ToplineMany Caribbean countries are preparing for heavy winds, rain, possible flooding, and mudslides following Tropical Storm Fred, which formed off the coast Puerto Rico on Tuesday night. It is the sixth named storm in what is expected be a busy Atlantic hurricane season.Hurricane Irma, September 9, 2017, Miami, Florida Getty ImagesThe Key FactsThe National Hurricane Center reported that Tropical Storm Fred moved southwards from Puerto Rico on Tuesday night. It is now heading towards Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Hurricane warnings have been issued for Puerto Rico, the U.S Virgin Islands, and parts of Dominican Republic. Forecasters are predicting heavy rains that could lead to flooding and mudslides. Puerto Rico has already experienced power outages due to heavy rains. Officials warned residents that flooding risks are very real. Parts of Haiti, Dominican Republic and the Turks and Caicos as well as the Southeastern Bahamas are under tropical storm watch. According to the National Hurricane Center, the storm could reach Florida by Friday. However, it warned that it was too early to know the exact timing, place, and magnitude of any possible impacts.What to WatchAccording to the National Hurricane Center, conditions are favorable for Fred to strengthen before it reaches Hispaniola (the island split between Haiti and Dominican Republic). The agency stated that interaction with the island could weaken Fred's strength, but models show that favorable weather and warm seas could lead to Fred becoming hurricane-force. The agency does not expect a significant increase in intensity, but there is plenty of uncertainty.Important BackgroundThe 2020 Atlantic hurricane season was one of the most active ever recorded. There were 30 named storms and 11 made landfall in the U.S. This follows years of more intense hurricane seasons. The 2021 season will be even busier than usual, with an average of 13 to 20 named storms. A U.N. major report warned that severe weather events are becoming more common due to human-driven climate changes. These will only get worse unless drastic and immediate action is taken to decrease carbon emissions. Fred arrives after a long lull following Tropical Storm Elsa's destruction of Florida in July. Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state emergency. Florida also faces record hospitalizations due to Covid-19, which is spreading through the state.Continue readingAccording to Government Forecasters, Hurricane Season is about to get worse (Forbes).Tropical Storm Fred is likely to form and may impact Florida (Forbes).
