What to expect in the Tampa Bay area from tropical disturbance in Gulf
Nov 13, 2024
The National Hurricane Center is currently predicting a "high" chance of a tropical disturbance developing in the Gulf of Mexico.But what does that mean for the Tampa Bay area?Here are ABC Action News Chief Meteorologist Denis Phillips' thoughts for Wednesday:Still looking at 3 possibilities. The storm moves inland in Central America and never recovers. Storm hangs in Caribbean until Sunday and then lifts into Gulf. From there, it goes to Florida. Still weakens somewhat crossing the Yucatan. Sara misses Yucatan and remains strong going into Florida.Strength is IMPOSSIBLE to predict at this point. If it stays over the Yucatan longer (Euro AI) it will be much weaker and go North toward the panhandle. That model merges it as a remnant low with a cold front coming this way. A STRONG cold front with the coldest weather in a long time arriving next weekend. If it misses the Yucatan (or just brushes it), Sara will probably be much stronger and could arrive in Florida next Wednesday as a hurricane. Again, at this point, and for the next 5 days, there is no way to know exactly where it enters the Gulf. This, above all, will impact how strong it will be at landfall.I have put my Christmas decorating on hold for the time being. It's not that I think we see it, but why take the chance? Chasing a 12-foot Frosty down the street seems pointless. Yes, a lot of people have been asking.That's about it. As always, expect forecasts (minus the hype) 24/7 for the next week. It's what we do.HURRICANE RESOURCES Hurricane Center Local Forecast Radar