MIAMI, FL — A broad area of low pressure over the southeast coast of Florida is likely to become a tropical or subtropical storm on Saturday, according to the National Hurricane Center.
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The center’s Dennis Feltgen told Patch the storm would be given the name Arthur if maximum sustained winds reach at least 39 mph.
“Regardless of development, the disturbance will continue to bring heavy rainfall and gusty winds across portions of southeastern Florida and the northwestern Bahamas through today,” weather officials said early Saturday.
“Dangerous surf conditions and rip currents are also
possible along portions of the southeast U.S. coast this weekend and early next week,” The National Hurricane Center said.
Florida health officials suspended coronavirus testing at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday and Sunday as a precaution.
Weather forecasters said the system was producing disorganized shower activity and gusty winds. It had an 80 percent chance of formation over 48 hours and an 80 percent chance over five days.
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A U.S. Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft was to investigate the system on Saturday.
“In addition, hazardous marine conditions are expected along the Florida east coast and in the Bahamas where gale warnings are currently in effect,” forecasters said.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. It is not uncommon to have named storms prior to the official start of the season.
“Dangerous surf conditions and rip currents are possible along portions of the southeast U.S. coast this weekend and early next week,” forecasters cautioned.
This year’s list of Atlantic storm names includes Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, Fay, Gonzalo, Hanna, Isaias, Josephine, Kyle, Laura, Marco, Nana, Omar, Paulette, Rene, Sally, Teddy, Vicky and Wilfred.
The Atlantic basin includes the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Prediction Center will issue its outlook for the Atlantic and eastern North Pacific basins on May 21, just ahead of the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season.