ORLANDO, Fla. — Tropical Depression Nine has formed in the southern Gulf, bringing the potential for heavy rain and tropical storm-force winds along the central Gulf Coast this weekend.
The system would be named Isaias if it strengthens into a tropical storm. The National Hurricane Center has begun issuing advisories on the depression.
Channel 9’s weather team is watching the stretch of coast from New Orleans to Fort Walton Beach as the system develops.
Forecast models generally agree on a path toward the northern Gulf Coast, but differ on how strong the system could become.
Some of the strongest model projections show the depression reaching Category 2 hurricane strength before landfall. That is a possible scenario, rather than a settled forecast.
The system could strengthen quickly at first before encountering strong wind shear that may disrupt its circulation and limit further development.
Regardless of its eventual strength, heavy rainfall is expected to be a major concern. Channel 9’s weather team says 4 to 8 inches of rain could fall in the hardest-hit areas between late Friday and Sunday.
The system is still early in its development, and its track, strength and impacts could change. Channel 9’s weather team will continue providing updates as the forecast becomes clearer.
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