System could become Tropical Storm Debby, eye Gulf Coast if it stays weak. What to know
A tropical wave in the Atlantic that could develop and impact Florida over the next week is slowly beginning to organize, though meteorologists say it still has a way to go before it becomes a tropical depression or tropical storm.
Floridians living along the Gulf Coast should continue to keep a watchful eye on the tropical wave as it continues its journey toward the Greater Antilles and Bahamas, which will play a key role in determining its projected path toward the Sunshine State.
Meteorologists predict that the wave could drift toward the eastern Gulf Coast if it remains relatively weak but will be more likely to move north along the eastern side of the Florida peninsula if it strengthens quickly.
Should the storm drift into the Gulf Coast, its warmer waters could allow it to quickly intensify.
The National Hurricane Center believes a tropical depression could form by this weekend or early next week while the wave is near Florida.
The tropical wave could become Tropical Storm Debby if it intensifies and sustained wind speeds reach 39 mph. Debby would be the fourth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.
Latest tropics update
The tropical rainstorm is near the northeastern islands of the Caribbean, according to the latest information from AccuWeather.
"A storm center that remains over or close to the large, mountainous islands of the northern Caribbean from Puerto Rico to Hispaniola and Cuba will tend to keep strengthening at bay," AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said, adding, "If the center forms or drifts away from the large islands, then more swift strengthening may be possible."
Will the tropic wave impact Florida?
Early signs point to a yes, but meteorologists say there are a number of factors that will play a role in how the storm tracks.
The earliest impacts the storm will have on Florida are a series of downpours and gusty thunderstorms that will spread over the Florida Keys and the southern part of the Florida peninsula on Saturday, according to AccuWeather.
The storms will bring a potential of waterspouts and urban flooding.
As the storm continues to move toward Florida and intensify, rip currents will also increase in frequency and strength.
How will the tropic wave impact the Gulf Coast?
The Gulf Coast would experience similar water hazards if the storm swings to the west rather than the east.
Forecasters won't know for certain which direction the storm will travel until later in the week. AccuWeather predicts that the storm could more north, up the Florida peninsula's eastern coast if it develops quickly. If it stays weak, it could drift into the eastern Gulf of Mexico, where warmers waters could allow it to quickly gain strength.
Storm tracker: Monitor tropical wave as it moves toward Florida
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Tropical wave in Atlantic could eye Gulf Coast if it stays weak
