The NBC2 First Alert Hurricane Team is tracking a tropical wave that has a high chance of developing into a tropical depression or tropical storm near Florida's Gulf Coast this weekend.
The tropical disturbance, referred to as Invest 97L, is currently moving over Cuba, which should limit the chance for development in the short term.
MORE: Latest maps, models and paths for Invest 97L
As of 8 a.m. Friday, the National Hurricane Center gives the tropical wave a 60% chance of forming into at least a tropical depression within the next two days but a 90% chance over the course of the next seven days.
MORE: NBC2 First Alert Hurricane Guide+
Land interaction is a big factor in this part of the world and one of the biggest reasons why it's difficult to see a situation where this wave becomes an organized tropical system before moving into the gulf this weekend.
The latest model plots have shifted east this morning, bringing the center of a potential developing storm close to the coast of Southwest Florida Saturday evening into Sunday morning.
For now, the main impact on our community looks to be an increase in rain coverage starting Saturday afternoon. Rainfall from this system has the potential to be significant from Saturday through Sunday, ranging from 3-6 inches.
However, it's possible that parts of South Florida could see 6-8 inches of rain depending on where the heavier rain bands set up.
Although we don't expect this to be a major wind event for us, a faster-forming storm could bring tropical storm-force winds to portions of the area, with gusts above 40 mph near the coast.
Keep in mind that the wind forecast is highly dependent on the exact track and strength of the storm, which is still somewhat uncertain.
It should be stressed with any not-yet-formed tropical system the situation is fluid and subject to change based on the storm's evolution. It's a good idea, in this case, to make a point to be updated on the system at least once per day.
If this storm becomes named, it will be Tropical Storm Debby.
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