JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As Hurricane Francine barreled toward Louisiana on Wednesday, three more tropical systems in the Atlantic Ocean, including a newly formed Tropical Depression, are also on the radar of the National Hurricane Center.
Here’s a look at each one, starting with the system closest to the United States:
Disturbance 3 (AL94): A small but well-defined area of low pressure located several hundred miles to the east of the Leeward Islands is producing an area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms. The proximity of dry air near the system is expected to limit additional development over the next couple of days before environmental conditions become even less conducive by this weekend as it moves slowly west-northwestward. Formation chance through 7 days: 10%
Disturbance 2 (AL92): An elongated area of low pressure located over the central tropical Atlantic continues to produce some disorganized shower and thunderstorm activity. Environmental conditions appear marginally conducive for some slight development during the next day or two while the system moves westward at 5 to 10 mph over the central tropical Atlantic. The disturbance is expected to reach an area of stronger upper-level winds on Thursday, likely ending its chances for development.
Formation chance through 48 hours and seven days is: 20%
Offshore the Southeastern U.S.: In a few days, a non-tropical area of low pressure could form along a residual frontal boundary a few hundred miles off the southeastern U.S. coastline. Some subtropical or tropical development is possible during the early part of next week while the system drifts to the north or northwest.
Formation chance through 48 hours is 0 percent. Formation chance through 7 days is 30 percent.
Tropical Depression 7: Recent satellite-wind data indicates that the system located a few hundred miles to the west-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands has developed a well-defined circulation. In addition, showers and thunderstorms continue to show signs of organization, so NHC issued advisories for Tropical Depression 7 on Wednesday afternoon. The system is moving to the west-northwest at 10 to 15 mph and will be moving into the central Tropical Atlantic by the end of the week.