Tropical Storm Karl is expected to make a U-turn in the Gulf and make landfall along Mexico’s coast this week.
A slow moving and slightly stronger Karl was about 170 miles east-northeast of Tuxpan, Mexico, and about 185 miles north-northeast of Veracruz, Mexico, according to the National Hurricane Center’s advisory at 8 a.m. Wednesday. The storm is moving north-northwest near 6 mph over the Gulf of Mexico and has maximum sustained winds of 45 mph with higher gusts.
Tropical storm-force winds extend up to 105 miles from the center. Karl is not a threat to Florida or the rest of the United States, according to the forecast.
Forecasters expect Karl, the 11th named storm of the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season, will see some fluctuation in strength as it moves over the Gulf and makes a “hairpin turn” Thursday before approaching Mexico’s coast.
What will Karl bring?
“Heavy rainfall could produce instances of flash flooding, with mudslides in areas of higher terrain, across portions of Veracruz and Tabasco states in Mexico,” the hurricane center said. Forecasters expect Karl’s tropical storm-force winds will be felt Thursday night along Mexico’s coast from Cabo Rojo to Roca Partida, which is under a tropical storm watch.
Forecasters expect Karl will bring 3 to 7 inches of rain across portions of Veracruz and Tabasco states in Mexico, with some areas possibly seeing up to 12 inches of rain, through Friday night.
Once Karl makes landfall, “rapid decay is expected due to the mountainous terrain,” the hurricane center said.
What’s the next storm name?
Lisa is the next name on the list for the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season.
