ORLANDO, Fla. — The next tropical depression of the season is likely to form this week as a low-pressure area pushes west Wednesday morning toward the Caribbean, the National Hurricane Center said in its 8 a.m. update.
An elongated, low-pressure area was identified Wednesday about 800 miles east of the Lesser Antilles and is showing signs of greater organization, the NHC said.
Upper-level winds aren’t ideal for the system’s development, but the low is missing just a smidge of organization before it’s considered a tropical depression, the NHC said. The low is producing showers and thunderstorms in a favorable environment for tropical maturity. Hurricane specialists gave the low a 70% chance of developing in the next two to five days.
For now, it’s forecast to move near or over portions of the Leeward Islands Friday and Friday night. Regardless of development, the system is likely to bring gusty winds and heavy rainfall to the islands Friday through Saturday
If it were to develop into a tropical storm, it would be named Fiona.
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