Here is our latest look at the tropics:

  • Tropical wave could impact Florida early next week
  • Gaston remains no threat to state
  • Check back often for continuous coverage

A strong tropical wave is moving westward across the northern Leeward Islands. Reports from an Air Force Reconnaissance aircraft indicate that the system still lacks a well-defined circulation, but it nevertheless is producing tropical-storm-force winds in squalls over the northernmost Leeward Islands.

Although strong upper level wind shear is current keeping the system disorganized, it could strengthen during the next couple of days. Conditions could become more favorable for development by the weekend when the system is near the central or northwestern Bahamas.

Since the wave is so poorly organized right now, it is difficult for computer models to latch on to a center of circulation. This has caused considerable model flip-flopping from run to run. However, models are coming into better agreement on possible impacts in Florida eventually.

We will continue to monitor this closely over the next few days so check back with us often.

In other news, Tropical Storm Gaston continues over the open Atlantic waters and has not made it to hurricane strength yet.

Please make sure to check our website and Bay News 9 app throughout the week, and watch our Tropical Updates each hour at :49.


There are several Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft missions scheduled to investigate this disturbance.