An area of low pressure off Florida's Atlantic Coast is now Tropical Depression 1, according to the National Hurricane Center.

NHC ugraded Invest 91L just before 11 p.m.

A tropical storm watch has been issued for the East Coast of Florida from Fort Pierce northward to just south of Flagler Beach.

This is the first tropical system in the Atlantic for the 2014 hurricane season. If it strengthens to a tropical storm, it will be called Arthur.

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Tropical Depression 1 Advisory

2 a.m. update -- Depression drifting southwestward.

Watches and Warnings

A tropical storm watch has been issued for the East Coast of Florida from Fort Pierce northward to just south of Flagler Beach.

Summary of watches and warnings in effect

A tropical storm watch is in effect for:

  • East Coast of Florida from Fort Pierce to Flagler Beach

A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area...in this case within 24 to 36 hours.

Interests elsewhere along the southeast coast of the United States should monitor the progress of this system.

Discussion and 48-hour outlook

At 2 a.m. the center of Tropical Depression One was located near latitude 27.5 north...longitude 79.2 west. The depression is moving toward the southwest near 2 mph. A slow west to west-northwest motion is forecast to begin today. A turn toward the northwest and then toward the north is forecast by Wednesday.

On the forecast track, the center of the depression is expected to remain offshore and move east of the east-central coast of Florida during the next day or so. The system is forecast to pass east of northeastern Florida on Wednesday and Wednesday night.

Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph with higher gusts. Gradual strengthening is expected during the next 48 hours and the depression is forecast to become a tropical storm later today.

The estimated minimum central pressure is 1009 mb...29.80 inches.

Hazards affecting land

Wind: Tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area by late today.

Rainfall: The depression is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of 1 to 3 inches...mainly across east-central Florida and northeastern portions of the Florida Peninsula, with possible isolated maximum amounts of 5 inches through Wednesday. Rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches with isolated maximum amounts of 6 inches is possible over portions of the northern Bahamas through Wednesday.

Next Advisory:

Complete Advisory: 5 a.m.