Tampa Area Could Feel The Effects Of Possible Tropical Storm
After a few weeks with no tropical activity in the Atlantic Ocean, there’s something for us to keep an eye on. It may be a little early to know if…
After a few weeks with no tropical activity in the Atlantic Ocean, there's something for us to keep an eye on.
It may be a little early to know if the weather system is too far away to really know if it will develop or come close to the Tampa Bay area. However, the National Hurricane Center Prediction Center has enough information to consider the possibility. Here's what we know at this point.
Potential Tropical Cyclone Six is in the eastern Caribbean, having passed the Leeward Islands and is approaching Puerto Rico. Satellite data shows there has been some organization since Monday, and maximum sustained winds are around 35 mph. A hurricane hunter plane flew through the system, but could not find a "well-defined close circulation." The system is predicted to become Tropical Storm Fred later today.
The current predicted path of the system takes it over land, including spending nearly a day over Hispaniola (Haiti and Dominican Republic). This would slow any significant development. At this time, the system is not predicted to become a hurricane.
If the system continues on the currently predicted path, it would pass along the northern edge of Cuba until it reaches the Gulf of Mexico. It would turn toward a more northerly route near Key West, then even more north as it passes to the west of Tampa.
We'll keep an eye on the skies, as this system could go further west into the Gulf of Mexico, further east up the Atlantic coast, or even fizzle out and not be an issue. Until we know more, we'll need to follow what we see from the National Hurricane Center.
[Source: National Hurricane Center]
