Tropical storm tracker: Disturbance may impact Florida
The National Hurricane Center has reported an area to watch over the Atlantic Ocean and some have suggested it could impact Florida.Here’s what to know:A non-tropical area of low pressure is expected to develop this weekend in the southwest Atlantic. Some sub-tropical, or even tropical, development is possible as it moves north-northwest. It’s too early to tell what it will do.It will be one to watch for next week as it drifts toward the Southeast of the United States.Significant development is not expected with this low, but it’s predicted to bring windy conditions, rain showers and storms into Central Florida by Tuesday that may last as long as Thursday.Coastal parts of Central Florida may see beach erosion, coastal flooding and rough surf, according to WESH 2 meteorologists.In Volusia County, officials issued a warning Thursday about the storm’s potential to threaten its coastline. They said residents living on the coast should keep a close eye on the disturbance and start preparing right away. County officials there said potential storm impacts include strong rip currents, high surf and breaking waves up to 12 feet.Emergency management director Jim Judge said because the coast is already so damaged and eroded from Hurricane Ian that “this new system heading our way can significantly threaten those properties with more erosion.”Further, officials in Volusia County urged residents and visitors to stay off of the beach this weekend into early next week.The First Warning Weather Team is tracking the disturbance should it develop. KNOW WHAT TO DO WHEN A HURRICANE WATCH IS ISSUEDStay tuned to WESH 2 News, WESH.com, or NOAA Weather Radio for storm updates.Prepare to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, and anything else that can be picked up by the wind.Understand hurricane forecast models and cones.Prepare to cover all windows of your home. If shutters have not been installed, use precut plywood.Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first-aid supplies, drinking water and medications.The WESH 2 First Warning Weather Team recommends you have these items ready before the storm strikes.Bottled water: One gallon of water per person per dayCanned food and soup, such as beans and chiliCan opener for the cans without the easy-open lidsAssemble a first-aid kitTwo weeks’ worth of prescription medicationsBaby/children’s needs, such as formula and diapersFlashlight and batteriesBattery-operated weather radioWHAT TO DO WHEN A HURRICANE WARNING IS ISSUEDListen to the advice of local officials. If you are advised to evacuate, leave.Complete preparation activities.If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away from windows.Be alert for tornadoes. Tornadoes can happen during a hurricane and after it passes over. Remain indoors, in the center of your home, in a closet or bathroom without windows.HOW YOUR SMARTPHONE CAN HELP DURING A HURRICANEA smartphone can be your best friend in a hurricane — with the right websites and apps, you can turn it into a powerful tool for guiding you through a storm’s approach, arrival and aftermath.Download the WESH 2 News app for iOS |…
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