The National Hurricane Center has now initiated advisories on Potential Tropical Cyclone Twenty-Six in the Central Caribbean. The system is expected to move northwestward over the next few days and eventually reach hurricane status as it pushes into the Southern Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday. Additionally, we continue to monitor Tropical Storm Gamma as it pushes to the southwest near the Bay of Campeche. While we do not anticipate any direct impacts to SE Texas at this time from either system, there are uncertainties regarding the eventual track of Twenty-Six. We will continue to monitor the tropics closely over the next several days.
Overview
At 4 PM, the National Hurricane Center initiated advisories on a strengthening system in the Caribbean Sea, which has been designated Potential Tropical Cyclone Twenty-Six. The system is expected to reach tropical storm status in the next 24 hours. Additionally, Tropical Storm Gamma continues to move southwestward towards the Bay of Campeche. Once the system reaches tropical storm status, it will be named Delta.
Tropical Storm Gamma
Tropical Storm Gamma will continue to move slowly to the southwest, pushing into the Bay of Campeche as we head into next week. As it enters an area unfavorable for further development, a gradual weakening trend is expected through the week. We do not anticipate any direct impacts to SE Texas from this system, though increasing wave heights are expected in the Gulf waters.
Potential Tropical Cyclone Twenty-Six
Potential Tropical Cyclone Twenty-Six will continue to push northwestward over the next several days and will be moving into an area where the environment is favorable for its further development. As it advances towards western Cuba, it is expected to strengthen to tropical storm status in the next 24 hours and further strengthen to hurricane status as it emerges in the southern Gulf by mid-week. Although there is currently no direct threat to SE Texas, there remains uncertainty regarding the system’s eventual track and intensity. Keep in mind that typical 4 to 5-day forecast track errors range from 160 to 200 miles. While the presence of an upper-level ridge currently favors a track to our east, we will continue to monitor conditions closely over the next few days.
