At 10:00 a.m. CDT, Tropical Depression Seven was upgraded to Tropical Storm Gordon as it moved west-northwest across the central Atlantic. The storm is currently located at 19.4°N, 38.6°W, about 990 miles west-northwest of the Cape Verde Islands. Gordon is moving west-northwest at 12 mph (19 km/h), with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 km/h) and gusts even higher. The storm’s minimum central pressure is 1006 mb, and tropical storm-force winds extend outward as far as 70 miles from the center. Although no coastal watches or warnings are in effect, Gordon is expected to move westward over the next few days.

The storm has shown some signs of strengthening this morning. Improved structure is evident on satellite imagery, and the Dvorak satellite estimates support its classification as a tropical storm. However, it is not expected to be a long-lived system. While Gordon may strengthen slightly today, the environment it is moving into is less favorable. A moisture-poor atmosphere and moderate wind shear will likely hamper further development. Both the GFS and Euro models indicate that Gordon will weaken over the weekend and possibly dissipate into a remnant low early next week. However, there is a chance of restrengthening as it moves into a more favorable environment later next week.

The forecast shows Gordon moving westward over the weekend before possibly taking a northwesterly curve early next week, influenced by a strengthening shortwave low to the north. While re-intensification is uncertain, Gordon will remain a tropical cyclone for the entire five-day period, according to the official forecast, with a small possibility of recovery as it enters a wetter and more unstable environment.

Currently, Tropical Storm Gordon does not pose an immediate threat to the country.

Stay tuned to AlabamaWX for further updates as we follow Gordon’s journey across the Atlantic.

The next full warning will be issued at 4:00 p.m. CDT.

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