As an unusually active Caribbean hurricane season grinds on, Tropical Storm Nate could become another hurricane to hit the U.S. Gulf Coast this weekend – although current signs point to it sparing areas impacted by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.
According to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Nate is about 10 miles south of the coast of Nicaragua with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. A tropical storm warning is in effect for and area ranging from Sandy Bay Sirpi, Nicaragua, to Punta Castilla, Honduras, as the storm is expected to move across northeastern Nicaragua and eastern Honduras today and then over the northwestern Caribbean tonight and Friday, before approaching the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula later that day. A hurricane watch is also in effect for an area ranging from Punta Herrero to Rio Lagartos, Mexico.
Looking further ahead, Accuweather reports that Nate could threaten parts of the southern United States as a hurricane this weekend, making landfall along the U.S. upper Gulf coast on Sunday.
The storm comes during a hurricane season that has already seen Hurricane Harvey bring historic flooding to Houston and much of Texas, and Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria cause heavy damage to the Florida Keys, Marco Island and islands in the Caribbean. At the same time, current forecasts predict that the latest storm will largely spare areas impacted by those hurricanes.
“In all likelihood, this storm will impact areas not severely impacted by Harvey or Irma,” said Accuweather Founder, President and Chairman Dr. Joel N. Myers. “The extent of the damage will depend, of course, on the precise path and whether the storm intensifies beyond a Category 1 storm. The most likely place for it to hit is the Florida Panhandle.”
Altogether, an area ranging from Florida to Alabama, Mississippi and southeastern Louisiana could be at risk for damaging winds, flooding, rough surf and beach erosion, Accuweather reports.
United Airlines will waive the change fee and any difference in fare for customers flying through Cancun October 6. Rebooked travel must take place through October 9 in the originally ticketed cabin between the same city pair.
Travel Agent will issue an update when further information is available.
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