Tropical update: Disturbance causing beach chaos, deaths

We continue to monitor two areas that could develop into tropical systems. But one has limited time for this to happen and already bringing some impacts.

Hurricane Hunter investigated the system located about 100 miles east of Jacksonville, and although it has a well-defined center of circulation, thunderstorm activity is not so well organized. It is still possible for this system to gain a bit more activity and structure and could become a tropical depression just before its center comes on land later on Friday, likely over the coast between the Georgia and Florida border.

Regardless, this system is already bringing fast-moving showers over southeast Georgia, North Florida, and parts of Central Florida. The biggest impacts will be at the beaches where small craft advisories will be in effect through late this afternoon, but could be extended further into the evening. A beach visit this Friday should be out of your plans as the risk of rip currents, choppy seas, and high surf will continue to be present through at least Friday evening.

In the same area where Alberto was born, there could be another system by early next week. Currently, the disturbance is crossing the southern portion of the Yucatan Peninsula and will move over to the Bay of Campeche on Saturday. It is slated to gain more organization and strength becoming a tropical depression once it reaches the warm Gulf waters. Mexico should be monitoring this system closely as it is slated to be near the Veracruz and Tamaulipas coastlines.

This is a good time to review your hurricane plans and make sure all your important documents are secured and in order. This included your insurance policies as well as extra medication in hand. If you have a generator, make sure it works.