There is another tropical storm that will affect Destin, Florida weather and possibly the entire Gulf coast. It is early to make exact predictions, but every string model agrees that landfall will take place somewhere on the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico by Friday.
Tropical Depression 26 has been upgraded to Tropical Storm Delta and is predicted to make landfall in Louisiana as a Category 2 hurricane by the end of the week. Delta's winds could reach Louisiana as early as Thursday morning, but the most likely timing is Thursday night. Forecasts at this early stage have an average tracking error of 160 to 200 miles so people on the western portions of the Florida panhandle could find themselves directly in the path of the storm. Heavy rain, dangerous storm surge and gusty winds are all possible along the Gulf coast from Louisiana to the western Florida panhandle depending on the track and intensity of the system. Now is the time for residents to make plans and prepare.
As of 7 a.m., Tropical Storm Delta was about 130 miles south of Negril, Jamaica, and about 270 miles southeast of Grand Cayman. The storm is heading northwest at 9 mph and is predicted to gradually increase speed Tuesday and Wednesday. The center of the depression is expected to move away from Jamaica later today, move near or over the Cayman Islands Monday night and approach the Isle of Youth and western Cuba Tuesday afternoon or evening.
As with all weather prediction, this is a fluid situation. We will keep you posted as things develop.