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Tropical Depression 7 forecast to become Tropical Storm Grace Friday night

It is not forecast to become a hurricane due to the potential of land interaction.

BEAUMONT, Texas — 12News StormTrackers are tracking Tropical Depression Seven which is forecast to strengthen into Tropical Storm Grace Friday night. 

It is not forecast to become a hurricane over the next five due to the potential of land interaction that will disrupt circulation. At this time, the depression formed to 580 miles east of the Leeward Islands with winds of 35 mph moving quickly west at 22 mph. 

Once the depression turns into Tropical Storm Grace, it is forecast to move across Hispaniola. From there, it could reach the Leeward Islands early Sunday morning, Puerto Rico late Sunday evening and Hispaniola Sunday night,

Tropical Storm Watches are in effect for the Northern Leeward Islands.

Credit: 12News StormTrackers
Credit: 12News StormTrackers
Credit: 12News StormTrackers

From the National Hurricane Center at 7 p.m. CDT...

At 800 PM AST (0000 UTC), the center of Tropical Depression Seven was located near latitude 15.6 North, longitude 53.1 West.  

The depression is moving quickly toward the west near 22 mph (35 km/h). A motion toward the west or west-northwest with a gradual decrease in forward speed is expected during the next few days.  

On the forecast track, the center of the depression is forecast to move over the Leeward Islands Saturday night, over the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on Sunday, and then over the Dominican Republic on Monday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph (55 km/h) with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next couple of days, and the depression is expected to become a tropical storm tonight or on Saturday.

The estimated minimum central pressure is 1010 mb (29.83 inches).

2021 Hurricane Season Outlook

The 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season is forecast to produce more storms than average. The reason for this is the lack of El Nino, which typically features more wind shear. We also expect warmer than average sea temperatures and an active West African Monsoon.

Credit: WWL
2021 Hurricane Season Outlook

After a record-breaking 2020 hurricane season, we now know the Greek alphabet will no longer be used to name storms.

The World Meteorological Organization announced the Greek alphabet will not be used in the future because it "creates a distraction from the communication of hazard and storm warnings and is potentially confusing."

{Insert 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season Names GFX here.}

There has been only one other season that used the extra set of names, and that was in 2005. The World Meteorological Organization released a new set of supplemental names that will be used if the season exhausts the standard list.

Credit: WWL
Atlantic Supplemental Hurricane Names

Be prepared if a storm comes our way

BEFORE THE STORM

  • Make a home inventory
  • Have a current copy of your declarations page that has your policy number and your agent's number
  • Review your policy with your insurance agent to determine if you have adequate coverage
  • Repair loose boards, shingles, shutters and downspouts to prevent them from becoming an issue in high winds or torrential rain
  • Have an evacuation plan, and include plans for your pets
  • Make sure your emergency equipment is in working order, including a battery-powered radio, flashlights and extra batteries. Also, make sure to gather all medicine, replenish your first-aid kit and stock a week's worth of non-perishable food and water
  • Charge your cell phone and fill your car with gas
  • Program all emergency phone numbers

RELATED: Hurricane preparation tips for insurance: Before, during and after the storm

DURING THE STORM

  • If you are advised to evacuate, leave as soon as possible. Retain all related receipts - they may be considered in your claim. If you aren't in a recommended evacuation and you plant to stay home, stay informed by listening to weather alerts
  • Keep windows and doors closed at all time, and, if possible, board them up with wooden or metal shutters
  • Stay away from the windows and in the center of the room, or, stay in an interior room
  • Avoid flood water, as it may be electrically charged from downed power lines
  • Check on family members and friends

RELATED: Here's how to get severe weather alerts via the 12NewsNow App

AFTER THE STORM

  • Check to be sure your family members are safe
  • If you did evacuate, wait for official notice that it is safe to re-enter your neighborhood and your house
  • Document damaged property, and take photos and videos. Don't dispose of any damaged items without approval
  • Keep a record of any temporary repairs or expenses to prevent further damage to your property.

RELATED: Here are some generator safety tips for hurricane season

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