TROPICAL DEPRESSION #3 FORMS; NO THREAT TO ALABAMA OR NW FLORIDA… What’s the phrase that is always applicable in the world of weather? “Expect the unexpected.” The system that had a 10-20% chance of developing just this morning has become Tropical Depression #3 in the western Bahamas this evening. Maximum sustained winds are near 35mph. The system has been classified because a low-level circulation center formed in the last few hours, meaning regardless of how weak the system remains, it is technically a tropical depression!
NO DIRECT LOCAL IMPACTS EXPECTED… This system will have basically no effect on our local weather pattern in south Alabama or northwest Florida. We will continue to have pop-up showers and thunderstorms over the next few days with slightly cooler, drier air sneaking in behind an advancing cold front on Tuesday.
FLORIDA PENINSULA IMPACTS… Impacts across the Florida Peninsula (Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Miami, surrounding areas) are expected to be minimal. Higher waves and dangerous rip currents will be possible along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean over the next few days.
TD3 FORECAST… The official forecast from the National Hurricane Center calls for Tropical Depression #3 to remain weak. At the moment, NHC is calling for the system to remain a tropical depression until dissipation by Thursday as the system merges with a cold front near the North Carolina coast. Upper-level winds are unfavorable for rapid development at this time. Good news!
REST OF THE TROPICS ARE QUIET… Other than newly-formed Tropical Depression #3, the rest of the tropical Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea are quiet. No additional tropical formation is expected over the next 2-4 days.
UPDATES IN THE APP… redzoneweather.com/app is the link for the free download of the RedZone Weather app. I’ll have plenty of updates in the RZW app about this system over the next few days.
Let me know if you have any questions. Have a great evening!