Tropical Depression Five Forms West of the Azores

Tropical Depression Five formed over the North Atlantic Ocean west of the Azores on Thursday morning. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Depression Five was located at latitude 38.1°N and longitude 45.0°W which put it about 975 miles (1575 km) west of the Azores. The tropical depression was moving toward the east-northeast at 2 m.p.h. (3 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1013 mb.

A low pressure system over the North Atlantic west of the Azores exhibited the characteristics of a tropical cyclone on Thursday morning and the National Hurricane Center classified the system as Tropical Depression Five. Tropical Depression Five developed from an extratropical cyclone that made a transition to a tropical cyclone. The fronts near the former extratropical cyclone weakened and more thunderstorms formed near the center of circulation. Bands of showers and thunderstorms developed and began to revolve around the center. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical depression.

Tropical Depression Five will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next few days. The tropical depression will be over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are 27˚C. It will be in a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Depression Five will intensify during the next 48 hours. It is likely to strengthen to a tropical storm within 12 hours. Tropical Depression Five could intensify to a hurricane during the next 48 hours.

Tropical Depression Five will be in an area where the steering winds are weak during the next 48 hours. It is likely to meander slowly. On its anticipated track Tropical Depression Five will remain far to the west of the Azores during the next 48 hours.