Tropical depression forms on Day 1 of hurricane season. Here’s what Coast should know.
A tropical depression has formed off the coast of Mexico on the first day of hurricane season, and the National Hurricane Center expects it to strengthen into a tropical storm and possibly drift north later in the week.
Satellite imagery showed the storm’s center becoming better defined as it swirled over the Yucatan peninsula, the NHC said, and rainbands could be seen Monday.
Tropical Depression Three is forecast to stay in the warm waters of the Bay of Campeche for the next few days, and winds are favorable for strengthening. It’s expected to become Tropical Storm Cristobal within 12 to 48 hours.
After that, there are two scenarios shown by forecast models, the NHC said. One scenario is the storm moves south and dissipates over the rugged terrain of southern Mexico, with a second storm system possibly forming from the remnants in south-central Gulf of Mexico.
The second scenario is the storm system drifts north-northeast into the central Gulf, where it could further strengthen.
“The NHC forecast favors the latter, but it is certainly possible that this tropical cyclone will move inland and dissipate and a new cyclone formation occurs later this week.”
“However, it is too soon to specify the location and timing of any potential impacts along the U.S. Gulf Coast.”
The NHC advises Gulf Coast residents to “monitor the progress of this system through the week and ensure they have their hurricane plan in place as we begin the season.”
