Tropical Depression Five forms in the Gulf

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA (WINK) — The Weather Authority is tracking two systems in the Tropics on Monday. 

Northwestern Gulf: A storm could form fast

A small area of low pressure in the northern Gulf of Mexico, just about 100 miles south of Louisiana, is more organized this morning as showers and thunderstorms continue to develop. An Air Force Reserve hurricane hunter aircraft flew into investigate the system this morning.

Forecasters expect the system to strengthen as it slowly moves west-northwest. A short-lived tropical storm is likely to form before it reaches the Texas or southwestern Louisiana coast on Tuesday. The next name is Edouard.

People along the Louisiana and Texas coastlines should keep an eye on the system today. Tropical Storm Warnings have been issued for the northwestern Gulf Coast from Port Bolivar, Texas, to the Vermilion/Cameron Parish Line in Louisiana. Heavy rain and gusty winds are expected along parts of the coast over the next couple of days.

• Chance of formation: High — 70% over both the next 2 days and 7 days
• Who should pay attention: Folks along the southwest Louisiana and Upper Texas coasts, where tropical storm watches or warnings could go up later today. Even if it doesn't officially become a named storm, heavy rain is expected in these areas over the next several days. The system will not directly impact SWFL.

Near Puerto Rico: Dolly's leftovers linger

The remnants of what used to be Tropical Storm Dolly are still stirring up showers and storms from Hispaniola to the northern Leeward Islands.

Strong winds high in the atmosphere should keep this system from regrouping over the next day or two, but conditions may become more favorable by midweek as it nears the southern Bahamas or Florida Straits.

As of the 8 a.m. update, the odds of development decreased from 20% down to 10% over the next week. 

• Chance of formation: Low — near 0% over the next 2 days, 10% over 7 days
• Who should pay attention: Residents of the Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola, who could see heavy rain and gusty winds over the next couple of days, regardless of whether it strengthens.

Regardless of development, some of the moisture is expected to increase rain coverage in SWFL mid to late week.