Officials see 70% chance of hurricane

Arthur could form near the Bahamas

The first tropical event of 2020 could form weeks ahead of schedule as forecasters monitor a disturbance that has high odds of becoming a subtropical storm near the Bahamas.

An area of low pressure has a 70 percent chance of forming near the northeastern part of the Bahamas on Friday and a 10 percent chance of forming within the next 48 hours, according to the National Hurricane Center’s Wednesday evening update.

“Environmental conditions appear conducive for gradual development of this system, and a subtropical depression or storm is likely to form this weekend.

The system is expected to move generally northeastward over the western Atlantic through early next week,” said John Cangialosi, an NHC senior hurricane specialist.

The storm, if it forms, does not look like much of a threat for Floridians, according to FOX 35 meteorologist, Jayme King.

“Pretty complex situation, but it looks like we’ll have a 40 to 50 percent chance of rain Friday, but it looks like its going to be a lot heavier in South Florida,” King said. Saturday morning has 40 percent chance of rain as well, King said.

While many are still focused on the coronavirus pandemic the possible formation of Arthur does serve as a reminder about the impending hurricane season.

“It’s kind of like Mother Nature saying ‘I know coronavirus is out there, but a little birdie told me its tropical weather season, yet again.’ The time to prepare is now,” King said.

Hurricane season doesn’t start until June 1, but the past five years have all seen the formation of early tropical systems. Last year, subtropical storm Andrea formed on May 20 east of the Bahamas, although, the storm did not make landfall and petered out by May 21.

Should the storm form this weekend, it will be named Arthur.