Tropical Depression Nine has formed. The system is forecast to move through the Caribbean over the weekend.
"This system is forecast to approach western Cuba and enter the southeastern Gulf of Mexico," according to the National Hurricane Center's advisory.
Computer forecast models are mostly in agreement that TD 9 will strengthen into a hurricane.
"The initial NHC forecast shows the depression intensifying up to a category 2 hurricane by the time it nears the coast of Cuba," Hurricane Center forecasters said.
Beyond that, models show Hurricane Hermine becoming a major storm and heading for Florida.
"Confidence is growing that the storm stays east of Louisiana," WWL TV Meteorologist Payton Malone explained. "Current forecasts bring the storm near western Cuba by Monday/Tuesday then move it into Florida by the middle of next week. Trends in models have been our friend along the northern Gulf Coast as they show a steady moving storm along with a deep trough over the eastern United States."
He says we can't completely let our guard down, but things are looking positive for Louisiana.
"Of course we'll continue to watch, but the trends have been good."
NHC
