Miami, Fla.-(Newsradio 970 WFLA)-That disturbance off the coast of Africa has been named Potential Tropical Cyclone Six by forecasters at the National Hurricane Center. Six is expected to become a hurricane over the upcoming weekend.
Potential Tropical Cyclone Six Public Advisory 5 pm EDT
...HEAVY RAINS AND GUSTY WINDS EXPECTED IN THE SOUTHERN CABO VERDE ISLANDS ON FRIDAY...
SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for... * Santiago * Fogo * Brava
A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area, in this case, within the next 24 to 36 hours.
For storm information specific to your area, please monitor products issued by your national meteorological service.
DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK ---------------------- At 500 PM AST (2100 UTC), the disturbance was centered near latitude 12.9 North, longitude 19.4 West. The system is moving toward the west near 9 mph (15 km/h), and a general west to west-northwest track with an increase in forward speed is expected during the next 2 to 3 days. On the forecast track, the disturbance or the tropical cyclone is expected to move near or over the southern Cabo Verde Islands on Friday.
Maximum sustained winds remain near 30 mph (45 km/h) with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast, and the disturbance is expected to become a tropical storm during the next day or so.
Environmental conditions are favorable for the system to become a tropical cyclone tonight or Friday. * Formation chance through 48 hours...high...80 percent * Formation chance through 5 days...high...90 percent
The estimated minimum central pressure is 1007 mb (29.74 inches).
HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND ---------------------- RAINFALL: The system could produce total rain accumulations of 4 to 8 inches across the southern Cabo Verde Islands. These rains could produce life-threatening flash floods.
WINDS: Tropical storm conditions are expected in the southern Cabo Verde Islands on Friday.
Graphic courtesy National Hurricane Center