What we know
Ian, this ninth system in the Atlantic basin, is currently located in the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of Mexico. Currently, it follows a northeasterly course, which allows it to quickly gain intensity thanks to the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
The island of Cuba should be the first to suffer its repercussions. Large amounts of rain are expected in some of its sectors, as well as strong winds at the beginning of the week. More than 300 mm of rain is expected in some places. Floods and landslides are potential consequences of Ian’s passage. After that, the system is expected to arrive in Keys, Florida, about midweek.
On track to become a major hurricane
However, between the time of leaving Cuba and reaching the North American continent, the system was supposed to thicken enough to be considered a major hurricane. Moreover, Ian should become a Category 4 hurricane. It could gust up to 225 km/h in the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday. If those forecasts hold true, Ian will be the strongest September hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico since Rita in 2005.
Doubts remain as to whether it will maintain that same strength when it hits Florida. But the National Hurricane Center still issued a warning about its arrival and urged residents of the Sunshine state to prepare. On Saturday, a state of emergency was declared in Florida. Heavy rain is also expected in Florida. Ian’s remains may also head to Quebec by early October. It is still too early to tell how much the boycott will be affected.
late arrival
Statistically, the tropical season reaches its peak around September 10 in the Atlantic basin. Moreover, on average, the first major hurricane appears on the 1st of September.
But right now, there are two burgeoning storms: Gaston and Ian – which will become the second largest hurricane – as well as the remnants of Fiona. Moreover, depression can also be observed on the radars. If it gains strength, it may become the tenth system called Julia. So autumn will not be under the sign of calm for the Atlantic basin …
