A weather disturbance is brewing in the western Caribbean Sea, and the National Hurricane Center is keeping a close eye on it. The system, known as Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteen, is not yet a tropical depression or storm, but it is expected to bring significant impacts to the region within the next 48 hours.
With maximum sustained winds of 35 mph and moving north at 6 mph, Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteen is currently located about 275 miles south of Kingston, Jamaica. A hurricane watch has been issued for the Cayman Islands, while a tropical storm warning is in effect for Jamaica.
Forecasts predict that Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteen will strengthen into a tropical storm as it nears Jamaica on Monday, with the possibility of hurricane conditions affecting the Cayman Islands by Tuesday and Wednesday. The system is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, storm surge, and high surf to Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and southern Cuba in the coming days.
The National Hurricane Center warns of potential flooding and mudslides in Jamaica and Cuba, with rainfall totals expected to reach up to 9 inches in some areas. While the forecast track beyond mid-week remains uncertain, there is a possibility of heavy rainfall reaching Florida and parts of the Southeast United States.
For those in the Florida Keys, it is essential to stay updated on the latest information and advisories regarding the weather system. The system is projected to move towards the northern Gulf Coast as a tropical storm later in the week, but the exact impacts are still uncertain at this time.
Air Force Hurricane Hunters are actively investigating the system, with additional missions planned in the next 24 hours to gather more data. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing weather situation.