Tropical Depression Nine Forecast to Become Category 2 Hurricane Before Gulf Coast Landfall

Tropical Depression Nine is forecast to strengthen rapidly over the Gulf before approaching the central U.S. Gulf Coast late Friday, raising concerns about damaging winds, storm surge and heavy rainfall.

The National Hurricane Center says the system is expected to become a tropical storm and then a hurricane as it moves toward the northern Gulf Coast.

Some current forecast guidance indicates the storm could reach Category 2 intensity, with the Mississippi coast — including the area around Pascagoula — among locations closely watching the evolving track. However, the precise landfall point and intensity remain subject to change. ..

Potential impacts could extend from Louisiana through Mississippi and Alabama to the Florida Panhandle, including strong winds, coastal flooding, storm surge and periods of heavy rain.

Residents along the northern Gulf Coast are being urged to closely monitor official forecasts as watches and warnings may be issued as the storm approaches.

This is a developing weather situation.