Tropical Storm Sara forms in the Caribbean, 18th storm of the Atlantic season

Tropics | Impact of future 'Sara' on Florida changes

FOX 35 Storm Team Meteorologist Brooks Garner discusses the change in impacts expected for Florida from future Sara, which has developed in the Caribbean.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Tropical Storm Sara has formed in the Caribbean, becoming the 18th named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

The NHC said in its 1 p.m. update that what was Potential Tropical Cyclone 19 has strengthened and reached tropical storm status as it approaches the eastern coast of Central America.

As of 4 p.m., the system was 265 miles from Honduras. It has sustained winds of 40 mph, and is moving west at 17 mph.

It's expected to bring life-threatening and potentially catastrophic flash flooding and mudslides to Honduras throughout the weekend, the NHC said. It is expected to meander near the northern coast of Honduras throughout the weekend.

It could get stronger if it remains over water. If it heads over land, it could weaken.

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Is a tropical storm headed towards Florida?

The latest cone goes out about a week, and shows the system in the Gulf of Mexico. However, how it will impact the eastern coast of the Gulf remains unknown.

Computer models show the potential to reach Florida, but where across the peninsula and whether it'll be a tropical low, tropical storm, or hurricane remains unknown. Waters in the Gulf of Mexico are cooler than the Caribbean, which is less favorable for development.

When does hurricane season end?

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season ends on Nov. 30, 2024. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 each year. While rare, it is possible for storms to form outside those windows.

How many tropical storms and hurricanes have we had this year?

Tropical Storm Sara is now the 18th named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.

So far this year, we've had 11 hurricanes and six tropical storms with 18 named storms total.

Hurricanes: Beryl, Debby, Ernesto, Francine, Helene, Isaac, Kirk, Leslie, Milton, Oscar, Rafael.

Tropical storms: Alberto, Chris, Gordon, Joyce, Nadine, Patty and now Sara.

Three hurricanes have made landfall in Florida: Hurricane Debby, Hurricane Helene, and Hurricane Milton.

In November, only three hurricanes have made landfall on Florida in the last 173 years of records. Those were an unnamed storm of 1935, Hurricane Kate in 1985, and Hurricane Nicole in 2022.

What names are left on the list?

Tony
Valerie
William

There are 21 names given each hurricane season, which repeat every six years. Names can be retired if they were considerably destructive or deadly.

If all 21 names are used in a season, there is a supplemental list of storm names. The first five on that list are: Adria, Braylen, Caridad, Deshawn, and Emery.

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