BEAUMONT, Texas — The 12News StormTrackers and National Hurricane Center is tracking two different systems in the tropics right now — tropical depression Grace and Tropical Storm Henri.
Tropical Depression Grace
Grace weakened into a tropical depression Saturday with 25 mph winds moving at 13 mph. Grace made land fall in Mexico Saturday, and while it is starting to fall apart, lingering and heavy rain brought on by Grace could lead to flash flooding and mudslides tonight in Mexico.
While Grace is wreaking, the hurricanes remnants are forecasted to move into the eastern North Pacific by Sunday afternoon, where it is expected to develop into a new tropical cyclone.
From the National Hurricane Center at 3 p.m. CDT...
At 400 PM CDT (2100 UTC), the remnants of Grace were located near latitude 19.6 North, longitude 100.1 West.
The remnants are moving toward the west near 13 mph (20 km/h) and this general motion is expected to continue tonight.
Maximum sustained winds are near 25 mph (35 km/h) with higher gusts.
Although Grace has dissipated, its remnants will likely move into the eastern North Pacific by Sunday afternoon, where it is likely to develop into a new tropical cyclone next week.
The estimated minimum central pressure is 1002 mb (29.59 inches).
Hurricane Henri
Henri strengthened into a hurricane Saturday morning. The hurricane has winds of 75 mph with wind gusts of 90 mph and could continue to strengthen overnight.
Henri is forecasted to hit the coast of Connecticut and Rhode Island Sunday morning as a low-end hurricane and weaken as it moves inland.
2021 Hurricane Season Outlook
The 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season is forecast to produce more storms than average. The reason for this is the lack of El Nino, which typically features more wind shear. We also expect warmer than average sea temperatures and an active West African Monsoon.
After a record-breaking 2020 hurricane season, we now know the Greek alphabet will no longer be used to name storms.
The World Meteorological Organization announced the Greek alphabet will not be used in the future because it "creates a distraction from the communication of hazard and storm warnings and is potentially confusing."
There has been only one other season that used the extra set of names, and that was in 2005. The World Meteorological Organization released a new set of supplemental names that will be used if the season exhausts the standard list.
Be prepared if a storm comes our way
BEFORE THE STORM
- Make a home inventory
- Have a current copy of your declarations page that has your policy number and your agent's number
- Review your policy with your insurance agent to determine if you have adequate coverage
- Repair loose boards, shingles, shutters and downspouts to prevent them from becoming an issue in high winds or torrential rain
- Have an evacuation plan, and include plans for your pets
- Make sure your emergency equipment is in working order, including a battery-powered radio, flashlights and extra batteries. Also, make sure to gather all medicine, replenish your first-aid kit and stock a week's worth of non-perishable food and water
- Charge your cell phone and fill your car with gas
- Program all emergency phone numbers
DURING THE STORM
- If you are advised to evacuate, leave as soon as possible. Retain all related receipts - they may be considered in your claim. If you aren't in a recommended evacuation and you plant to stay home, stay informed by listening to weather alerts
- Keep windows and doors closed at all time, and, if possible, board them up with wooden or metal shutters
- Stay away from the windows and in the center of the room, or, stay in an interior room
- Avoid flood water, as it may be electrically charged from downed power lines
- Check on family members and friends
AFTER THE STORM
- Check to be sure your family members are safe
- If you did evacuate, wait for official notice that it is safe to re-enter your neighborhood and your house
- Document damaged property, and take photos and videos. Don't dispose of any damaged items without approval
- Keep a record of any temporary repairs or expenses to prevent further damage to your property.
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