Tropical Storm Laura forms, second system could be named soon

Both storms could impact north Gulf Coast mid-week

Jacksonville, Fl — Update 9:15 am Friday - The National Hurricane Center says Tropical Storm Laura has formed in the central Atlantic Ocean. We have been tracking the system for multiple days, as it began as Tropical Depression #13.

NOAA Hurricane Hunter Aircraft indicated that the system had strengthened, with maximum sustained winds of around 45 mph. The center of Laura is located south of the previously estimated position, which is likely to change the track and intensity forecasts.

INDEPTH: Mike Buresh Talking the Tropics blog

Update 5am Friday - We are tracking tropical depression #13 in the Central Atlantic. TD #13 is forecast to become a tropical storm by tonight or tomorrow. This system will make its way near or north of the Lesser and Greater Antilles in the Caribbean today and this weekend.

This storm is forecast to be near South Florida by Monday. The current forecast has a hurricane approaching S. Florida / The Florida Keys Monday morning before emerging in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico.

Impacts will be minimal, if at all, with the current forecast.

We are also tracking tropical depression #14 in the Western Caribbean right now. We could see this depression become a tropical storm later today. Another tropical wave is moving off the West Coast of Africa today.

Tropical Depression #14 has formed in the central Caribbean and is forecast to impact a portion of the U.S. Gulf Coast early next week.

The First Alert Weather Team is carefully tracking Tropical Depression #13 in the central Atlantic, which appears to pose a greater threat for Florida into next week. As of 11 am Thursday the National Hurricane Center forecast shows the system strengthening into a Category One Hurricane by early next week.

Action News Jax Chief Meteorologist Mike Buresh will be updating the forecast and long-range track over the next several days and throughout the weekend. Be sure to check back for updates, as the forecast will change.

TALKING THE TROPICS WITH MIKE BURESH

There is another tropical wave moving off the coast of Africa, as we are reaching the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, officially on September 10th.

Rich Jones

Rich Jones

Rich Jones is the Host of Jacksonville’s Morning News. Rich joined WOKV in October 2006. Rich is involved in many community organizations and causes. Rich and his wife, Noelle, have three children: Avery, Harper and Austen.

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