WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — An area of low pressure in the Atlantic Ocean, located 500 miles east-northeast of Bermuda, is expected to become Subtropical Storm Ana sometime on Friday or Saturday and move close to Bermuda over the weekend, where tropical storm watches are now in effect.
The National Hurricane Center is giving this area a 90% chance of development over the next 48 hours.
WPTV First Alert Meteorologist James Wieland said computer models show this system curving out to sea by next week. However, it's expected to produce some big swells for South Florida and the Treasure Coast starting Sunday afternoon.
TRACKING THE TROPICS: Hurricane Center | Hurricane Guide
The NHC also highlighting an area of disturbed weather in the western Gulf of Mexico for possible tropical development.
Wieland said it has a 40% chance of development over the next 48 hours. It's expected to move up into Texas over the weekend, where it will bring torrential rainfall from Louisiana to northeast Texas.
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The 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially starts on June 1.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Thursday predicted around around 13 to 20 named storms, with six to 10 of those storms becoming hurricanes.
Ahead of hurricane season, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday announced the annual 10-day "Disaster Preparedness Tax Holiday" will take place from May 28 through June 6.
During those dates, specific disaster preparedness items will be tax-free including:
- Flashlights under $40
- Tarps under $100
- Batteries under $50
- Coolers under $60
- Generators up to $1,000
"Hurricane season is basically upon us," DeSantis said. "We're anticipating to it to be a relatively active season, and Floridians should just understand that this is something that we may have to deal with. So it's best to be prepared."
