There are times during hurricane season when we track a hurricane for an entire week or more. 

There are other times when tropical storms and hurricanes form quickly and get stronger within a matter of hours or days. If those storms form close to land, there’s not much time to prepare.

There is something new this season that will help alert people to the potential for a tropical storm or hurricane before it even forms. 

This year, you might hear and see something called a “Potential Tropical Cyclone.” What is it?

It’s a tropical disturbance that has the potential to become a named storm. It would only be issued for systems threatening land within about 48 hours.

So, a Tropical Storm or Hurricane Watch or Warning could be issued before the system even has a name.

Sound confusing? Hopefully it won’t be.  

At Bay News 9, we already let you know what areas we are monitoring for possible tropical development and where we think these systems could go. The main difference, beginning this year, is that there could be watches, warnings, and even the cone for systems that don’t have a name but are expected to be named within 48 hours.

This is all in an effort to help you prepare and to keep your family safe. It’s a “heads up” that tropical storm or hurricane conditions could happen. 

You can count on us at Bay News 9 to bring you the Tropical Update at :49 minutes past the hour, every hour, during hurricane season. 

We have more frequent updates when a tropical storm or hurricane threatens the area. 

You will also find updates on our website and social media. Follow us on Twitter @bn9weather and check out our Facebook updates at facebook.com/bn9weather.