Tropical Storm Bret forms and moves west, Florida authorities monitor potential impacts

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – The Florida Division of Emergency Management is continuing to monitor potential future impacts from Tropical Storm Bret as the system continues to move west towards the Caribbean.

The National Hurricane Center‘s forecast cone sends the storm further west into the Caribbean. They urged those residing in the Lesser Antilles, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands to have their hurricane plans in place.

The center reported that Bret will “initially strengthen” and approach hurricane intensity on Thursday and Friday.

Meteorologist and NBC 6 hurricane specialist John Morales said the storm is still a “low-end” one and is not gaining intensity “as quickly as forecast” by the National Hurricane Center.

Mike’s Weather Page said according to current models, the storm will be a “big rainmaker” regardless of its final track.

Initially Tropical Depression Three, the system formed Monday morning, as reported by the National Hurricane Center.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management came out quickly after the system officially formed, telling residents to “brush up on your knowledge of terms officials may use when issuing important weather alerts this hurricane season.”