Tropical disturbance or storm likely to form in gulf ahead of Labor Day

A disturbance entering the Gulf of Mexico is likely to develop into a tropical depression or storm in the next week, according to the National Hurricane Center. The broad area of low pressure is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms as it moves north through environmental conditions that appear to be conducive to development, forecasters said Friday morning. The system poses no threat to Florida over the next three to five days, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management. It is too soon to tell if there will be any impacts to the Forgotten Coast, though several forecast models indicate this is possible towards the middle of next week. At this time, officials recommend that Florida residents and residents in other areas around the Gulf of Mexico remain prepared but not panicked and continue to monitor weather forecasts. The National Hurricane Center is currently projecting that the storm has a 70 percent chance of cyclone formation over the next week. For instructions on how to remain hurricane prepared, visit https://www.stateofflorida.com/articles/hurricane-preparedness-guide/#:~:text=Make%20sure%20all%20trees%20and,secure%20and%20brace%20internal%20doors. We are continuing to monitor forecasts and will update this report as more information becomes available.