Tropical Depression 1 formed about 300 miles ENE of Cape Hatteras, NC earlier today. We have been tracking the low for a few days and it finally became organized enough to consider it a depression. There is no threat to the coast other than some scattered showers and a little breeze from the northeast. I forecasted for that area for 6 years before coming to 10 Connects in Tampa. Of source I was tracking this closely for friends on the outer banks and am really glad that it won't be a major weather maker for them.

The depression does come early (preseason if you will) as the hurricane season doesn't start until Monday, June 1. This years forecast call for an average season numbers wise, but don't be alarmed that we got one early this year. That happens from time to time and does not really mean much for the forecast of the season.

One thing that we can take from this is the location that if formed - in close to land. With El Nino coming on and cooler than average water off the African coast, it appears that a lot of the tropical development this year will occur near the coast. This means less warning time, thus less time to get ready for the storm. Leave it up to the weather man to preach preparedness, but of course we always should be ready to for anything. Remember, a good hurricane kit would work nicely for any type of disaster, much less a hurricane.

The National Hurricane Center has made a few changes to the forecasts this year. Keep checking back as I will talk about some of those next time.

Until then, enjoy the weather.