Tropical Depression 2 forms in the Atlantic and is likely to become Beryl

Tropical Depression Two formed Friday evening east of the Caribbean Islands in the tropical Atlantic, and is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm as it tracks west toward the Caribbean.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has been monitoring the development of this system, formerly Invest 95L, over the past few days. Satellite images on Friday indicated that the system had gained enough organization to be classified as a tropical depression.

Tropical Depression Two will be named Beryl once the NHC determines its maximum sustained winds reach at least 39 mph.

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Where is tropical depression 2?

Tropical Depression Two is located in the tropical Atlantic less than 1,400 miles east-southeast of the Windward Islands.

What is the forecast for Tropical Depression 2?

Tropical Depression 2 is expected to continue strengthening over the next few days and soon become Tropical Storm Beryl by Saturday as it continues to move westward, likely reaching the Windward Islands by the end of the weekend. Hurricane or tropical storm watches may be needed for parts of this region in the next 24 hours, the NHC added.

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However, the FOX Forecast Center said there is considerable uncertainty about where the system will go after this period and how strong it will be.

Disturbance #3 is looming just east of TD 2

A disturbance just east of Tropical Depression 2 lies a few hundred miles south-southwest of the Cape Verde Islands and is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms.

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Slow development of this system is possible early next week as it moves generally westward across the central and western tropical Atlantic at speeds of 15 to 20 mph, according to the NHC.

It currently has a 30% chance of developing over the next week.

Invest 94L targets Central America and Mexico

Another disturbance dubbed Invest 94L is moving across the Caribbean toward Central America and southern Mexico, bringing the possibility of heavy and dangerous rain.

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The NHC gives this system a low chance of developing. If it does, it would likely be in the far western Caribbean or the far southern Gulf of Mexico, if the system survives its journey across land, Norcross said.

“According to the current schedule, the disturbance will affect Central America and move towards the southern Gulf over the weekend,” he explained. “High pressure in the southern United States is expected to keep the system well to the south.”