Potential Tropical Cyclone 10 forms near Southeast coast

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While Harvey churns over southeastern Texas, Potential Tropical Cyclone 10 has formed near Florida and could bring heavy rain, gusty winds and other coastal hazards to the southeastern shore of the United States this week.

Potential Tropical Cyclone 10 is not yet at the strength of a tropical depression. However, the National Hurricane Center names systems potential tropical cyclones when the potential exists for tropical storm conditions for land areas within 48 hours.

The system, formerly dubbed 92L, has been promoting frequent bouts of heavy storms over the area for the past several days.

“Very heavy rainfall and localized flooding can be expected across central portions of central and southwestern Florida through Monday,” said AccuWeather Meteorologist Brett Rossio.

“The area most prone to flooding will be in and around Fort Myers, Florida. Fort Myers had already received nearly 6 inches of rainfall from Wednesday through Saturday morning.”

At Page Field in Fort Myers, nearly 5.5 inches of rain fell on Saturday alone - over half of the normal monthly rainfall.

Potential Tropical Cyclone 10 may strengthen further just east of the Georgia coastline early this week, according to Rossio. If it intensifies to tropical storm strength, it will be named Irma.

By Tuesday, drenching rainfall and strong winds will be impacting the barrier islands of the Carolinas. Flooding could result from both excessive rainfall and coastal inundation.

Strengthening on the level of Harvey is not expected despite the favorable tropical environment.

Even so, this system could impact parts of the eastern U.S. in potentially dangerous ways as it strengthens and drifts northeastward.

Anyone venturing to the shore to enjoy the last week of summer before school starts will be sorely disappointed. Heavy rain and increased winds are expected to batter the shorelines of northern Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas through early week.

However, the area of damp, cooler weather in the Northeast is expected to block the system from moving inland.

As the system organizes and strengthens, rough surf and increased rip currents will threaten small water craft and anyone who ventures into the ocean from Florida to New Jersey.

Anyone who does head to the shore should be cautious and swim only where lifeguards are present or to avoid going into the water all together. Guests and residents who live along the Southeast coast should be wary of water spouts, which can move onshore as weak tornadoes.

“Regardless of its development, the storm will likely be pulled out to sea,” said Rossio.

It does not look like wind and rain from Potential Tropical Cyclone 10 will stick around long enough to impact Labor Day plans, though any necessary clean-up efforts may dampen the festivities of the holiday weekend.

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