Tropical Storm Could be Forming in the Gulf of Mexico

An area of low pressure over the Bay of Campeche is increasing in intensity.

Showers and thunderstorm activity has increased and has become better organized during the past several hours.

The low is also now producing winds to near tropical storm force. Meaning maximum sustained winds are at least at 63 km/h.

A tropical or subtropical storm is likely to form later today or tonight.

Models to indicate that this system will at least reach tropical storm status.

The low is forecast to approach the northern or northeastern Gulf Coast on Friday or Saturday and regardless of development, the system is likely to produce gusty winds and rough surf over those areas. Heavy rainfall is also possible across portions of the southeast U.S. late this week and this weekend.

The next named storm will be Nestor.