NHC: Tropical system in Caribbean Sea could develop as it moves into Gulf of Mexico
The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a large area of low pressure over the northwestern Caribbean Sea and southeastern Gulf of Mexico, which could develop into a tropical depression by next week.
If the system — which currently has a 40% chance of formation in the next seven days — becomes a named storm, it would be Tropical Storm Helene, the eighth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.
"Historically, a storm moving northward from the Caribbean this time of the year not only strengthens but often rapidly strengthens," AccuWeather's Dan DePodwin said. "Major hurricanes have developed in similar situations in the past."
As it develops, this system could potentially impact Texas , though the extent is still unclear.
The NHC is also tracking two additional systems in the Atlantic, with low chances of development, at 20% and 30% within the next week.
Hurricane tracker: See active storms in the Atlantic
How many named storms have hit in 2024?
So far this year, seven tropical cyclones have formed, and all have become named storms.
Four strengthened into a hurricane, including Hurricane Beryl, which strengthened into a major hurricane. Altogether, six systems have made landfall this season, two of which hit Texas. They include:
Tropical Storm Alberto: Made landfall on the Texas coast in June 2024 with some flooding, impacting the region less than initially forecasted.
Hurricane Beryl: Hit the Texas coast on July 8 as a Category 1 hurricane near Matagorda, causing at least 38 deaths and setting records for tornado spin-offs.
Tropical Storm Chris: Brought heavy rainfall and flooding to parts of Mexico in early July.
Hurricane Debby: Made landfall near Steinhatchee, Florida, on Aug. 5, and caused severe damage along the East Coast, resulting in at least 10 fatalities.
Hurricane Ernesto: Struck Puerto Rico on Aug. 24 with significant flooding, then hit Bermuda. It was a moderately strong hurricane with three indirect fatalities.
Hurricane Francine: Made landfall in Louisiana on Sept. 11 as a Category 2 hurricane near Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall before rapidly weakening after landfall.
Tropical Storm Gordon: Developed on Sept. 13, but was hindered by wind shear and made minimal intensification. Gordon weakened back to a tropical depression on Sept. 15 before degenerating into a trough of low pressure on Sept. 17.
Weather watches and warnings issued in Texas
A warning means that conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area.
A watch means that conditions are possible within the watch area. A watch is typically issued 48 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous.
