Tropical Storm Bret has formed east of the Windward Islands. It’s the second named storm of 2017.
An Air Force hurricane hunter mission this afternoon into the disturbance was able “after much effort” to find a well-defined closed circulation, according to the National Hurricane Center’s 5 p.m. update.
The initial wind speed is just 40 mph. Forecasters are not expecting it to strengthen. In fact, its window of opportunity is closing -- and it could dissipate below a tropical storm within 36 hours.
A third tropical cyclone possible?
The hurricane center has also identified potential tropical cyclone three near the Yucatan Peninsula.
Designating the system allows the hurricane center to issue watches and warnings. Tropical storm warnings have been issued for Intracoastal City Louisiana to the mouth of the Pearl River. A tropical storm watch is in effect from west of Intracoastal City to High Island, Texas.