Tropical system chance shrinks
But meteorologists warn we’re not out of the woods yet
The tropical wave identified by meteorologists Sunday afternoon weakened considerably Monday as it passed through the Caribbean Sea, according to the National Hurricane Center’s 2 p.m. update.
But the chance of tropical system formation lingers at 10 percent in the next five days, NHC said.
“Atmospheric conditions as well as land effects should inhibit the development of this system as it moves west-northwestward for the next several days,” NHC said. “This disturbance, however, could still produce an increase in cloudiness and thunderstorms over Puerto Rico, the Greater Antilles and portions of the Bahamas during the next few days.”
Current projections show Central Florida lying directly in its pathway as it continues to move northwest while producing heavy rainfall and the possibility of flash flooding in Puerto Rico, the Lesser Antilles, and Hispaniola.
The wave still stands a chance of strengthening later this week if it
passes through the Florida strait, said WOFL meteorologist Jayme King.
“If it tracks into the Florida Straits, it could grow in that area which is basically a pipeline of tropical development,” King said. The area of Florida water between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean is warmer and contains less wind shear, making it conducive to storm systems to form.
“As we get into August it pays to be prepared for anything as these storms can develop quickly,” King said.
Meteorologists first noticed the disturbance Sunday afternoon.
If it does become a tropical depression and then tropical storm, with winds blowing stronger then 39 mph, it will become the third named storm of the year, donning the name “Chantal.”
The NHC’s next update is scheduled for 8 p.m.