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A storm is likely to form in the Gulf this week despite El Niño. Here are the early scenarios
CNN • • nation
Key Points:
- A tropical depression or storm is likely to form in the Gulf of Mexico's Bay of Campeche by midweek, potentially becoming the next named Atlantic storm, Isaias, according to the National Hurricane Center.
- Gulf waters are record warm for this time of year, which could help strengthen the system, though atmospheric conditions may limit its overall intensity.
- Heavy rain and flash flooding are expected along the Gulf Coast and parts of the South, including Alabama, Georgia, the Florida Panhandle, southeast Louisiana, and Mississippi, starting as early as Friday and continuing through the weekend.
- Late-season tropical storms are common in October and November, typically forming closer to the U.S., and can still cause significant damage despite fewer overall storms compared to peak hurricane season.
- Recent history shows that late-season storms can be severe, with examples like Hurricane Melissa in 2022, Hurricane Michael in 2018, and the infamous Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
