TAMPA, Fla. — The tropics are getting busy as we move into peak hurricane season over the next month: Tropical Depression 14 formed Thursday in the Caribbean and is expected to become the next named storm.
The 5 p.m. Friday advisory from the National Hurricane Center says Tropical Depression 14 is moving northwest at 13 mph, as it chugs toward the Yucatan Peninsula. It's about 255 miles southeast of Cozumel, Mexico. And, it's producing maximum sustained winds of 35 mph.
The depression is expected to become a tropical storm on Friday, and it could be near hurricane strength when it reaches the Yucatan Peninsula late Saturday. That means that it's likely to be a hurricane as it moves north across the Gulf of Mexico. Parts of Texas and Louisiana are in the forecast cone for Tuesday and Wednesday of this coming week.
A hurricane watch is in effect for:
- Punta Herrero to Cancun, Mexico
A tropical storm warning is in effect for:
- Punta Herrero to Dzilam, Mexico
Tropical Depression 14 is just one of three systems the 10 Tampa Bay weather team is monitoring.
There is also Tropical Storm Laura, which could have potential impacts on Florida. A 5 p.m. update from the National Hurricane Center has the storm moving west at 75 mph. It's currently about 40 miles east of Antigua and packing 45-mph winds. Click here for the latest on Laura.
There is also a third area of disturbed weather with a medium chance of development at this time. It is located over Guinea, Africa, and has a 50-percent chance of developing over the next five days.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) updated its 2020 hurricane season forecast earlier this month, indicating one of the most active seasonal forecasts that NOAA has produced in its 22-year history of hurricane outlooks.
The updated forecast call for 19-25 named storms, 7-11 hurricanes and 3-6 major hurricanes. This includes the 11 storms and two hurricanes we’ve already seen.
We are heading toward the peak of hurricane season, and 10 Tampa Bay wants you to be prepared. Head to your Hurricane Headquarters at 10TampaBay.com/tropics for everything you need to know.
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