The National Hurricane Center has increased the chances of development for a tropical disturbance in the far eastern Atlantic, saying the system now has a

70% chance of becoming a tropical depression or tropical storm

.

In its 8 a.m. update Thursday, the NHC said a broad area of low pressure, designated

AL90

, was located a few hundred miles south-southeast of the Cabo Verde Islands. It is producing a large area of disorganised showers and thunderstorms.

Forecasters said the system could develop into a

short-lived tropical depression or tropical storm later Thursday or on Friday

as it moves northwestward to northward.

The probability of formation is now

70% through the next 48 hours and 70% through the next seven days

, up from 60% in the NHC’s 2 a.m. outlook.

However, the NHC said increasing upper-level winds are expected to limit further development by the weekend.

Residents and other interests in the Cabo Verde Islands are being advised to monitor the system, with

gusty winds, heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding

expected over portions of the islands by Friday.

The disturbance remains in the far eastern tropical Atlantic, and the latest NHC outlook does

not indicate an immediate threat to Antigua and Barbuda or the northeastern Caribbean

. The system’s progress will continue to be monitored.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Tropical Disturbance Now Has 70% Chance of Developing in Atlantic.