Tropical Storm Nestor Forecast to Intensify Along Gulf Coast

Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas in path of consolidating storm

National Hurricane Center's predicted path and intensity of Tropical Storm Nestor. (Photo: National Hurricane Center)

Tropical Storm Nestor is intensifying along the Gulf Coast and the National Hurricane Center is predicting a storm surge with tropical storm force winds for Florida starting Friday, Oct. 18. Maximum sustained winds are expected to reach 60 mph, with stronger gusts.

The cyclone is strengthening as it moves northeast across the Golf of Mexico at 22 mph, with storm-force winds expected to hit the Florida coast around 7 p.m. eastern time on Friday.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) stated that there was a risk of a potentially life-threatening storm surge of up to 5 feet above ground level along the Florida Gulf Coast, encompassing an area from Indian Pass to Clearwater Beach.

Their statement warned residents to take the necessary precautions: “This is a life-threatening situation. Persons located within these areas should take all necessary actions to protect life and property from rising water and the potential for other dangerous conditions. Promptly follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials. The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline.”

Tropical storm-force winds are likely for the evening of Oct. 18, along portions of the central and eastern Gulf Coast, with strong winds across a wide area. The report said that isolated flash flooding is also possible along the central and eastern Gulf Coast and the southeast coast of the United States through the night of Oct. 19.

The system is expected to lose energy and, thus, its tropical characteristics after moving inland across Florida.

National Hurricane Center's predicted path and intensity of Tropical Storm Nestor. (Photo: National Hurricane Center)

Tornado Warning

According to the NOAA statement, “Nestor is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of 2 to 4 inches this weekend from the central Gulf Coast and northern and central Florida to the eastern Carolinas, with isolated maximum amounts of 6 inches. A tornado or two is possible tonight and early Saturday near the Florida Gulf Coast from the central panhandle to the western peninsula.”