Tropical Storm “Ian” forms in the Caribbean Sea, heading toward the Cayman Islands, Cuba and Florida, U.S.
Tropical Storm “Ian” formed over the central Caribbean Sea at 03:00 UTC on September 24, 2022, as the 8th named storm of the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season. The system is strengthening on its way toward the Cayman Islands, Cuba, and Florida, U.S.
At 12:00 UTC on September 24, the center of Tropical Storm “Ian” was located about 485 km (300 miles) SSE of Kingston, Jamaica, and 915 km (570 miles) SE of Grand Cayman.1
The storm had maximum sustained winds of 75 km/h (45 mph) and a minimum central pressure of 1004 hPa. It was moving WSW at 24 km/h (15 mph).
On the forecast track, the center of Ian is forecast to move across the central Caribbean Sea today, pass southwest of Jamaica on Sunday, September 25 and pass near or over the Cayman Islands Sunday night and early Monday.
It is expected to produce heavy rainfall and instances of flash flooding and possible mudslides in areas of higher terrain, particularly over Jamaica and Cuba.
Hurricane conditions are possible in the Cayman Islands by early Monday, with tropical storm conditions possible by late Sunday. Tropical storm conditions are possible in Jamaica on Sunday.
Early next week, Ian 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, with the potential for significant impacts from storm surge, hurricane-force winds, and heavy rainfall.
While it is too soon to determine the exact magnitude and location of these 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, NHC said.
References:
1 Tropical Storm Ian Intermediate Advisory Number 5A – NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL – 800 AM EDT Sat Sep 24 2022
Featured image: Tropical Storm “Ian” at 13:20 UTC on September 24, 2022. Credit: NOAA/GOES-East, RAMMB/CIRA, The Watchers
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