Tech & Science

NHC: Tropical depression to become hurricane in Gulf by Sunday

Published

October 4, 2017

In an Intermediate Advisory issued at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, the NHC places the storm about 45 miles (70 kilometers) west-southwest of San Andreas Island and 195 miles (315 kilometers) south-southeast of Cabo Gracias a Dios on the Nicaragua-Honduras border.

The NHC does say Tropical Depression 16 will continue to strengthen as it tracks northward over the Gulf of Mexico over the next few days and could affect portions of the U.S. Gulf Coast. Right now, torrential rains are expected over portions of Central America.

Rainfall amounts of 15 to 20 inches are expected across parts of Nicaragua, while isolated maximum amounts of 30 inches are possible. Across Costa Rica and Panama, five to 10 inches of rain are expected, with isolated maximum totals of around 20 inches possible. And by Thursday, Honduras can expect rainfall amounts of two to five inches, with isolated maximum amounts of eight inches.

NHC

From T.D. 16 to Tropical Storm Nate by tonight
With maximum sustained winds close to 35 mph (55 kph), along with higher gusts, the depression is expected to become Tropical Storm Nate by Wednesday night. The depression is moving to the northwest at 7.0 mph (11 kph) and has a minimum central pressure of 1005MB – 29.68 inches.

The storm is expected to become a hurricane before striking the Gulf Coast between Sunday and Monday. While it is still too early to make a definitive prediction as to where the storm will come ashore, current models show the storm drifting eastward and possibly affecting portions of Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi.

In this article:Climate, forecast track, Gulf of mexico, Hurricane, NHC, Tropical depression

Written By Karen Graham

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our dear friend Karen Graham, who served as Editor-at-Large at Digital Journal. She was 78 years old. Karen's view of what is happening in our world was colored by her love of history and how the past influences events taking place today. Her belief in humankind's part in the care of the planet and our environment has led her to focus on the need for action in dealing with climate change. It was said by Geoffrey C. Ward, "Journalism is merely history's first draft." Everyone who writes about what is happening today is indeed, writing a small part of our history.