Marco expected to become a hurricane today, Laura moves closer to Gulf of Mexico

HOUSTON — Tropical Storm Marco formed in the Caribbean Friday night and is expected to move into the Gulf soon. And now, the National Hurricane Center says the storm will pick up to hurricane strength today. 

Marco is one of two systems the National Hurricane Center is keeping an eye on, and conditions will only get more active as we reach the peak of hurricane season.  

The other system is Tropical Storm Laura out in the Atlantic. Below is what you need to know about both storms.

RELATED: Tropical Storm Marco and Tropical Storm Laura: Spaghetti models and track

The latest update from the National Hurricane Center has Tropical Storm Marco picking up to hurricane strength later today. From there, it looks to take aim at the Texas Gulf coast, but it’s still too early to know exactly where it’s going.

Marco is located 50 miles to the southwest of the western tip of Cuba. Maximum sustained winds are at 65 miles per hour and it’s moving to the north-northwest at 12 miles per hour.

Tropical Storm conditions are expected over the northeastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula and western Cuba.  Heavy rain is also expected along the eastern portions of Quintana Roo and Yucatan, as well as western Cuba. Flash flooding is a big concern.

Marco is expected to move across the central Gulf of Mexico as a hurricane Sunday and near the central Gulf Coast on Monday. The risk of a storm surge is increasing with heavy rainfall along the upper Texas coast and Louisiana early next week.

Storm surge, tropical storm and/or hurricane watches could be issued later today.

Tropical Storm Laura continues its track to the west and is also expected to become a hurricane. That should happen early next week. Before it gets there, it is expected to move over Puerto Rico, Hispaniola and Cuba, and could be heavily impacted over land.  

The storm is roughly 60 miles southwest of Ponce, Puerto Rico. It has maximum sustained winds of 50 miles per hour. It’s moving to the west at 18 miles per hour. It’s expected to continue in a west-northwesterly direction.

It’s expected to make landfall at some point between Wednesday and Thursday somewhere along the Gulf coast in Louisiana.  The path has shifted west and could continue to do that, so we’ll watch it very carefully.

There’s still a lot of uncertainty in the track and intensity

RELATED: Tropical Storm Marco and Tropical Storm Laura: Spaghetti models and track

In a year that’s seen everything from a global pandemic to murder hornets, now we have a possibility of not one but two hurricanes in Gulf waters at the same time.  Tropical Depression 13 was the first to become a named storm as Laura on Friday morning. Tropical Depression 14 became Tropical Storm Marco Friday night.  Could they merge in the Gulf?  It’s possible. But not likely. Here’s what to know about the Fujiwhara Effect.

It’s way too early to know the exact intensity and track these two systems will take. Regardless, we’re in a very active hurricane season, so it’s a good idea to know what you’ll need if a storm was approaching.

Here is a list of important items you should have at home or take with you if you evacuate:

• Water – at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3-7 days; also fill bathtub and other containers; Gator Aid is good to fend off dehydration
• Food – at least enough for 3-7 days; non-perishable packaged or canned food; juices; foods for infants or elderly family members; snack foods; food for special diets
• Non-electric can opener
• Cooking tools, fuel
• Paper plates and cups, plastic utensils
• Bedding: Blankets, Pillows, etc.
• Clothing
• Rain gear
• Sturdy shoes
• First Aid Kit, Medicines, Prescription Drugs
• Toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags
• Toiletries, hand sanitizer, hygiene items, moisture wipes, dry shampoo
• Flashlight, batteries, lantern
• Radio: Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
• Telephones: Fully charged cell phone with extra battery; chargers; traditional (not cordless) telephone set
• Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards: Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods
• Important documents: Place in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag: Should include insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, prescriptions, etc.
• Tools: Keep a set with you during the storm
• Gas: Fill up your vehicles several days before landfall is expected; Gas stations could lose power during a storm and supply trucks may not be able to reach the area
• Pet care items: Proper identification, immunization records, medications, ample supply of food and water; a carrier or cage; muzzle and/ or leash
• Bleach without lemon or any other additives
• Fire extinguisher
• Mosquito repellent
• Keys
• Toys, books and games for children
• Duct tape
• Cell Phone charging stations – locations where you can charge mobile devices