The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is monitoring a massive low pressure system in the Atlantic heading toward the Carolinas.
The 40 mph LP system is currently located several hundred miles east of the Bahamas. It’s associated with a surface trough and an upper-level low-pressure area. Environmental conditions could favor some development over the next few days as it moves westward or west-northwestward.
The system is expected to approach the southeastern U.S. coast by Thursday or Friday. If it forms it will be named ‘Alberto’ and it will become the first official storm of 2024’s hurricane season.
The @NHC_Atlantic is now designating #Invest91L in the Bay of Campeche due to the developing area of low pressure there.
This is likely to develop into a tropical depression or tropical storm towards the middle of this week.
First name of the season is #Alberto 🌀 pic.twitter.com/ymhruyrcfD
— Juliana Mejia (@julianamwx) June 17, 2024
A massive high-pressure ridge causing a heat wave in the eastern U.S. will help steer the system toward the coasts of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, or North Carolina.
Heavy rain could start in Florida late Wednesday and spread north along the Southeast coast on Thursday and Friday. Hurricane Hunters are tentatively scheduled to investigate the system on Tuesday if necessary.
NHS officials are reminding all residents in Atlantic Coast states to be prepared for potential future storms.
In case of a power outage, make sure to have the following emergency items stocked in your home;
- Car charger for cell phones and other devices
- Clean drinking water (recommended 1 gallon per person per day, minimum three days)
- Flashlights
- Batteries: Extra batteries for all of your devices
- Weather radio/clock
- Non-perishable food
- First aid kit
