MARCO ISLAND, Florida — Tropical Storm Sally formed just off the coast of Florida and is forecast to reach hurricane strength before hitting the Gulf Coast.
Sally, which began the day as Tropical Depression 19, intensified on Saturday into tropical storm strength and is packing maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. The system is located about 35 miles south-southeast of Naples, Florida, and moving westward at 7 mph.
Parts of the Florida Panhandle have been placed under a tropical storm watch, given that the path of the storm is expected to move northwest into the Gulf of Mexico and further strengthen.
“Interests elsewhere along the northern Gulf Coast should monitor the progress of this system. Tropical storm or hurricane watches, and storm surge watches, could be issued for a portion of that area later today,” the National Hurricane Service said in an advisory.
Sally is the earliest named “S” storm in recorded history and another sign of just how historic the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has been. There are only three names left for the season (Teddy, Vicky, and Wilfred), after which the NHC will begin using the Greek alphabet, a move that has only happened once before in 2005. The season begins in June and lasts through November, with the frequency of storms peaking this month.
Sally is the 18th named storm this year, the earliest “S” storm on record, and is already acquiring “that look.”
There’s not much to limit it from ramping up to Category 2 strength prior to landfall in my mind, and rapid intensification in the hours before are possible pic.twitter.com/SkW50rfv7d
— Matthew Cappucci (@MatthewCappucci) September 12, 2020
Also in the Atlantic is Tropical Storm Paulette, which is forecast to affect Bermuda as a hurricane, and Tropical Depression Rene, which has downgraded in strength and is expected to linger in the ocean as a depression. The NHC is also monitoring two areas that have medium to high chances of development and another spot in the Gulf of Mexico with a low chance of development.
