Tropical Disturbance Forms in Atlantic

TAMPA BAY, FL — Tampa Bay area residents have enjoyed a relatively quiet 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season so far. But that could change as a tropical disturbance kicks up off the coast of Africa.

While the disturbance is too far away to say if it will pose an eventual threat to Tampa Bay — or any major land mass — forecasters at the National Hurricane Center have given it a 40 percent chance of developing further over the next five days. Currently located about 550 miles southeast of the Cabo Verde Islands, the storm is a tropical wave that is accompanied by a broad low pressure system, according to the hurricane center.

“Environmental conditions are expected to be conducive for gradual development of this disturbance during the next several days while the system moves generally westward at 15 to 20 mph,” the hurricane center wrote in a 2 p.m. Wednesday update.

Should the system develop more, it would become the fifth named storm of the 2016 season. Its name would be Earl. So far this year, the only named storm that created concern for Tampa Bay was Tropical Storm Colin. That storm passed by in early June, dumping lots of water and creating some flooding in the region.

The Tampa Bay area hasn’t been struck by a hurricane in more than 90 years. The last major storm to come close to the region was Hurricane Charley back in August 2004. That category 4 storm ripped through Charlotte County, leaving four people dead and an estimated 11,000 homes damaged.

While Tampa Bay has been lucky, experts say the streak isn’t likely to last. It’s not a question of if, but when, forecasters say.

To get ready, residents are urged to create their own emergency kits, including food and water for at least three days. They should also know their evacuation routes, have their renter or homeowner’s insurance documents handy and should have a plan on where to go and what to do if a storm strikes.

To find out more about hurricane season and storm preparation, read these related Patch stories:

• Hurricane Season 2016: Where To Find Local Information
• 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast Released
• Hurricane Season: How to Prepare
• Tampa Bay 'Ripe for Disaster,' Hurricane Experts Say

To keep up with storm activity as the season develops, bookmark the National Hurricane Center’s website and keep an eye on your hometown Patch site for local information.

Graphic courtesy of the National Hurricane Center