National Hurricane Center says Tropical system in the Caribbean has 70 percent chance of development

MIAMI, Fla. -- According to the National Hurricane Center, the broad area of low pressure centered near the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula remains disorganized. However, environmental conditions are now favorable for a tropical depression to form during the next day or two as it begins to move north.

The system has a high chance, 70 percent, of becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours. 

Beyond that time, conditions are expected to remain favorable for development, and interests along the entire Gulf Coast should monitor the progress of this disturbance through the weekend.

Heavy rains and localized flooding are possible across the Yucatan, western Cuba, and southern Florida through Saturday.

An Air Force reconnaissance plane is scheduled to flight into the system this afternoon.