Tropical Storm Delta Upgraded To Hurricane, Could Reach Cat 4 Strength Within 24 Hours

The National Hurricane Center upgraded Tropical Storm Delta to a hurricane on Tuesday, as it continued pushing toward the Gulf of Mexico. Forecasts warn it could rapidly grow to a category 4 hurricane, becoming the third major storm of the 2020 Atlantic storm season.

As of 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Delta was west-northwest at 15 mph with winds averaging 110 mph.

“Extremely dangerous storm surge and hurricane conditions are expected within portions of the northern Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico beginning tonight, and a Hurricane Warning is in effect,” the NHC said.

Delta is forecast to make its first proper landfall on Wednesday along the southeastern coast of Mexico while the edge of the front will hit western Cuba. The NHC is warning heavy rainfall in the region may lead to flash floods and mudslides along coastal communities in Mexico before it passes on Thursday. By that time it will be in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to turn north-northeastward heading into the weekend.

“The potential for heavy rain and flash flooding will increase across portions of the central Gulf Coast, Tennessee Valley, and southeastern United States as Delta moves inland later this week,” the NHC said.

The biggest concern heading into the weekend will be how strong Delta is by the time it hits the Gulf Coast between Louisiana and the western Florida Panhandle. Tuesday forecasts have the storm reaching category 4 strength by the weekend, with some warning it could reach that size within the next 14 hours.

“Delta is forecast to approach the northern Gulf Coast late this week as a hurricane,” the NHC said. “While there is large uncertainty in the track and intensity forecasts, there is a significant risk of dangerous storm surge, wind, and rainfall hazards along the coast from Louisiana to the western Florida Panhandle beginning Thursday night or Friday. Residents in these areas should ensure they have their hurricane plan in place and monitor updates to the forecast of Delta.”

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards reiterated the NHC’s warning and told residents to prepare for yet another storm.

“It is common for many people to experience hurricane fatigue during a busy season, but we need everyone to take this threat seriously,” Edwards told reporters on Monday.