ORLANDO, Fla. – A disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Florida is now Tropical Depression 2.
The National Hurricane Center said an area of low pressure, Invest 91L, over the northeastern Gulf of Mexico developed into a tropical depression Thursday afternoon.
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No coastal watches are warnings are anticipated at this time.
In the NHC’s update at 10 p.m., meteorologists said the depression has maximum sustained winds of 35 mph, and is moving southward at 3 mph.
Some intensification is forecast, and the depression could become a tropical storm later tonight or Friday. However, the storm will likely weaken and become a remnant low by Saturday.
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The NHC sent hurricane hunters to investigate the storm Thursday afternoon.
Standby for takeoff 🛫 #Invest91L#ReserveReady pic.twitter.com/7gvxjR8Nzj
— Hurricane Hunters (@53rdWRS) June 1, 2023
Thursday marks the first day of the 2023 hurricane season, which runs through Nov. 30.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a “near normal” season and forecasts 12-17 named storms in 2023. Of those, five to nine could be hurricanes and one to four of those could become major hurricanes, reaching Category 3 intensity or greater.
The first named storm of the season will be Arlene. Here’s a full list of storm names for 2023.
For more tips to plan and prepare for storm season, visit ClickOrlando.com/Hurricane.
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