Gulf System on Radar: What Florida Drivers Should Know This Weekend

For the first time in weeks, the National Hurricane Center has posted two disturbances on its tropical outlook map. While both carry low development odds, their appearance marks a shift from the quiet pattern we’ve seen. One area of low pressure is expected to form over the northeastern Gulf this weekend, drifting slowly northeast.

Forecasters give it a 20 percent chance of developing over the next seven days.

Florida residents don’t need to panic. AccuWeather lead hurricane expert Alex DaSilva says early-season waves like these usually face too much dry air and wind shear to strengthen. The bigger concern? Heavy rain. Even if this system never becomes a named storm, it could bring flooding downpours to the Florida Panhandle, Big Bend, and up the Southeast coast.

Dry soil from ongoing drought may actually increase runoff and flood risk.

The only named storm so far this season was Arthur back in June. The next name on the list is Bertha. While the Gulf system bears watching, forecasters stress that hostile upper-level winds and dry air should keep any development weak. Still, with sea-surface temperatures running 2 to 4 degrees above normal, conditions could change quickly.