The Gulf of Mexico will take another hit in its efforts to clean up the BP oil spill as Tropical Storm Bonnie develops over the next 48 hours.
The National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida issued the following advisory:
A tropical storm watch has been issued for the Northern Gulf of Mexico coast from Destin, Florida, Westward to Morgan City Louisiana.
The tropical storm warning for the central Bahamas has been discontinued.
Summary of Watches and Warnings in Effect
The tropical storm warning is in effect for:
- The Northwestern Bahamas
- The Florida East coast from Deerfield Beach Southward including the entire Florida keys and Florida Bay … and along the West Coast of Florida Northward to Englewood
A tropical storm watch is in effect for…
- The East Coast of Florida North of Deerfield Beach to Jupiter Inlet including Lake Okeechobee
- The Norther Gulf coast from Destin Florida to Morgan City Louisiana
A tropical storm warning means that Tropical Storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours.
A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area within 48 hours.
Interests elsewhere along the Northern Gulf Coast should monitor the progress of Bonnie.
Tropical storm center located near 24.1N 78.6W AT 23/0900Z
Position accurate within 30 NM.Present movement toward the West-Northwest or 295 degress at 16KT
Estimated minimum central pressure 1008 MB
Max sustained winds 35 KT with gusts to 45 KT.
34 KT……. 75NE 0SE 0SW 0NW.
12 FT SEAS..100NE 0SE 0SW 0NW.
Winds and seas vary greatly in each quadrant. Radii in nautical miles are the largest radii expected anywhere in that quadrant.
The Swinden Group has advised clients to be prepared for flash floods and mudslides in Cuba, the Bahamas and Florida.
“Also, expect travel delays throughout the region. However when it [Tropical Storm Bonnie] enters the Gulf of Mexico, it will most likely affect the oil spill cleanup efforts and threaten the Gulf Coast states.”
Mariners are advised to check the DOAA website for danger areas before setting sail.