Alabama Monitors the Tropics: Possible Tropical Storm to Develop

We have entered the last month of hurricane season, and attention is on Potential Tropical Cyclone 18 in the Caribbean. The system is predicted to develop into Tropical Storm Rafael over the next 24 hours.

The National Hurricane Center said that the system is expected to become a tropical depression soon.” In addition, it is forecasted to “strengthen as it moves across the western Caribbean.

National Hurricane Center

What Does This Mean for Alabama?

At this moment, not too sure. More substantial predictions on the track and the system's intensity should come in the next 24 to 36 hours.

James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist, said, “If the system brings beneficial rain to the Deep South (including Alabama), it will be in the Friday-Saturday time frame.”

“Heavy rainfall will spread north into Florida and adjacent areas of the Southeast United States during mid-to-late week,” said the National Hurricane Center.

We are closely monitoring this developing weather situation.

"We will have much better clarity once the system develops a good core, and we get dropsonde data from hurricane hunters," said Spann.

Mary K. – Weather Forecaster

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