NHC monitoring tropical wave with 60% chance for development

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) – The National Hurricane Center continues to monitor a disturbance in the Atlantic that could potentially develop later this week or weekend.

The tropical wave is battling dry air as it moves several hundred miles east of the Lesser Antilles. But forecasters say that a tropical depression or storm could form near the Bahamas by the end of the week. Right now, it has a 60% chance of developing.

Forecast ensemble models show the system could take a sharp turn to the north once it nears the Bahamas and Greater Antilles. Where and when that turn happens is something forecasters are watching.

“Is it a little bit closer to Florida? If it is, something we have to watch. If it’s a little farther out to the east, it would be a North Carolina and New England issue,” said Storm Team 2 Meteorologist Josh Marthers. “If it’s way out there to the east, it goes safely between the U.S. and Bermuda.”

Marthers reminded people that the system has not formed into a depression or storm as of Tuesday morning, so it’s still too early to know where it will go and what impacts – if any – we can anticipate.

“We don’t even have a tropical depression or tropical storm, and the chances of that occurring is at 60% so there’s still a chance this doesn’t do anything,” he said. “Don’t get worked up over this. Don’t let it ruin your week, it’s too early in the game for that.”

Storm Team 2 will continue monitoring the system.