TROPICAL DEPRESSION ONE FORMS EAST OF FLORIDA… The first classified system of the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season has formed off the eastern coast of Florida in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean: Tropical Depression One. Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph, per the latest reports from the NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft team investigating the system. TD1 will likely become Tropical Storm Arthur as it moves northeast over the open waters of the Atlantic, basically paralleling the eastern seaboard of the U.S. There could be a close encounter between the center of TD1/Arthur and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. We can say with 100% confidence at this point that direct impacts from TD1/Arthur will NOT happen across south Alabama or northwest Florida.
TROPICAL STORM WATCH FOR NORTH CAROLINA COAST… Due to the close proximity that Tropical Depression One (or Tropical Storm Arthur, as it is expected to be) will have near the Outer Banks of North Carolina, a tropical storm watch is now in effect from New River Inlet to Duck, NC. This includes the Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds. Don’t be surprised if a Tropical Storm Warning is needed later tonight or on Sunday for this area. A Tropical Storm Watch means tropical storm (39+ mph winds) conditions are expected in the watch area within the next 48 hours. Interests near Cape Hatteras, Cape Fear, and eastern North Carolina should closely monitor the progress of this system.
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