By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
Hurricane Gilma continues to gain strength in the open waters of the East Pacific, reaching major hurricane status, according to the National Weather Service on Thursday morning. As of 11 a.m. EDT, the National Hurricane Center reported that Gilma remains a Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds nearing 125 mph. Although it is expected to intensify slightly during the day, weakening is anticipated over the weekend.
Hurricane force winds extend up to 35 miles from the storm’s center, while tropical storm force winds reach up to 130 miles. No coastal watches or warnings have been issued as the storm currently poses no threat to land. The NHC is scheduled to release another update at 5 p.m. EDT.
Meanwhile, another storm located northwest of Gilma has a 90% chance of forming, although its trajectory and potential impacts remain uncertain. A separate system southeast of Gilma has a 50% chance of developing within the next 48 hours and an 80% chance over the next seven days.
This year's hurricane season has been particularly active, with Hurricane Ernesto striking Bermuda last week and generating dangerous surf along the U.S. East Coast. In July, Hurricane Beryl became the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record, causing catastrophic damage in the Caribbean and resulting in a death toll of 25 as it moved through the U.S.
NOAA has forecasted an extremely active 2024 hurricane season, potentially one of the busiest on record, with predictions of 17 to 24 named storms in the Atlantic. Of those, 8 to 13 are expected to develop into hurricanes, with 4 to 7 potentially becoming major hurricanes with winds exceeding 111 mph. For comparison, an average hurricane season typically sees 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes between June 1 and November 30.
The list of names for the 2024 hurricane season includes familiar monikers like Alberto, Beryl, and Ernesto for the Atlantic, and Aletta, Bud, and Gilma for the Eastern North Pacific.
The 2024 hurricane season is shaping up to be one for the record books, with atmospheric and oceanic conditions creating the ideal setting for increased storm activity.
