Hurricane Delta – Update #2 – 10/6/2020

University of Florida officials are continuing to monitor Hurricane Delta. Here’s what we know today:

Hurricane Delta has strengthened rapidly over the last 24 hours and is now a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds near 130 mph.

The storm will move over the Yucatan Peninsula early Wednesday. Extremely dangerous storm surge and hurricane conditions are expected within portions of the northern Yucatan Peninsula, and a hurricane warning is in effect.  Heavy rainfall will also affect portions of the Cayman Islands, western Cuba and could lead to significant flash flooding and mudslides.

Some weakening is also forecast in the northern Gulf of Mexico before a U.S. landfall, now indicated for late Friday or early Saturday. There is an increasing likelihood of life-threatening storm surge and dangerous hurricane-force winds, especially along the coasts of Louisiana and Mississippi.

Slight westward shifts of the track have reduced rainfall forecasts for the western Florida Panhandle. UF units with operations in Florida’s Panhandle should closely monitor forecasts and follow guidance from local officials.

No tropical storm warnings or watches are currently in place 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 expected impacts or schedule changes as information becomes available.

For additional information, please visit National Hurricane Center