Eye on the Tropics

Chance of Atlantic disturbance becoming organized storm decreases

ORLANDO, Fla. — Update: The chance of a disturbance in the Atlantic forming has gone down as of Wednesday evening, Channel 9 meteorologist George Waldenberger said.

The chance of formation went from 50% to 40%, Waldenberger said.

Low pressure over the central Atlantic is producing a large area of disorganized showers and storms. It’s still not a tropical system and is caught up with a front, Waldenberger said.

Although some subtropical development is still possible, time is running out. If it is to develop into a subtropical storm, it’s it will have to do so before it moves over cooler water Friday, which would eliminate the chance of tropical development..

Update:

A disturbance in the Atlantic Ocean was becoming better organized as of Wednesday afternoon.

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Winds within the system are greater than tropical storm force, with seas at 25 feet, certified meteorologist George Waldenberger said.

The storm system is still attached to a front, which is something true tropical systems do not have.

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If it does officially form, it could be a subtropical storm or a tropical storm.

There’s currently a 50% chance the system could be named Owen in the next 48 hours, Waldenberger said.

After that, it would be unlikely as the system will move over cooler water.

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The system will not be a threat to Florida.

Watch chief meteorologist Tom Terry’s forecast live on Channel 9 Eyewitness News.

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Earlier story:

Channel 9 meteorologists continue to track a rare spin-up in the Central Atlantic.

The disturbance has a 50% chance of being named as it moves toward Europe.

Since 1950, there have only been 11 named storms in December.

The storm system could bring some rain and wind to the Azores this weekend.

Thankfully, non-tropical low-pressure area will not approach the United States.

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Jason Kelly

Jason Kelly, WFTV.com

Jason Kelly joined WFTV in 2014.