MIAMI (AP) — Forecasters say chances are increasing for the first tropical weather system of the year in the Gulf of Mexico.
The National Hurricane Center said Thursday a mass of low pressure in the western Caribbean is becoming better defined and will likely become a subtropical or tropical depression by late Saturday.
They’re putting the chances of formation at 80 percent over the next five days.
“We know that many families have travel plans this Memorial Day weekend but everyone has to put safety first and remember to never drive in dangerous conditions or through standing water,” said Gov. Rick Scott. “This storm is expected to bring torrential rain and significant flooding in communities across Florida. We will continue to monitor its path and do everything we can to make sure our state is fully prepared to keep everyone safe.”
Surface low pressure becoming better defined over the Yucatan Peninsula. Could form by late Saturday over the Southeastern Gulf of Mexico. Heavy rainfall event over much of Florida expected. @wsvn pic.twitter.com/fXhTJhqTlz
— Vivian Gonzalez (@VivianGonzalez7) May 24, 2018
The system is currently off the southeastern Yucatan Peninsula but it’s expected to move northward. Heavy rains are likely across western Cuba, much of Florida and the northern Gulf Coast into early next week.
In the United States, downpours could dampen Memorial Day, the unofficial start of the tourist season.
The tropical threat comes earlier than usual. The six-month hurricane season doesn’t begin until June 1.
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