Portions of Florida Under Hurricane Watch This Morning

northfloridaams
Sep 24, 2024
3 min read

Early this morning the National Weather Service issued a series of watches for the Florida West Coast, Big Bend, and Panhandle. These hurricane, tropical storm, and storm surge watches are being issued ahead of what's expected to be a major landfalling hurricane in our area towards the end of this week.

What do these watches mean?

A tropical storm watch means the location will get tropical storm force winds (39-73 mph) within the next 48 hours. A hurricane watch similarly means hurricane-force winds (74+ mph) are expected in the area within the next 48 hours. No warnings have been issued yet, but the difference between the watch and the warning is that the warning is issued 36 hours out from an incoming tropical storm/hurricane. A few warnings may be issued in the peninsula as early as today.

A storm surge watch means there's the possibility of life-threatening storm surge in the area within the next 48 hours. Residents in these areas should be listening to their government officials closely for any instructions and have a plan in place to go if a mandatory evacuation is ordered. The map below shows the forecasted surge associated with this storm.

Where is PTC-9?

Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine is currently located off the east coast of Central America. It is expected to organize more later today before undergoing rapid intensification in the Gulf. The National Hurricane Center as of 8 AM EST this morning, is forecasting for PTC-9 to become a named storm by this afternoon. From there, it is expected to make its way into the gulf where favorable conditions will allow it to rapidly intensify into a major hurricane before landfall. The current forecast estimates this to be at Category 3 Major Hurricane (111-130 mph) strength.

(The image above shows the current infrared satellite image of PTC-9)

While the exact location of landfall is uncertain, the storm is expected to come on shore somewhere between Panama City Beach and Tampa. Regardless of where the eye is located, effects will still be felt well outside of the center, with the potential for severe winds, flooding, storm surge, and even tornados.

What's the timing for Tallahassee?

If the storm continues on its current forecasted path, weather conditions are expected to deteriorate starting Tomorrow night. This means that last-minute preparations need to be completed before Tomorrow afternoon. No announcements for university or school closures have been made as of right now.

What should you be doing right now (yes, today) in preparation for this storm?

Some important actions you can be taking right now are the following:

Make sure your hurricane plans are ready.
Monitor announcements from your local and state government as well as the National Weather Service (https://www.weather.gov/) and the National Hurricane Center (https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/).
Know if you're in an evacuation zone. (https://www.floridadisaster.org/knowyourzone/)
Know where your nearest shelters are in case you need to evacuate. (https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/shelters/)
If you're staying make sure you have non-perishable food and enough water for the members of your household to last you several days in case the power goes out.
Have a communication plan to let family and friends know you're safe before, during, and after the storm.
Keep your cellphone charged in the event you need to use it for an emergency.
Have access to a flashlight and batteries, especially if your residence does not allow candles.
Make sure you have enough of your prescriptions to last several days after the storm.
Secure outdoor objects that may become hazards during the storm, while the weather is nice.