ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Tropical development is possible during the next several days in the Gulf of Mexico.
Consider it as advanced notice: The National Hurricane Center says a low-pressure area could form early next week just off the Florida Panhandle. As it hangs over the northern Gulf, it could strengthen.
There is a 60-percent chance of tropical cyclone formation during the next five days, the NHC said. The hurricane center earlier gave the system just a 20-percent chance.
The European computer model, one of many used in forecasting by meteorologists, has been steadfast during the past few days in showing an area of development.
The Euro and the American model, GFS, are starting to come in agreement in taking this storm west away from Tampa Bay. However, increased chances for heavy rain and gusty winds will be possible, especially Wednesday through Friday. The tides may rise 2-3 feet higher than normal high Wednesday through Saturday.
If the storm becomes named, it will be Tropical Storm Barry.
In any event, we're well into the swing of hurricane season. It's not too late to prepare a hurricane kit and have a plan in place should a storm threaten the area.
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