Latest Updates on Tropical Storm Fred and Tropical Depression Grace

Written by Dustin Maddox, Meteorologist

Last updated 8/15/2021, 4:50:54 PM

We are closely monitoring Tropical Storm Fred as it approaches landfall along the Florida Panhandle on Monday afternoon as well as Tropical Depression Grace currently located just Southwest of Puerto Rico.

TROPICAL STORM FRED

Fred redeveloped into a Tropical Cyclone this morning at approximately 730amCDT in the southeast Gulf of Mexico. As of 4pmCDT, Tropical Storm Fred is located about 235 miles South of Panama City, Florida and movement is North-northwest at 10mph. Maximum sustained winds have increased a bit to 45mph. The estimated minimum central pressure is 1007MB. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Florida Panhandle from Navarre to the Wakulla / Jefferson County line. The forecast calls for gradual strengthening up until landfall late Monday afternoon but it is not expected to reach hurricane intensity at this time. Isolated tornadoes and storm surge 1-5 feet will be possible. Average 4 to 8 inches with isolated amounts approaching 12 inches of rain is expected for the Florida Big Bend area and Panhandle. After landfall, the system is then expected to slowly move into southwest Alabama and northwest Georgia Tuesday and Wednesday, where average 3 to 6 inches with isolated amounts approaching 9 inches of rain is possible. 

See images below for more information on Fred.

TROPICAL DEPRESSION GRACE

As of 5pmAST, recently downgraded Tropical Depression Grace is located about 345 miles East-southeast of Port Au Prince, Haiti and movement is West at 15mph. Maximum sustained winds have decreased to 35mph. The estimated minimum central pressure is 1011MB. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for all of Hispaniola coastline (Dominican Republic and Haiti). The official forecast from the National Hurricane Center indicates Grace will remain a 35mph Tropical Depression through Wednesday afternoon as it moves over Hispaniola and Cuba. Total rainfall amounts for the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are expected to be 3 to 6 inches. Total rainfall amounts for Haiti and the Dominican Republic should average 4 t0 8 inches with isolated amounts approaching 15 inches, which will create very difficult search and rescue operations for Haiti after Saturday morning’s devastating 7.2 earthquake in Southwest Haiti. At this time, it appears Grace should emerge into the Gulf of Mexico sometime early Thursday morning. It is too soon to accurately predict the track and strength of Grace after that, as there are multiple scenarios that could pan out. Please check back with us for the latest information. 

See images below for more information on Grace.

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