TAMPA, Fla. — Tropical Depression Seven strengthened into Tropical Storm Gonzalo Wednesday morning.
Tropical Storm Gonzalo is located 1,250 miles east of the Southern Windward Islands and is moving west-northwest at 12 mph. The storm is packing 45 mph winds.
This is the earliest named 'G' storm in recorded history. Before Gonzalo, the previous record was held by Gert set on July 24, 2005.
The storm is expected to continue to gradually strengthen as it tracks toward the eastern Caribbean. The storm will be close to hurricane strengthen by this weekend as it moves through the Windward Islands of the eastern Caribbean.
Remember, 2020 is expected to be an above-average hurricane season. NOAA’s official forecast calls for a 60 percent chance of an above-normal season with 13–19 named storms, 6–10 hurricanes, 3–6 major hurricanes. Above-average water temperatures and the lack of an El Niño are factors that would increase activity.
