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Tracking the tropics: Tropical Depression 5 forms over Tropical Atlantic

Tropical Depression expected to become Tropical Storm on Thursday

ORLANDO, Fla. – All eyes are on the tropics. A portion of Florida is in the forecast cone of the Tropical Depression.

The Tropical Depression is expected to become a Tropical Storm on Thursday.

A broad area of low pressure associated with a tropical wave is about 1,020 miles east of the Windward Islands. This system is producing a large area of showers and thunderstorms that has become better organized since Tuesday, according to the National Hurricane Center.

A portion of Florida is in the forecast cone of the Tropical Depression. (WKMG)

Environmental conditions appear generally favorable for further development, and a tropical depression is likely to form during the next day or two while the system moves west-northwest at about 20-25 mph.

Computer models show the disturbance tracking near or over, but it’s projected path is very uncertain as of now.

The National Hurricane Center says there’s a 90% chance of tropical development over the next five days.

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The next named storms will be Elsa, Fred and Grace.

Meanwhile, disorganized showers and thunderstorms continue in association with a tropical wave located over the Lesser Antilles.

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According to the NHC, the system has become less organized since Tuesday and significant development is no longer expected as it moves quickly westward across the Caribbean Sea.

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Still though, the system is expected to produce locally heavy rainfall to portions of the Lesser Antilles through Wednesday night.

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