Tampa, Fla. – Tropical Depression #7 has formed in the central Atlantic Ocean and is moving west-northwest at 13 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center. The system is expected to strengthen gradually in the coming days as it tracks toward the Caribbean.
At this time, forecasters stress there is no immediate threat to West Central or Southwest Florida. The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay is urging residents and visitors to revisit hurricane preparedness plans as the peak of the season continues. A separate tropical wave off the coast of Africa also has a 20 percent chance of development within the next week.
Officials caution that conditions can change quickly, and Florida’s Gulf Coast remains within reach of future storm tracks if strengthening continues. Emergency managers recommend checking supplies, reviewing evacuation routes, and ensuring mobile devices remain charged for potential alerts.
Updates on Tropical Depression #7 are expected daily as forecasters monitor for possible upgrades to a tropical storm.
