Tropical Depression Two formed over the Atlantic Ocean east of the Lesser Antilles on Friday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Depression Two located at latitude 9.1°N and longitude 41.9°W which put the center about 1225 miles (1970 km) east-southeast of Barbados.  The tropical depression was moving toward the west at 17 m.p.h. (28 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 1007 mb.

A tropical wave, formerly designated as Invest 95L, exhibited more organization on Friday afternoon and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Depression Two.  Visible satellite images appeared to indicated that a distinct low level center of circulation was present in Tropical Depression Two.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the apparent center of circulation.  Storms near the center generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical depression.

Tropical Depression Two will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  The tropical depression will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the central tropical Atlantic Ocean.  The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Depression Two is very likely to intensify to a tropical storm during the next 24 hours.  It could strengthen to a hurricane during the weekend.

Tropical Depression Two will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer the tropical depression toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Depression Two will move toward the Lesser Antilles.

Tropical Depression Two could be a hurricane by the time it reaches the Lesser Antilles.  Tropical Storm and Hurricane Watches are likely to be issued for the Windward Islands either Friday night or Saturday morning.