Tropical Depression 2 forms in Atlantic, likely to become Tropical Storm Beryl: National Hurricane Center
ORLANDO, Fla. - UPDATE: Tropical Depression Two has strengthened into Tropical Storm Beryl. This story will no longer be updated after 11 p.m. Friday, June 28. For the latest on Tropical Storm Beryl and other tropical waves, visit our new story here.
Tropical Depression Two formed late Friday afternoon in the Atlantic Ocean east of the Caribbean islands – and is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Beryl and eventually into a full-fledged hurricane before reaching the Windward Islands over the next several days, the National Hurricane Center said.
Previously known as Invest 95L, the system is located about 1,225 miles east-southeast of Barbados.
Tracking Tropical Depression Two: Latest Forecast
The National Hurricane Center said the system has become better defined, with showers and thunderstorms increasing in organization. The NHC said there is a 100% likelihood that the depression will develop into a tropical cyclone within the next 48 hours.
"A relatively quick westward to west-northwestward motion is expected during the next few days. On the forecast track, the system is expected to move across the Windward Islands late Sunday night and Monday," the NHC said.
The system is expected to continue westward between 15 and 20 mph and approach the Windward Islands by the end of the weekend. Hurricane or Tropical Storm Watches may be required for parts of the region late Friday or early Saturday.
Once the system's sustained winds reach 39 mph, it becomes a tropical storm – and will be known as Tropical Storm Beryl. If it continues to strengthen and reaches maximum sustained winds of 74 mph, it will become Hurricane Beryl.
Tropical Depression Two is expected to produce rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches across Barbados and the Windward Islands. This rainfall may produce localized flooding in vulnerable areas.
The NHC said swells generated by the depression are expected to reach the Windward and southern Leeward Islands by late Sunday. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
"The system is a remarkably favorable region for significant and rapid development. It's very rare for late June. Light wind shear and historically warm sea surface temperatures will cause this," said FOX 35 Storm Team Meteorologist Noah Bergren. "I think it could make a run briefly at major, Category 3 status late this weekend."
"We think a sprawling high-pressure dome should safely deflect Beryl south from Florida, so Floridians need only remain in tune with the forecast," said FOX 35 Storm Team Meteorologist Noah Bergren.
The most likely path for Hurricane Beryl will be across the Caribbean, then either into Central America or possibly into the Gulf, then towards Texas or Mexico. A path curving northeast into Florida is very unlikely at this time.
How do you pronounce Beryl?
According to the NHC, the proper pronunciation for Beryl is "BEHR-ril," similar to barrel.
Tropical Depression Two Spaghetti Models
Tropical wave tracking right behind Tropical Depression Two
Located several hundred miles south-southwest of Tropical Depression Two and the Cabo Verde Islands is a tropical wave that is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms, the NHC said.
It has a low chance of further development but is the latest system brewing in the Atlantic, part of what is expected to be an extremely active hurricane season.
"Some slow development of this system is possible next week while it moves generally westward at 15 to 20 mph across the central and western tropical Atlantic," the NHC said.
