According to weather.gov, the National Weather Service is monitoring an area of disturbance currently situated in the Caribbean.
“A tropical wave has a high chance (80%) of development this weekend into early next week as it moves into the eastern Gulf of Mexico and near western Florida.
“While confidence remains lower on the exact impacts for east central Florida, the primary concern is heavy rain leading to localized flooding. Coastal impacts are a lower threat.”
Should this area of disturbance develop, Invest 97L could become Tropical Storm Debby.
Have your hurricane safety plan in place.
The NWS National Hurricane Center in Miami released the following statement at 8 o’clock this morning:
“A well-defined tropical wave is producing a large area of poorly organized showers and thunderstorms over eastern Cuba, Hispaniola, the southern Bahamas, and Jamaica, as well as the adjacent waters of the southwestern Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea. The wave is expected to move near or over Cuba throughout the day and then emerge over the streets of Florida tonight or Saturday. Environmental conditions are expected to be conducive for additional development after that time, and a tropical depression is likely to form this weekend over the streets of Florida or Eastern Gulf of Mexico near the Florida Peninsula. Tropical storm watches are warnings could be required for portions of Florida later today.
“Regardless of development, heavy rains, could cause areas of flash flooding across Florida.”
Check www.lakewalesdaily.com for further local updates.