View Projected Path of Category 3 Storm

Hurricane Gilma has continued to gain strength as it moves through the Pacific Ocean, with updates provided by the National Weather Center early Thursday morning. As of 5 a.m. EDT, the storm was classified as a category 3 hurricane, featuring sustained winds reaching 115 mph. Forecasters anticipate the possibility of further intensification throughout the day.

The reach of Hurricane Gilma is substantial; hurricane-force winds extend approximately 30 miles from the storm’s center, while tropical-storm-force winds can be felt up to 125 miles away. Currently, there are no coastal watches or warnings in place, and the storm does not pose any immediate threats to land.

Further updates on Hurricane Gilma are expected, as the National Hurricane Center plans to release additional information by 11 a.m. EDT today.

In terms of other weather developments, another storm system located northwest of Gilma has been identified with a 90% chance of forming, although the specifics regarding its direction and potential impact remain unclear. Additionally, a separate disturbance situated southeast of Gilma is showing signs of development, with a 50% chance of forming within the next 48 hours and an escalated 80% chance within the coming week.

The hurricane season of 2024 has been particularly active. Just last week, Hurricane Ernesto impacted Bermuda, delivering dangerous surf and rip currents along the U.S. East Coast. Earlier in the season, Hurricane Beryl set records by becoming the earliest category 5 hurricane noted, leading to catastrophic damage and significant loss of life across several Caribbean islands. The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported a preliminary death toll of 25 as Beryl swept through parts of Texas, Louisiana, and Vermont.

NOAA has indicated that the current atmospheric and oceanic conditions suggest that this hurricane season could be one of the busiest on record. Estimates indicate that there could be between 17 and 24 named storms this season, with around eight to 13 of those likely to develop into hurricanes. Furthermore, predictions suggest that four to seven of these storms could escalate into major hurricanes, boasting winds exceeding 111 mph.

Historically, the average hurricane season, which lasts from June 1 to November 30, produces about 14 named storms, of which seven typically become hurricanes, and three reach major hurricane status.

As we look ahead to the remainder of the hurricane season, the National Hurricane Center has released a list of names designated for 2024. These names include Alberto, Beryl, Chris, Debby, Ernesto, Francine, Gordon, Helene, Isaac, Joyce, Kirk, Leslie, Milton, Nadine, Oscar, Patty, Rafael, Sara, Tony, Valerie, and William for the Atlantic region. Additionally, the Eastern North Pacific will feature names such as Aletta, Bud, Carlotta, Daniel, Emilia, Fabio, Gilma, Hector, Ileana, John, Kristy, Lane, Miriam, Norman, Olivia, Paul, Rosa, Sergio, Tara, Vicente, Willa, Xavier, Yolanda, and Zeke.

Given the current trajectory of Hurricane Gilma and the active nature of the 2024 hurricane season, vigilance and preparedness remain crucial for residents in potentially affected areas.

Source: USA Today