Tropical Storm Gaston and AOI#1

Tropical Storm Gaston remains no threat to land as it moves across the central Atlantic Ocean. Although the system will remain well to the east of North Carolina, Gaston could bring an increased rip current threat and increased wave heights to NC beaches on Sunday and into early next week.

The low pressure system associated with Area of Interest #1 is located just to the north of eastern Cuba, and it remains very weak and disorganized. The NHC now gives this system a low (20%) chance of formation in the next 48 hours, and a medium (60%) chance of formation during the next 5 days. Conditions will become more favorable for tropical development by the end of the weekend and into early next week as this system continues towards the west-northwest and enters the Gulf of Mexico. Forecast models continue to greatly differ in how (or if) this system develops next week. Due to the uncertainty, it is worth keeping an eye on this potential system over the coming days.

The NHC has also given a low (10%) chance of formation to the area of disturbed weather just east of Texas in the Gulf of Mexico. This system poses no threat to North Carolina, and little to no development is expected before it reaches the coast of Texas.

We will continue to provide regular updates on the tropics over the weekend.

Last Updated at 11:00AM August 26, 2016