Tropical Storm Chantal: Latest Track Could Make For Interesting Weekend

Tropical Storm Chantal is still days away from Florida and isn’t expected to have a huge impact on the Bloomingdale and Riverview area. Even so, forecasters at the National Weather Service say she serves as a reminder to get ready for what may yet come this hurricane season.

“We’re getting into the most active part of hurricane season,” said weather service meteorologist Andrew McKaughan. “(Chantal) is just a reminder to everyone that it is hurricane season and it’s best to be prepared.”

McKaughan said all Tampa Bay area residents should have a plan in place and a hurricane kit ready – just in case.

“It’s best to be prepared now,” he said. “It’s best to get it (kit supplies) now before there’s chaos in the grocery stores.”

Tropical Storm Chantal is expected to come in contact with Haiti and the Dominican Republic on Wednesday, July 10 and may make a pass over Cuba before heading toward Florida.

“It’s got a long, difficult road ahead of it,” McKaughan said.

Forecasters expect the island landfall might break up the storm a bit. They anticipate Chantal to downgrade to a Tropical Depression by the time she nears Florida.

For more information about Chantal, visit the National Hurricane Center online.

Stay with Patch for updates about Tropical Storm Chantal and Tampa Bay weather.

Have anything unusual in your hurricane kit? Tell us by commenting below!

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