A tropical system is expected to strengthen over the Gulf of Mexico this week.
ALSO READ: Tropical Storm Hone passes Hawaii; 2 more cyclones active in the Pacific
The exact timing and impact remain to be seen, but the storm is likely to develop into Helene within the next day.
The system is expected to strengthen over the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday and Thursday and is expected to reach our area by the end of the week.
We have the first recommendation for #PTC9 which will likely become Helene the next day. We’ll be watching this closely here through Friday morning to see some effects. There’s plenty of time to watch its evolution and in a few days we’ll have a better idea of what those effects will be. pic.twitter.com/jCV58KbRiE
– Keith Montag (@kmondayWSOC9) 23 September 2024
Hurricane warnings were issued for parts of Cuba and Mexico on Monday as the storm group south of the Cayman Islands moved north toward the United States, meteorologists said.
It’s still early, but the storm could bring excessive rainfall and gusty winds to the western Carolinas.
Severe Weather Center 9 will provide updates throughout the week.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
(WATCH BELOW: The aftermath of Hurricane Hugo is still felt 35 years later)