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First storm may brush Panhandle

The tropical depression may build and brush the Panhandle.

By GRAHAM BRINK
Published June 9, 2005

ST. PETERSBURG - A tropical depression picking up steam off the coast of Honduras is expected to move north into the Gulf of Mexico and become the first major storm of the 2005 hurricane season to affect Florida.

The tropical depression is not expected to make landfall in Florida, except perhaps the western edge of the Panhandle. The forecasted track on Wednesday evening had it striking the Mississippi area on the weekend.

The storm, which had sustained winds of 30 to 35 mph late Wednesday, could cause stormy seas along Florida's west coast starting late today or Friday, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

"Florida will be on the rainy side of the storm," said Stacy Stewart, a specialist with the hurricane center. "As it strengthens, it will generate more and more thunderstorm activity."

The storm is moving slowly north as it organizes and gains power. It is expected to move into the Gulf of Mexico late today or Friday.

The storm has the potential to grow into a tropical storm by the end of today and has the potential to become a minimal Category 1 hurricane later in the week, Stewart said.

"It's not going to become a major hurricane," Stewart said. "But a Category 1 is not out of the question in June."

More rain will help green up local lawns, but it will come as unwelcome news to residents in other parts of the state. The excess rain dropped during last year's busy hurricane season has yet to dissipate in many low lying areas of west central Florida.

"The ground remains saturated," Stewart said. "It doesn't have anywhere to go."

Stewart said the storm might create dangerous rip currents along the coast. He warned boaters to make regular checks on the weather. He also cautioned boaters and beachgoers against becoming complacent.

"It's the type of storm that people take lightly and then they get caught off guard," he said.

--Graham Brink can be reached at 727 893-8406 or brink@sptimes.com

[Last modified June 9, 2005, 08:28:37]