Potential tropical development expected in the Gulf

Published: Updated:

The Weather Authority is tracking Invest 92-L in the Western Gulf of Mexico which could develop into a named storm, leading to a week of heavy rain for Southwest Florida beginning Sunday.

The Weather Authority Team is also tracking Hurricane Kirk, a major hurricane in the Central Atlantic, Hurricane Leslie in the Eastern Atlantic, and a tropical wave in the Eastern Atlantic.

The potential for tropical development in the Gulf has increased to 70% in the next 48 hours and a 90% chance of formation in the next seven days. The next name is Milton.

A forecast cone could be issued if the odds for development increase and a closed low forms Sunday into Monday.

The Weather Authority has a rainfall forecast in Southwest Florida of 4 to 7 inches on average for Saturday through Wednesday, with isolated 8-plus inches in spots.

If tropical development occurs, the system would be closest to Southwest Florida on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Areas that should keep an eye on the progress of this potential system include the Florida Peninsula and the Florida Keys.

The good news is that the strongest tropical systems, Hurricane Kirk and Hurricane Leslie, are forecast to stay in the Atlantic and far away from the United States.

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