AUSTIN (KXAN) — There could be trouble in the tropics as an area of low pressure off the east coast of Florida has become an area of interest for tropical development this week.
The National Hurricane Center gave the area a 40% chance of development in the next 48 hours as well as a 40% chance of development in the next seven days. As the system moves past the Florida Peninsula and into the northeastern Gulf, the system has a greater chance of developing into a tropical depression.
While there is a general trend for this system to move west over the Northern Gulf, there is some uncertainty. Forecast models have the system moving westward over the Florida Peninsula overnight. It is expected to be in the Gulf by Wednesday, moving into the north-central Gulf as the week progresses and potentially nearing the Louisiana coast late week.
Regardless of development, this system will likely result in heavy rainfall and risks of flooding as it scrapes along the Gulf Coast. A flood risk exists for parts of the northern Gulf coast states this week, with portions of the Louisiana coast given a three out of four level flood threat on Friday.
KXAN’s First Warning Weather Team will continue to give updates on the tropical development throughout the week.