Invest 97L has developed into a tropical depression (Topical Depression Fourteen).
Environmental conditions are favorable for strengthening, and it is likely TD 14 will become a tropical storm within the next 12 to 36 hours.
The latest SHIPS diagnostic message does suggest the environment will remain conducive for intensification as TD 14 moves toward the Yucatan Peninsula and into the Gulf. Currently the National Hurricane Center is for TD 14 to become a strong tropical storm, but it is possible TD 14 could become a hurricane.
TD 14 is going to be track into the Gulf this weekend based on the latest track guidance, and could make landfall somewhere along the western or central U.S. Gulf Coast late this weekend or early next week.
However, there is uncertainty regarding timing, placement and magnitude of any impacts. These details will be worked out as the system evolves over the coming days.
