Tropical Depression Three forms off Bahamas

TAMPA, Fla. (FOX 13) - A tropical wave in the Caribbean is developing into a tropical system, forecasters now say, but it will still likely only brush Florida as it curves out into the Atlantic.

Forecasters with the National Hurricane Center say the area of showers and storms, currently located over the northwestern Bahamas, is now organized enough to become Tropical Depression Three.

LINK: Maps & models on MyFoxHurricane.com

Long-range forecast models are in agreement that the wave will not strengthen much as it passes along the U.S. east coast – increasing rain chances – before heading east out to sea.

"The biggest impacts will be an increase in moisture and storm activity along its path and along the Florida coastline over the next several days," FOX 13 meteorologist Jim Weber explained.

The next name on the NHC's list for this season is Chantal.