Here’s What the Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Weather Center is Watching

There has been much internet chatter about a massive hurricane impacting areas along the Gulf Coast or into Florida. As much as that could happen (I mean, it is hurricane season), predicting those types of impacts this far in advance could lead to forecasting confusion.

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However, the Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa weather team is closely watching an area of interest that could "form this weekend across the western Caribbean; it will drift northward into the Gulf of Mexico early next week," said James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist.

The Weather Channel said, "Details on its possible future track and strength are uncertain, but the U.S. Gulf Coast should stay updated."

At this time, this potential tropical development could develop into a tropical depression or storm next week.

The National Hurricane Center gives the system a "40 percent chance of development" over the next seven days.

"For that to happen, the broader low would need to spin off a more well-defined low-pressure system with persistent shower and thunderstorm activity," said The Weather Channel.

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"There is a chance there could be a tropical system in the Gulf late next week, but the range of possibilities extends from the coast of Mexico all the way over to Florida. It could be a hurricane, or just a broad low/rainmaker. It is simply too early to know," said Spann. 

We are closely monitoring this weather system and will provide the necessary updates to inform you of any potential impacts.

Mary K. – Weather Forecaster