South Florida make sure that you have the rain gear with you as tropical rains are possible at any time. We have deep tropical moisture in place because of tropical depression nine located over 300 miles west of Key West, Florida. It has been producing gusty winds near the area and likely to strengthen into a tropical storm this afternoon. The official forecast track from the National Hurricane Center is calling for this system to reach north Florida as a strong tropical storm with winds over 65 mph Thursday afternoon and exit Florida Friday morning. However, it will leave a tail of deep tropical moisture behind. Most of the computer models are showing that rainfall amounts of 5 to 10 inches are possible over much of the Florida peninsula through Friday morning, with isolated amounts of 15 inches. This rainfall may cause flooding and flash flooding.
A hurricane hunter flew into T.D. #9 earlier this AM & found near tropical storm-force winds. @wsvn pic.twitter.com/cKIDfRnLUU
— Vivian Gonzalez (@VivianGonzalez7) August 30, 2016
Today's hazards include a slight risk of flooding, brief gusty winds, and frequent lightning strikes. @wsvn pic.twitter.com/1MXhDoraWR
— Vivian Gonzalez (@VivianGonzalez7) August 30, 2016
The rest of the tropics are heating up as we are approaching the peak of the hurricane season on September 10th.
The Tropics are getting busy! Your Storm Station is tracking 3 and watching 1. @wsvn pic.twitter.com/oo20EsR6tk
— Vivian Gonzalez (@VivianGonzalez7) August 30, 2016
Tropical Depression Eight turns north-northwest with the center expected to near the Outer Banks of North Carolina this afternoon or evening. It could become a tropical storm later today. The main concern will be for strong winds and dangerous surf around the Carolina coast. About 1 to 3 inches of rain with isolated amounts of 5 inches possible. A tropical storm watch is in effect for the coast of North Carolina from Cape Lookout to Oregon Inlet including Pamlico Sound.
Gaston weakens slightly, but still remains no threat to land. This hurricane is expected to weaken gradually as it makes its way into the northern Atlantic. Hopefully it will be significantly weaker before reaching the Azores this weekend.
A weak area of low pressure associated with a tropical wave is located over the far eastern Atlantic near the Cape Verde Islands. Environmental conditions appear favorable for growth of this area while it moves west at 15-20 mph over the open ocean. The National Hurricane Center is giving a medium chance to form in the next 2-5 days.
Keep it tuned to your Storm Station 7news!
Vivian Gonzalez
Meteorologist, AMS Certified
WSVN Channel 7