Tropical Depression #13 Forms; Will Become a Powerful Hurricane by the End of the Week

This system is expected to become Tropical Storm Lee by this evening, and a hurricane on Thursday, and a major hurricane by the weekend. It appears that rapid intensification will be likely later on in the week.

Indications are that it will stay north of Puerto Rico, but interests in the northern Leewards are being advised to monitor the latest forecasts, and interests in Puerto Rico should as well.

BULLETIN
Tropical Depression Thirteen Advisory Number   1
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL       AL132023
1100 AM AST Tue Sep 05 2023

...NEW TROPICAL DEPRESSION FORMS IN THE CENTRAL TROPICAL ATLANTIC...
...FORECAST TO BECOME A POWERFUL HURRICANE BY THE END OF THE WEEK...


SUMMARY OF 1100 AM AST...1500 UTC...INFORMATION
-----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...12.5N 40.2W
ABOUT 1425 MI...2295 KM E OF THE LESSER ANTILLES
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...35 MPH...55 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...WNW OR 285 DEGREES AT 15 MPH...24 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1008 MB...29.77 INCHES


WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
None.

Interests in the Leeward Islands should monitor the progress of
this system.


DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK
----------------------
At 1100 AM AST (1500 UTC), the center of Tropical Depression
Thirteen was located near latitude 12.5 North, longitude 40.2 West.
The depression is moving toward the west-northwest near 15 mph (24
km/h), and this motion is expected to continue for the next few 
days.

Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph (55 km/h) with higher gusts.
The depression is forecast to be a hurricane in a couple of days 
and could become a major hurricane in a few days. 

The estimated minimum central pressure is 1008 mb (29.77 inches).


HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
None.

Key messages for the depression can be found in the Tropical Cyclone
Discussion under AWIPS header MIATCDAT3 and WMO header WTNT43 KNHC. 


NEXT ADVISORY
-------------
Next complete advisory at 500 PM AST.

$$
Forecaster Blake

Category: Alabama's Weather, ALL POSTS, Tropical