a 40% chance of evolving into a tropical storm over the coming week. This developing system may merge with another weather disturbance currently positioned off the coast of Florida, which is expected to bring significant rainfall to Florida, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
Despite these developments, meteorologists note that natural factors in the Gulf—such as strong winds and dry air—could inhibit the formation of a fully fledged tropical storm. Nevertheless, heavy rain and localized flooding are anticipated, posing risks to communities along the Gulf Coast.
These emerging weather threats follow closely on the heels of Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda, which recently struck parts of the Caribbean and the U.S. East Coast. Hurricane Humberto escalated to a Category 3 storm, delivering 160 mph winds and causing severe surf, flooding, and dangerous rip currents along the East Coast, though it did not make landfall. Imelda, a Category 2 hurricane with sustained winds reaching 100 mph, inflicted damage on Bermuda and the Carolinas, disrupting homes, infrastructure, and local businesses.
Bermuda’s Minister of National Security, Michael Weeks, highlighted the severity of Imelda, stating, “I cannot overstate the seriousness of this threat. This is not, I must stress, a passing squall.” Both storms produced moderate swells and flooding in the Bahamas, Bermuda, and the Eastern Seaboard.
AccuWeather meteorologists have indicated that these recent storms are likely not the last. "We'll probably see a couple more storms develop between now and the end of the hurricane season," one expert told the Daily Mail.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs until November 30, and meteorologists will continue to monitor the Gulf and Atlantic for new tropical activity. Should another storm develop, it will be named Jerry.
Residents in vulnerable coastal areas are advised to stay informed through local weather updates and prepare for possible severe weather in the weeks ahead.
