Tropical Depression 19 Forms, Brings Heavy Rain to Nicaragua and Honduras
Current Situation
Tropical depression 19 officially formed Thursday morning and is now situated less than 90 miles away from the Nicaragua/Honduras coastline, prompting hurricane and tropical storm watches and warnings for those countries. The cyclone is moving at a speed of 15 mph and is expected to slow down, which is a significant concern.
Impact on Nicaragua and Honduras
The system is expected to crawl along the Nicaraguan coast for a few days before finally moving out later into the weekend. As a result, the region can expect prolific rain amounts of 20 to 30 inches or more, leading to mudslides and landslides. Currently, the following weather alerts are in place:
- Hurricane watch is in effect for Punta Castilla to the Honduras/Nicaragua border and the Bay Islands of Honduras
- Tropical storm warning is in effect for Punta Sal to the Honduras/Nicaragua border and the Bay Islands of Honduras
- Tropical storm watch is in effect for Honduras/Nicaragua border to Puerto Cabezas
Future Movement and Impact on Florida
The system is expected to lift north later in the weekend and will likely push across the Yucatan Peninsula. All this land interaction through late week and into the weekend should keep the system from turning into a significant cyclone, which is one piece of good news amid all expected rain.
The tropical system is expected to push into the Gulf of Mexico at some point during the first half of next week. While it’s too early to determine what impacts, if any, there will be to South Florida, NWS Miami and @NHC_Atlantic will continue to monitor the latest developments.
Will Florida Feel the Impacts of Tropical Depression 19?
The next move is all about the strength and positioning of the jet stream. As it stands now, the stronger upper-level westerly winds should push the system into the eastern Gulf by the middle of next week, though the specific potential Florida impacts remain uncertain.
How much land the system interacts with will determine the short-term strength of the cyclone–and the strength of the system matters. A stronger system follows winds higher up in the atmosphere, while a weaker system follows winds a little lower in the atmosphere. Add to that the questions regarding the strength and positioning of the jet stream over the Gulf, and we are left with a tough forecast.
Conclusion
Florida certainly could see some impacts by the middle of next week, but the intensity and exact location of the system are a little foggy. The key to determining the potential impact on Florida will be the strength and positioning of the jet stream.
FAQs
Q: When did Tropical Depression 19 form?
A: Tropical Depression 19 officially formed Thursday morning.
Q: Where is the system currently located?
A: The system is currently located less than 90 miles away from the Nicaragua/Honduras coastline.
Q: What weather alerts are in place for Nicaragua and Honduras?
A: A hurricane watch is in effect for Punta Castilla to the Honduras/Nicaragua border and the Bay Islands of Honduras, a tropical storm warning is in effect for Punta Sal to the Honduras/Nicaragua border and the Bay Islands of Honduras, and a tropical storm watch is in effect for Honduras/Nicaragua border to Puerto Cabezas.
Q: Will Florida feel the impacts of Tropical Depression 19?
A: The specific potential Florida impacts remain uncertain, but the system is expected to push into the Gulf of Mexico at some point during the first half of next week.
