October 18, 2019: Potential Tropical Cyclone 16 is likely to form in the Gulf of Mexico late Thursday or early Friday bringing heavy rainfall and coastal flooding, the National Hurricane Center said.
Tropical Cyclone 16 is currently over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico. However, the tropical storm watches and warnings have been issued for parts of the Gulf Coast, The Weather Channel reported.
A tropical storm warning has been issued for parts of the northern Gulf Coast from the Mississippi/Alabama border to the Ochlockonee River, Florida, and from Grand Isle, Louisiana, to the mouth of the Pearl River. Similarly, a tropical storm watch is in effect for east of the Ochlockonee River to Yankeetown, Florida.
If tropical cyclone 16 becomes a tropical/subtropical storm, it would be called Nestor.
Key Messages for Tropical Cyclone 16
1. There is a danger of life-threatening storm surge inundation of up to 5 feet above ground level beginning Friday along the Florida Gulf Coast from Indian Pass to Clearwater, where a Storm Surge Warning is in effect. Residents in these areas should follow advice given by local officials.
2. Tropical storm force winds are likely by Friday afternoon along portions of the central and eastern Gulf Coast, where tropical storm watches and warnings are in effect. Regardless of the exact track and intensity of the system, these winds will cover a large area, especially east of the center.
3. Isolated flash flooding is possible along the central and eastern Gulf Coast, mainly Friday and Friday night. Since soils across the southeast are dry, the risk of flash flooding will be confined to the immediate coast where heavier rainfall is possible.
4. Wind and coastal flooding hazards along the U.S. East Coast will be covered by non-tropical watches and warnings issued by local NWS offices, since the system is expected to lose any tropical
characteristics after it moves inland along the Gulf Coast.