The tropical Atlantic Ocean, which had been silent, continues to show new signs of life. A disturbance is expected to affect Florida and the Gulf Coast this weekend into early next week, and Tropical Storm Florence is close to forming in the eastern Atlantic.
Florida/Gulf Coast disturbance
The tropical wave over the central Atlantic Ocean that we’ve been watching all week is now centered near Hispaniola. It remains disorganized, and the model forecasts do not indicate much development to occur.
However, by Sunday evening into Labor Day, this wave will reach the Florida peninsula and bring breezy conditions and plenty of rain. Then once it enters the Gulf of Mexico, it could get slightly better organized and affect the northern Gulf Coast between Tuesday and Thursday.
At this time, it appears unlikely it will attain even tropical-storm strength, so wind and storm surge will not be the threats — just potential flooding from prolonged heavy rain.
Possible ‘Florence’ in eastern Atlantic
Much farther east, near the Cape Verde islands west of Africa, “Potential Tropical Cyclone Six” also remains disorganized but is expected to become Tropical Storm Florence very soon.
A tropical storm warning is in effect for the islands, where the National Hurricane Center warns of four to eight inches of rain, life-threatening flash floods and tropical-storm-force winds for the southern islands.
The last time the islands had to deal with a tropical storm or hurricane was when Hurricane Fred plowed across the islands exactly three years ago.
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SOURCE: The Washington Post, Brian McNoldy
