A tropical wave in the Central Atlantic Ocean has a 60% chance of developing into a tropical storm later this week, but it’s still too early to say if Sarasota and Manatee counties will be impacted, according to the latest assessment from the National Hurricane Center.
The system is expected to track west-northwest across the western Atlantic Ocean and approach the Greater Antilles and the Bahamas. If sustained winds reach 39 MPH, it could become Tropical Storm Debby, the fourth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.
Will the latest tropical system affect the Sarasota area?
National Weather Service forecasters in Ruskin said that it’s too early to determine how the system might impact Sarasota and Manatee counties, but they’ll monitor its progress as conditions for its development improve over the next few days.
If the storm tracks north of the big islands in the northern Caribbean later this week, it would more likely be a concern for the East Coast of the U.S. If the storm tracks just south of the big islands, it may be more concerning for the U.S Gulf Coast.
A tropical wave east of the Leeward Islands has a 60% chance of development in the next 7 days. A tropical depression could form late this week. Interests in the Greater Antilles, Bahamas, and SE U.S. should monitor the progress of this system at https://t.co/VD8ljHgJUX. #flwx pic.twitter.com/zttGuTtjRM
— NWS Tampa Bay (@NWSTampaBay) July 30, 2024
“Due to ongoing model uncertainties, predicting the system’s strength, timing, or path remains challenging,” said NWS officials in a statement.
Officials are encouraging residents to have a hurricane plan, to prepare a supply kit and to follow any updates closely.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Will tropical weather in Atlantic affect Sarasota, Bradenton area?
Source Agencies
