A tropical storm watch remains in effect for Central Florida ahead of a potentially destructive tropical cyclone that could bring heavy rains and gusty winds into the weekend.
What a potential tropical cyclone?
A potential tropical cyclone is a term used by the National Hurricane Center. It is used to issue watches and warnings for a storm system that’s predicted to develop as it closes in on land.
The National Hurricane Center couldn’t issue watches and warnings until a tropical storm had actually developed, which limits how much time residents have to prepare.
Predictions are indicating there’s a 90% chance this system will form into either a depression or storm within the next two days.
The potential tropical cyclone may turn into a storm before it reaches Florida.
If the system strengthens and reaches sustained winds of 39 mph or higher, it would be named Alex, the first named storm of the 2022 hurricane season.
So far, this system isn’t showing signs of slowing down just yet; its current max speed remains at 35mph.
All signs point to a high chance of rain with gusty winds over the next few days across Southern areas.
Most of Florida, including parts of Central Florida, is under a tropical storm watch as of Thursday night. Impacts appear to be most significant in Osceola, Brevard, and Polk counties, as advisories were issued there.
The worst of the weather in Central Florida is to be expected between 7 a.m. Saturday – 2 a.m. Sunday.
The winds are predicted to remain around 25 mph to 35 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph. Residents in Brevard and Osceola could possibly experience up to 3 inches of rain.
