MOBILE, Ala. – Tropical moisture from Invest 93L is moving through the Gulf Coast, raising concerns about heavy rainfall along the Interstate 10 corridor. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has designated Invest 93L as an area of interest for possible tropical development, as it moves west after impacting Florida recently.
Florida has experienced significant rainfall recently, and forecasts indicate that Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana could see heavy precipitation as the week progresses. Current conditions in the Gulf, with warm waters and atmospheric circulation, make it plausible for Invest 93L to develop into a tropical depression or storm, although experts suggest that the potential impacts may not change significantly.
The NHC plans to deploy Hurricane Hunter aircraft to assess the system’s center of circulation as it shifts over open waters. There are two main potential paths for the system:
1. If it tracks near land along the I-10 coastline, it may limit development but still result in heavy rainfall and squally conditions in coastal areas, particularly affecting cities like Panama City, Mobile, and New Orleans. Flood Watches have already been issued for parts of Louisiana and Mississippi, with localized rainfall amounts possibly reaching a foot.
2. If the system drifts farther out over the Gulf, it could strengthen before making landfall. In this scenario, while total rainfall amounts for the northeastern Gulf Coast might be lower, areas closer to where the storm comes ashore could experience significant effects, including rough surf and increased rip currents.
Water temperatures in the Gulf range from 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, creating a conducive environment for the system’s potential development. Residents along the Gulf Coast are advised to stay updated on forecasts as the situation evolves.
In Florida, the interaction with Invest 93L has already led to severe weather incidents. Notably, a lightning strike at St. Augustine Beach Pier resulted in three injuries, with one individual critically injured. Furthermore, Plant City experienced nearly a foot of rain, resulting in significant flash flooding that officials labeled as a rare event.
Forecasts suggest that the combination of moisture and potentially severe weather impacts could lead to difficult conditions in the coming days, emphasizing the need for vigilance in affected areas. Residents should remain alert and prepared as this weather system continues to develop.