Tropical Depression Thirteen – Update #1 – 8/20/2020

University of Florida officials are actively monitoring Tropical Depression Thirteen, and much remains unknown about its path. UF’s Department of Emergency Management is monitoring the system to learn the latest track and impacts. Here’s what we know today:

Tropical storm conditions are possible across portions of the northern Leeward Islands by Friday night, and tropical storm watches have been issued for some of these islands. There is a risk of tropical storm conditions in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Friday night and Saturday.

The National Hurricane Center indicates significant uncertainty with their intensity forecast due to potential land interaction with the Greater Antilles. However, this system could bring storm surge, rainfall, and wind impacts to portions of Hispaniola, Cuba, the Bahamas, and Florida this weekend and early next week.

No watches or warnings are currently in place for Florida. Tropical-storm-force winds are possible on Monday morning in South Florida and the Keys. UF units with operations in South Florida should closely monitor forecasts and be prepared to follow guidance from local officials. Moreover, operations in the Panhandle should monitor the forecast longer term, beyond 5 days, in case the future track includes that area.

No tropical warnings or watches are currently in place for Alachua County, and no operational changes are anticipated for the UF campus in Gainesville. We will continue to monitor and update the UF community on expected impacts or schedule changes as information becomes available.

For additional information, please visit National Hurricane Center.