The formation of two new tropical storms in the Atlantic Ocean has caught the attention of meteorologists and travelers alike. Tropical Storm Nadine and Tropical Storm Oscar emerged within hours of each other, with Nadine approaching the coast of Belize and Oscar churning in the western Atlantic Ocean. While neither storm poses a direct threat to the United States, they could potentially disrupt travel in parts of the Caribbean.
As of 10 a.m. EST on October 19, 2024, Tropical Storm Nadine was reported to have maximum sustained winds of 50 mph as it neared landfall about 25 miles southeast of Belize City. The storm is expected to cross Belize and move into northern Guatemala before weakening and dissipating over southern Mexico by late Sunday. The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings of widespread rainfall amounts of 4 to 8 inches across northern Belize, northern Guatemala, and southern Mexican states, with isolated areas possibly receiving over 12 inches through late Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Oscar is located about 1,150 miles east of Nadine in the western Atlantic Ocean, just north of the island of Hispaniola southeast of the Bahamas. With maximum sustained winds of 40 mph, Oscar is moving westward at 13 mph and is forecasted to gradually slow down and turn to the west-southwest over the next couple of days. The storm is projected to head towards Cuba, potentially making landfall on the northeastern coast late Sunday or early Monday before turning back out into the Atlantic Ocean.
The formation of these two storms marks the 14th and 15th named storms in what has been an active Atlantic hurricane season. With the potential for disruptive weather patterns and heavy rainfall, travelers in the region are advised to stay informed about the latest updates and developments. It is crucial for those planning travel to the Caribbean to monitor the progress of these storms and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and well-being.
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