Tropical system could affect Florida’s Gulf coast by early next week

ORLANDO, Fla. — Update:

Chief meteorologist Tom Terry said Thursday that development is increasingly likely for a system currently over Central America.

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The Euro model predicts a definite system nearing Florida’s Gulf coast Tuesday or Wednesday as a possible hurricane.

But he said the GFS model is not yet on board.

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“As the models start getting more concrete data from the disturbance nearing the western Caribbean, we’re hoping for more clarity from the Euro and GFS models,” he said. “Rain is on the way (according to both models), but the Euro model continues to show a potential hurricane near Florida’s west coast next week.”

Terry said there is still lots to monitor, but you should start thinking now about your hurricane preparations, including ensuring that your hurricane kit contains water, batteries, fuel and medications.

Click here to download our free apps, and watch live updates from Terry on Channel 9 Eyewitness News.

Earlier story:

As we move closer to the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season next month, several areas are being monitored.

Channel 9 meteorologists are tracking an area of disturbed weather in Central America that will lift to the north into the Gulf of Mexico.

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Tropical development is possible over the next couple of days, and eventually, this area could pose a threat to the Gulf states, including Florida.

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Conditions are conducive for some development this weekend.

It is possible a named system develops in the Gulf of Mexico and then works its way to the northeast.

It is too early to tell if this will happen for certain, but the water temperatures are so, so warm that development close to Florida is a big concern this season.

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Tropical Storm Franklin is soaking Hispaniola Thursday morning after unleashing heavy rain over the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

Harold’s remnants are still dropping heavy rain as it moves through New Mexico.

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There are also two other disturbances far out to sea, and they will likely stay in the Atlantic.

Follow our Severe Weather team on Twitter for live updates:

• Chief meteorologist Tom Terry
• Kassandra Crimi
• George Waldenberger
• Brian Shields

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