We’ve had our eyes on a broad disturbance in the southwestern Caribbean and it has now gained tropical depression status.
- Tropical Depression 16 forms in southwestern Caribbean
- Expected to quickly strengthen to Tropical Storm Nate
- May move into Gulf of Mexico this weekend
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We still have TD 16 at the 5pm update.
TD 16 is located at 12.5N 82.5W, approximately 55 miles west of San Andres Island and 290 miles south-southeast of the Nicaragua-Honduras boarder. The depression is moving to the northwest at 7 mph. Winds are currently at 35 mph, and strengthening to tropical storm status is likely later today or tonight. When named, TD 16 will become Nate.
Tropical storm warnings have been issued for parts of Central America. Areas of Nicaragua could see in excess of 20 to 30-inches of rain as the depression moves by the country.
The following tropical storm warnings are in effect:
- The coast of Nicaragua from Sandy Bay Sirpi northward to the Honduras border
- The coast of Honduras from Punta Castilla eastward to the border with Nicaragua
Beyond tonight, there are still questions as to where and how strong this system will become.
Most of the models are in agreement with a movement into the Gulf of Mexico this weekend, then diverge with some taking it toward the coast of Louisiana and others bringing it into the panhandle of Florida overnight Sunday into Monday. High pressure overhead and a cold front sweeping into the central U.S. will play a role in steering this system. We’ll need to monitor closely because any shift east would bring more wind and rain to central Florida.
Elsewhere in the Atlantic, no tropical formation is expected in the next five days.