Eye on the Tropics

Tropical Storm Olga no longer tropical system, intertwines with cold front

ORLANDO, Fla. — Tropical Storm Olga has intertwined with a cold front and is no longer a 'tropical' system. It's winds are up to 50 mph and it is expected to make landfall early Saturday in Louisiana, said chief meteorologist Tom Terry.

Tropical Depression 17, which formed Friday morning, strengthened into Tropical Storm Olga on Friday afternoon, the National Hurricane Center said.

Tropical Storm Pablo also formed in the northeast Atlantic near the Azores on Friday afternoon, officials.

Chief meteorologist Tom Terry said Olga will be short-lived as a tropical system because it is forecast to merge with a frontal system Friday evening.

"Either way, heavy rain and severe weather will hammer the central Gulf Coast tonight," he said.

Terry said the storm is expected to make landfall in Louisiana on Friday evening.

Meteorologist Rusty McCranie said Olga is forecast to remain weak as it moves north toward Louisiana.

"The increase in moisture will move into Central Florida over the weekend, keeping our rain chances higher than normal," he said.

Coastal Louisiana could receive as much as 10 inches of rain Friday and Saturday; 6 inches is possible across a wide section of Mississippi.

Rainfall totals ranging from 1 to 4 inches are possible from Alabama to South Carolina.

Chief meteorologist is tracking the tropics and updates the weekend forecast

Tom Terry, WFTV is tracking storms that could affect your evening commute and tropical depression 17. Read: at.wftv.com/2Pn1GVB

Posted by WFTV Channel 9 on Friday, October 25, 2019

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