AccuWeather Warns Of Potential Tropical Threat To Florida Following Hurricane Helene’s Devastation

As recovery efforts continue in the southern Appalachians after the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene, AccuWeather meteorologists are issuing a new warning for Florida. A potential tropical storm, or even a hurricane, could bring flooding rains and strong winds to the state within the next week.

While this new storm is not expected to match the destruction left by Helene in the southern Appalachians, AccuWeather Flood Expert Alex Sosnowski cautions that Florida should brace for significant rainfall and potential flooding next week.

AccuWeather was the first to issue a high-risk forecast for tropical development in the western Caribbean and southern Gulf of Mexico on Saturday. Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno advised residents and businesses in the Florida Peninsula to prepare for the possibility of heavy rain and gusty winds by the weekend.

Read: Biden Deploys 1,000 Troops To North Carolina For Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts

“We are forecasting an area of low pressure to organize this weekend over southern Mexico and the Bay of Campeche, and then we expect tropical development in the southern Gulf of Mexico early next week,” said Rayno. “We expect this potential tropical threat to start moving toward Florida by next Tuesday or Wednesday,” said Rayno.

He noted that the Gulf of Mexico is facing different weather conditions compared to when Helene struck. Last week, moisture levels were high, but this week, dry air and wind shear could disrupt the formation of a strong storm. The strength and timing of the storm’s impacts in Florida will depend largely on how much wind shear persists.

“If the wind shear remains stronger, this system will likely remain disorganized and it is unlikely to develop into a hurricane. Impacts would likely be felt in Florida on Monday and Tuesday,” Rayno explained. “If the wind shear is lighter, we will likely be dealing with a named tropical storm or potentially a hurricane moving towards Florida on Tuesday into Wednesday with damaging winds, storm surge and flooding. Everyone on the Florida Peninsula needs to get ready for heavy rainfall next week.” 

Read: Watch Sarasota Police Brave Hurricane Helene Storm Surge To Rescue Elderly Couple From Flooded Home

AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva highlighted that water temperatures off Florida’s Gulf Coast remain exceptionally warm, despite Helene’s recent disruption.

“Water temperatures continue to remain warm in the wake of Helene over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico,” said DaSilva. “Not only is the surface water warm, but it remains warm down deep so that wave action from any storm has little cooling effect.”

Record Hurricane Season Continues

This has been a particularly devastating year for hurricane impacts in the U.S., with AccuWeather estimating $7 billion in damage from a September storm that caused a rare 1,000-year rain event in the Carolinas. The overall cost of the season continues to climb, with other storms like Hurricane Debby and Hurricane Beryl each contributing an estimated $28-$32 billion in damage.

AccuWeather’s August forecast warned of a sharp increase in tropical activity in September, predicting 6-10 named storms. The month saw six named storms, plus an unnamed subtropical storm, all contributing to significant damage across the U.S.

As hurricane season continues, AccuWeather urges families, businesses, and local governments in Florida to remain prepared for potential impacts in the coming weeks.

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