Tropical depression or storm 'likely' as South Florida braces for 'torrential' rainfall

The National Hurricane Center says that Invest 91L is gathering strength and could become the first tropical storm of the next season.

The first name on this year's list of storm names for the Atlantic basin would be Tropical Storm Alex if sustained winds strengthen to 39 mph.

The system is expected to become a tropical depression or tropical storm as it moves northeast over the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico.

The system could bring flooding rains to South Florida, with some areas seeing up to 12 inches of rain. Some areas are expecting up to 20 inches.

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There is excessive rainfall forecast.

AccuWeather and CSU agree on the upcoming Hurricane season. Here is what you need to know.

WeatherTiger says there is a chance of a low-end tropical storm this weekend.

Here is the latest update from the NHC. June 2nd

Tropical Storm Alex, tropical depression has high chance to develop

• The chance of a formation through 48 hours is high.

• The chance of a formation through 5 days is 80%.

What could be the impact of the tropical system on Florida?

Regardless of development, areas of heavy rainfall are likely across portions of the Yucatan Peninsula and western Cuba during the next day or so, spreading across southern and central Florida and the Florida Keys Friday and Friday night, and the northwestern Bahamas on Saturday.

Agatha is the first named storm of the season.

The heavy rains could cause flash floods in South Florida and the Florida Keys.

When could the tropical system affect Florida?

As the storm moves northeast, it will cause flooding in South Florida as early as Friday.

As the storm moves into Florida, it will bring a lot of rain from the Keys to the south and central parts of the state. AccuWeather predicts up to 20 inches of rain in South Florida from Friday through Saturday.

Regardless of whether the system becomes a tropical depression or tropical storm, it will approach Florida with rain and strong winds from Friday to Saturday.

What other impact could the storm bring to Florida?

There is a chance of a few tornadoes and waterspouts as the system crosses the Florida Peninsula or passes just to the south of Florida.

Building seas and surf will occur around southern and central parts of Florida and the northern Bahamas, in addition to the likelihood of urban flooding.

What else is out there and where is it?

A weak surface trough located about 150 miles northeast of the northwestern Bahamas is producing disorganized showers.

What are the chances it could become a tropical storm?

The system is moving northeast at 5 to 10 mph over the southwestern Atlantic, but it is too strong for significant development.

• The chance of a formation through 48 hours is low.

• Formation chance through 5 days is low.

It is too early to determine if there will be any impact to land from the system off Florida's East Coast.

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This article was originally published on Naples Daily News.