A potential hurricane, now a tropical storm, could impact the Gulf Coast mid-week


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A new tropical storm formed on Sunday off the coast of Chetumal, Mexico, and could turn into a hurricane with a direct impact on the Gulf Coast later this week.

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Tropical Storm Michael had sustained maximum winds blowing at 60 mph at 20:00. It was located 140 miles south-southwest of the western tip of Cuba. It was moving north at 5 mph and had to continue in that direction until Wednesday.

Tropical storm warnings are in effect in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, including Cancun, and in western Cuba, where tropical storm conditions will develop overnight.

The overall forecast trajectory has moved slightly east, but the Florida Panhandle to Big Bend remains the area most likely to touch land at this point.

PHOTO: Tropical Storm Michael goes to the Gulf of Mexico Sunday night.ABC News
Tropical Storm Michael will move to the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday night.

Florida Governor Rick Scott said the state of emergency in Florida Sunday night in the Panhandle and several counties in the north of the country, warning that the storm could be "extremely deadly and extremely dangerous.

Precipitation amounts in parts of Central America and western Cuba will vary from 3 to 6 inches and up to 1 foot locally. The Florida Keys will begin to receive rain from the outside bands of this depression towards the end of Sunday and this Monday with a total of 2 to 4 inches.

As the storm moves into the Gulf of Mexico, it will likely begin to strengthen due to very hot waters and relatively low wind shear. According to current forecasts, the Depression will become a Category 1 hurricane early Wednesday morning and will likely bring storm surge, precipitation and strong winds into the Gulf later this week. It is possible that the storm is even category 2 when it lands.

PHOTO: Tropical Storm Michael is expected to hit the Florida coast in the middle of the week.ABC News
Tropical Storm Michael is expected to hit the Florida coast in the middle of the week.

It seems that after the storm has hit the ground, it will quickly rush north and east. For the moment, it is too early to indicate the potential impacts on the US east coast.

Heavy rains in the center of the United States

A very active weather regime will result in several heavy rains in the central United States over the next few days, which could lead to sudden floods, extreme weather in parts of the plains, and even snow in the Rockies and plains. North.

Several thunderstorms and heavy rains are developing again in the Plains and the Midwest Sunday morning. This series of storms occurs after heavy rains fell in parts of the same region on Friday and Saturday. From Kansas to Michigan, total precipitation over 24 hours ranges from 1 to 3 inches. The radar indicates that these same areas are still receiving rain and will continue to do so throughout the day. Instant Flood Watches are in effect from western New Mexico to Nebraska.

PHOTO: Instant flood watches are in place Sunday morning from North Texas to Oklahoma, Kansas and southern Nebraska.ABC News
Instant flood watches are in place Sunday morning from North Texas to Oklahoma, Kansas and southern Nebraska.

Heavy rains and severe thunderstorms are likely to spread Sunday night in most of the central United States, including Oklahoma and northern Texas. Colder air from Canada will cause snow rains in the Northern Rockies and near the Black Hills in the Northern Plains.

On Monday morning, almost the entire center of the United States will see very heavy rains and possible strong storms. In addition, the first widespread snowfall is expected from Colorado in parts of North Dakota.

PHOTO: Most of the central United States will be threatened by rain or snow in the Rockies on Sunday night.ABC News
Most of the central United States will be threatened by rain or even snow in the Rockies on Sunday night.

The storm moves slightly east Monday evening and brings a new series of strong storms and heavy rains in parts of the southern plains. The storm will draw much colder Canada and bring heavy snow to the Rockies and high plains of Wyoming, Nebraska and South Dakota.

On Tuesday, the grave threat will move into the most populated areas, from Dallas to Des Moines, to Iowa. Strong thunderstorms can occur in this region, with very strong winds, heavy hail and possible tornadoes.

PHOTO: Total precipitation will be highest in the Great Plains and in Minnesota and Wisconsin.ABC News
Total precipitation will be highest in the Great Plains and in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Due to several heavy rains, much of the central United States could receive nearly 3 to 6 inches of rain until Wednesday. This could cause a flash flood. Meanwhile, the Rocky Mountains could see snowfall of 3 to 6 inches.

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