Tropics update: Tropical Depression 3 forms
FOX 35’s T.J. Springer has a look at the latest tropical forecast for Tropical Depression 3, which formed Friday off the southeastern U.S. Coast. It’s also partly why it has been such a wet, stormy, and rainy week in Central Florida.
ORLANDO, Fla. – A disturbance off the coast of the southeast United States – east of Florida, near Georgia and South Carolina – became better organized Friday to become Tropical Depression 3. It was previously known as Invest 92L.
As of 8 p.m. eastern, the National Hurricane Center said Tropical Depression 3 was 150 miles south-southeast of Charleston, South Carolina and moving north, toward the coastline. It’s expected to be near or over the South Carolina coast by Sunday morning, the NHC said.
The system is moving north at 2 mph with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph.
Tracking Tropical Depression 3
What can we expect in Florida? Showers, thunderstorms
Big picture view:
The FOX 35 Storm Team said this sytem will likely bring daily storms, showers and downpours to the state. Some may be severe with strong winds and large hail. With plenty of tropical moisture in place, a lot of rain will fall over a short period of time.
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The best chances of rain will be during the afternoon, with the peak heating of the day lasting into at least Saturday.
So far, areas along the Florida Gulf coast, specifically near Tampa through the Big Bend region, will be where the highest rainfall totals will be. This is where more than 6 inches of rain could fall.
Florida Fourth of July Forecast
The FOX 35 Storm Team has designated Friday as a Weather Impact Day due to the strong showers and storms expected across Central Florida.
The day starts off dry, warm, humid and muggy thanks to the tropical moisture we still have in place, which will lead to more heavy downpours and storms this afternoon.
Multiple rounds and waves of showers and storms can be expected to impact any Fourth of July holiday plans outdoors. That being said, there will still be dry spots and short-lived breaks in the rain.
Isolated downpours will begin popping up around noon today. The chances of rain will peak at 70%, with the best chances of rain taking place from 3-9 p.m. With the amount of tropical moisture in the atmosphere, heavy downpours can be expected. A lot of rain will fall over short periods of time.
For any fireworks plans, it will be a close call when it comes to the rain. The data continues to show the rain lightening up, especially close to 10-11 p.m. The later the time, the better chances of dry time.
What’s the difference between a tropical storm and a tropical depression?
Dig deeper:
Hurricanes begin as cyclones, and if the system intensifies, it becomes a tropical wave, then a tropical depression, followed by a tropical storm and, eventually, a hurricane.
When a low pressure area is accompanied by thunderstorms producing a circular wind flow with maximum sustained winds below 39 mph, the system is designated a tropical depression.
If the cyclonic circulation becomes more organized with maximum sustained wind gusts between 39 mph and 73 mph, a tropical storm is formed.
A tropical storm has winds near the center and is symmetrical, while a subtropical storm has winds far from the center and is less symmetrical. A tropical storm is fueled by warm water, while a subtropical storm is fueled by warm water and cold air.
The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and FOX 35 Storm Team on July 4, 2025.
