TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- There are several areas of interest in the Atlantic Basin. Tropical Storm Leslie and a disturbance near the Azores are not expected to impact land, but Tropical Storm Michael will cause the most impact for our area. Those details can be found here.
Tropical Storm Michael is about 180 miles south southwest of the western tip of Cuba with sustained winds of 50 mph. Over the last several hours, Michael has become better organized, despite the moderate shear that it's encountering in the western Caribbean.
As Michael moves into the Gulf of Mexico, Michael will likely drop heavy rains on the Yucatan Peninsula and Cuba. While in the Gulf, this storm is expected to increase in strength, and could quickly become a hurricane.
By the middle of the week, Michael is forecast to move over the Florida Panhandle, though models are still in disagreement as to the exact timing and location of landfall. All panhandle residents need to stay weather aware and prepared this week.
Tropical Storm Leslie is now about 900 miles east northeast of Bermuda with sustained winds of 60 mph. Over the next several days, Leslie is expected to continue moving in an east to southeasterly direction.
Slight fluctuation in strength is possible for Leslie this week as the storm will move over its previous track and cooler water. By the end of the week, Leslie may become a hurricane once again, but the storm is expected to remain in the open waters, away from land.
Halfway between the Azores and the Canary Islands is an area of disturbed weather. There is a chance that this disturbance may acquire tropical or subtropical characteristics as it moves eastward. At this time, there is only a 30% chance of formation in the next five days.
