Tropical Depression 12 forms in Atlantic; system going to Caribbean also could power up

Tropical Depression 12 formed in the Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday afternoon as forecasters watched a second rough patch of weather in the Atlantic that was threatening to slip into the Caribbean Sea later this week and strengthen into a depression as well.

Tropical Depression 12 was located 440 miles west of the Cabo Verde Islands, the National Hurricane Center reported in its 5 p.m. update Tuesday. The system was packing sustained winds of 35 mph and was moving northwest at 12 mph.

However, increasing upper level winds are likely to stunt any potential growth from there, forecasters said, and the depression is likely to be “short-lived” and the system was expected to dissipate by late Thursday, the forecast said.

The disturbance that was closer to Florida was located east of the Windward Islands on Tuesday evening, the hurricane center said in its 8 p.m. update.

Forecasters said conditions are likely to nurture the storm’s growth over the next few days if it stays far away from land as it moves west at about 15 mph.

“Regardless of development, heavy rainfall with localized flooding, as well as gusty winds, are expected over portions of the Windward Islands, northern portions of South America, and the ABC Islands during the next couple of days. Interests in those locations, in addition to those in Central America, should continue to monitor the progress of this system,” the 8 p.m. advisory states.

The hurricane center said the system has a 60% chance of strengthening into a tropical depression by Thursday evening and an 80% chance of doing so by Sunday evening.

Times staff writer Amy Gehrt contributed to this report.

• • •

Tampa Bay Times Hurricane Ian coverage

HOW TO HELP: Where to donate or volunteer to help Hurricane Ian victims.

FEMA: Floridians hurt by Ian can now apply for FEMA assistance. Here’s how.

THE STORM HAS PASSED: Now what? Safety tips for returning home.

POST-STORM QUESTIONS: After Hurricane Ian, how to get help with fallen trees, food, damaged shelter.

WEATHER EFFECTS: Hurricane Ian was supposed to slam Tampa Bay head on. What happened?

MORE STORM COVERAGE: Get ready and stay informed at tampabay.com/hurricane.