System Has 80 Percent Chance To Develop Into Tropical Cyclone In Gulf

HOUSTON, TX — A low pressure area is expected to form into a tropical cyclone in the southwestern Caribbean Sea over the course of the next few days and into the weekend before moving into the Gulf of Mexico, according to the National Hurricane Center.

In its 1 p.m. update Wednesday, the NHC gave the system a 50 percent chance of developing into a tropical cyclone over the next two days and an 80 percent chance of development over the next five days. The area of low pressure is currently located north of Colombia.

The system is expected to move toward the Yucatan Peninsula and take a track toward the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. The National Weather Service Houston stated it was too early to tell what impact the system could have on Houston and Southeast Texas but cautioned residents to review their hurricane preparedness plans and kits.

According to NWS, hurricane preparedness kits should have at least three days' worth of supplies, including food and water, medicine and prescriptions, a radio, batteries and phone chargers. NWS recommends ensuring cars are full of gas and that there is cash on hand.