Central American gyres are expansive and slow circulation patterns that generally form at the start and end of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. Due to their sluggish nature and the proximity of vast ocean waters, these gyres can produce catastrophic floods in the region.
The gyre could trigger potentially deadly floods and mudslides this week across Central America. It could also cause two tropical storms that could threaten the Gulf coast and the Pacific coasts of the region.
Forecast models indicate that more than two feet of rain could fall this week over parts of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and southern Mexico. These countries are particularly vulnerable to flash floods and mudslides due to the steep terrain in some areas and the limited ability to absorb heavy precipitation from storms.
First tropical system appointed for the eastern Pacific
As thunderstorms become better organized in the southern part of the vortex, tropical development could occur, leading to the first named storm of the year in the eastern Pacific. There is a 70% chance that "Amanda" will form in the next five days, according to the May 29 update from the National Hurricane Center. This will keep the gates open for the coastal regions of Central America until next week.
Monitoring the Gulf of Mexico for tropical development
As the gyre winds north, various weather patterns hint at another early-season tropical storm developing in the Atlantic basin. A European model indicates that the tropical wave could cross Campeche Bay and enter the western Gulf of Mexico by the end of the week.
An American model, meanwhile, does not expect tropical development for at least a week, but it could initiate a low pressure zone on the coast of Texas or eastern Mexico. The details should be settled in a few days, but it could be the next tropical system to reach the American coast. According to a separate potential development across the Atlantic Ocean this weekend, this Gulf of Mexico storm would be named "Cristobal" or "Dolly".
CNN meteorologist Haley Brink contributed to this report.
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