A tropical depression may be “at or near” hurricane strength when it hits Central Florida next week.
According to the National Hurricane Center’s most recent update on Tropical Depression Nine at 11 a.m. on Friday, the depression is currently expected to produce heavy rainfall and instances of flash flooding and possible mudslides in Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. Heavy rains are also likely to spread into Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and Cuba in the coming days.
The depression is expected to approach Jamaica as a tropical storm on Sunday and the Cayman Islands as a hurricane on Monday.
Early next week, the system is forecast to move near or over western Cuba as a strengthening hurricane and then approach the Florida peninsula at or near major hurricane strength.
The depression has the potential for significant impacts from storm surge, hurricane-force winds, and heavy rainfall. According to the organization, while it is “too soon” to determine the exact magnitude and location of the storm impacts, residents in Cuba, the Florida Keys, and the Florida Peninsula should “ensure they have their hurricane plan in place and closely monitor forecast updates through the weekend.”