Disturbance off Florida coast could become tropical depression: NHC

ORLANDO, Fla. - Tropical Storm Alberto made landfall this morning near Tampico, Mexico, around 8 a.m. on Thursday. It weakened in the afternoon and is now post-tropical. 

We're closely monitoring two other areas of potential tropical development. One is in the same area, the Bay of Campeche, where Alberto previously formed. It has a 60% chance of development over the next seven days.

A second area of potential development, off the east coast of Florida and Georgia, with a 50% chance of development, is also being monitored. 

Satellite imagery showed that shower activity associated with the area of low pressure about 175 miles north-northeast of the northern Bahamas has become slightly better organized over the past 24 hours. However, earlier data from Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicated that the system does not yet have a well-defined circulation.

Environmental conditions remain marginally conducive for further development, and this system could become a tropical depression as it moves west-northwestward at 10 to 15 mph. 

The system is expected to approach the northeastern coast of Florida or the Georgia coast early on Friday, and residents in those areas should monitor its progress. 

In Central Florida, most of our impacts will be limited to our northernmost counties, except for rough surf conditions along the beaches. However, several factors could try to limit development, so stay tuned for more updates as they become available.

At the beach, forecasters said to expect large breaking waves and a high risk of rip currents. 

"Entering the waters is strongly discouraged," the NWS said. 

LOOKING AHEAD: Into the weekend and beyond, the big story will be the shift in winds leading to hot temperatures and more rain chances. Scattered showers and storms will be possible this weekend before growing more widespread next week. Temperatures will be hot, with highs back in the low and mid-90s.