The first time in history: two powerful hurricanes converge off the coast of the United States
The National Hurricane Center predicts that two tropical systems will reach hurricane strength, with both of them simultaneously raging in the Gulf of Mexico. USA Today.
One of the systems is Tropical Storm Laura, which formed on the morning of Friday, August 21, in the Atlantic Ocean.
If this prediction is correct, it will be the first time in human history that two hurricanes sweep through the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico at the same time, according to Colorado State University researcher Phil Klotzbach.
It could also set another record for 2020, with seven tropical cyclones on land in the continental United States before the end of August.
South Florida, its west coast and the Panhandle remain in the path of Tropical Storm Laura, which is predicted to travel across Puerto Rico to the Bay.
Laura is expected to cause 3 to 6 inches (7,6-15,2 cm) of rain over Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands by Sunday, Aug.23, the Hurricane Center said.
“Localized heavy rainfall could lead to flash and urban flooding, as well as an increased likelihood of mudslides. Some rivers may overflow their banks,” the center warned.
On the morning of Friday, August 21, Hurricane Laura concentrated about 210 miles (338 km) southeast of the northern Leeward Islands, with a maximum wind duration of 45 mph (72,4 km / h). According to the Hurricane Center, it was heading west at 18 mph (29 km / h).
On the subject: The most powerful hurricane of 2020 is raging in the Pacific Ocean: how it will affect the USA
Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, and several Caribbean islands. Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected in this instance within the next 12-24 hours.
NHC meteorologists have warned that forecast models that predict storm intensity vary widely. But the official forecast suggests that Laura will be a violent tropical storm near South Florida, after which it will pass the Florida Keys and into the Gulf of Mexico, where it is expected to become a category 1 hurricane with winds of 75 mph (120 km / h).
On Monday morning, August 24, a strong tropical wind may start in South Florida.
On the current path of the storm, which has shifted slightly south and west overnight, Laura could land as a Category 1 hurricane from Panhandle to East Louisiana on Wednesday, Aug.26.
Another system, Tropical Depression 14, was off the coast of Honduras early Friday morning, August 21, and is expected to turn into a tropical storm before striking the Yucatan Peninsula. Hurricane surveillance took place along the coastline that includes Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Cancun, as well as on the island of Cozumel.
As a result of the storm, up to 10 inches (25,4 cm) of rain can fall on the Yucatan Peninsula, which can lead to flash floods.
The Tropical 14 Depression is forecast to ease slightly in the southern Gulf of Mexico, but reach hurricane strength before hitting landfall in Texas or eastern Louisiana on Tuesday, Aug 25.
This means that Louisiana could be in the path of two potential hurricanes, which are likely to hit the coast within hours of each other.
On the subject: 'Extremely Active': Meteorologists Release New Hurricane Season Forecast
The next names on the list of 2020 hurricanes are Marco and Nana.
Laura is the earliest "L" storm on record, breaking the previous record of Hurricane Louis, which formed on August 29, 1995.
The record holder for the earliest storm with a name on "M" is Hurricane Maria 2005, which formed on September 2.
The current hurricane season has lived up to forecasts of increased activity. The latest estimates from the Climate Prediction Center suggest that up to 25 hurricanes with names are possible, requiring the use of the Greek alphabet.
There are 21 names on the six-year rotating list of storm names. Names ending with W and excluding Q, U, X, Y and Z.
Klotzbach said there is no record of two hurricanes existing in the Gulf of Mexico at the same time, but there is precedent for two tropical cyclones — a hurricane, storm or depression — occupying that space together. The 1933 storms were named Treasure Coast and Cuba-Brownsville, and the 1959 storms, Beulah and an unnamed system, split the Gulf of Mexico.
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