MIDWAY, Fla. (WTXL) -- The Atlantic hurricane season's fourth tropical depression formed late Wednesday night, but it will struggle to maintain its tropical cyclone identity.
The depression developed over 1,500 miles east of the Lesser Antilles and is moving west-northwest at 14 mph. Peak winds were estimated at 30 mph.
The tropical depression is in the midst of massively dry and dusty air near the system, which will likely influence its structure and circulation, limiting robust rain and storm development. Upper-level winds near its forecast path will also prevent the system from becoming well-organized.
Projections from the National Hurricane Center show the depression minimally strengthening before the dry air and upper winds cause the system to diminish into a remnant low-pressure area.
Even though chances to become a tropical storm are rather small, a flare-up in storm action in the next 48 hours may allow it to reach that level of intensity. If it achieves 39-mph sustained winds, it will take the name Don.
This system, regardless of development, is not forecast to have a direct impact on the Gulf region or the Big Bend area of Florida.
