Michael could threaten the northeastern Gulf Coast as a hurricane in the week ahead. Storm surge, damaging winds and heavy rain are likely impacts along the northeastern Gulf Coast by midweek.
Tropical storm warnings have been issued for parts of western Cuba and the northeastern Yucatan Peninsula. Tropical-storm-force winds could arrive on the northeastern Gulf Coast by late Tuesday or early Wednesday.
Tropical Storm Michael is strengthening in the northwestern Caribbean Sea and could threaten the northeastern Gulf Coast as a Category 2 hurricane by midweek with dangerous storm surge, damaging winds and heavy rainfall.
Michael is currently centered about 130 miles southeast of Cozumel, Mexico, moving slowly toward the north-northeast.
Rainfall totals of 3 to 7 inches are forecast over western Cuba, with 2 to 4 inches over the Yucatan Peninsula and Belize through Tuesday. Isolated maximum amounts of 12 inches are possible in western Cuba.
These downpours could contribute to life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas of mountainous terrain.
