Tropical Storm Laura – Update #3 – 8/22/2020
University of Florida officials are continuing to monitor Tropical Storm Laura. Here’s what we know today:
Tropical storm conditions are expected across portions of the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico today and are also expected along the northern coasts of the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Turks and Caicos, and southern Bahamas Saturday and Sunday. Heavy rainfall is likely across these areas could cause mudslides, flash and urban floodings through Sunday, with widespread river flooding possible in Puerto Rico.
Tropical storms conditions are also possible over portions of the Central Bahamas, as well as portions of eastern and central Cuba Sunday.
The National Hurricane Center indicates uncertainty with their intensity forecast due to potential land interaction with the Greater Antilles and later influence from Tropical Storm Marco in the Gulf, which could result in changes to the forecast.
No tropical storm watches or warnings are currently in place for Florida. Tropical storm-force winds may begin on Monday in far South Florida and the Keys. Highest chances of any tropical storm winds occurring are in the Keys, especially lower and middle Keys where tropical storm watches could be issued later. Moreover, for the Florida Panhandle, westward shifts of the track near the end of the forecast period have notably reduced the threat for that area. Some chance of tropical storm force-winds still remain for the western Panhandle.
UF units with operations in extreme South Florida and especially the Keys should be prepared for the possibility of tropical storm-force winds on Monday and follow guidance from local officials. UF units with operations in the Panhandle should continue to monitor forecasts for the possibility of tropical storm-force winds on Tuesday and Wednesday.
No tropical storm watches or warnings have been issued for Alachua County, and no operational changes are anticipated for the UF campus in Gainesville. We will continue to monitor and update the UF community on latest forecasts or schedule changes as information is available.
For the latest forecast, please visit National Hurricane Center.
