Tampa, Florida – A potential tropical system could bring heavy rain and gusty winds to parts of Florida and the Southeast U.S. starting this weekend, with the National Hurricane Center monitoring a low-pressure area developing along a weakening frontal boundary.
According to the NHC’s update Wednesday afternoon, conditions over the western Atlantic and eastern Gulf of Mexico are only marginally favorable for development. However, the system—labeled Disturbance 1—has a 40% chance of forming into a tropical or subtropical depression by early next week as it moves northward or northeastward.
Regardless of formation, forecasters warn that widespread rainfall is likely across western and central Florida, including cities like Tampa, Sarasota, and Gainesville. Localized flooding in low-lying and poorly drained areas is possible, especially during periods of high tide. Emergency managers urge residents to prepare for heavy rain, avoid flooded roads, and monitor power outages in vulnerable areas.
This system is unrelated to Hurricane Flossie in the Pacific, which remains several hundred miles south of Baja California.
More updates are expected in the coming days as the system evolves. Tropical development remains possible through early next week.
