Growing concern in the Atlantic, may be trouble for Florida
Digital Reporter
Wednesday, August 24, 2016, 11:49 AM - The tropics will be rather active during the next 7+ days in both the Atlantic and Pacific, including near typhoon-hit Japan.
Tropical Storm Gaston will become a hurricane (potentially a strong hurricane) but most likely stay well out to sea as it recurves into the central Atlantic, according to Weather Network Meteorologist Dr. Doug Gillham.
However, with the latest model runs, concern continues to increase regarding the track and intensity of Invest 99-L – which is expected to become Tropical Storm Hermine.
"There are factors that could prevent this system from ever developing (dry air and interaction with Hispaniola)" says Gillham. "However if the system survives -- which looks more and more likely -- and reaches the Bahamas, conditions will be favorable for intensification as it approaches Florida late this weekend."
Click Play to watch below: What current models are forecasting
This system could turn north and track along the coast of Florida, but the more likely track appears to be across southern Florida and into the Gulf of Mexico, Gillham adds.
"Conditions early next week in the Gulf of Mexico would be favorable for further intensification -- potentially a major hurricane -- and once a system makes it into the Gulf, landfall is inevitable," he cautions. "There is still considerable uncertainty regarding the future track and intensity, but this will likely be the biggest story in the long range for the next week – with significant impacts on weather patterns later next week even well after landfall."
Be sure to watch the video above for the latest update on all tropical activity and check back regularly as we continue to monitor this developing story.