NHC Tracking Atlantic Tropical Depression Four

A tropical depression in the eastern Atlantic Ocean off the coast of northwest Africa could develop into a tropical storm and possibly a hurricane in the next few days, say forecasters at the U.S. National Hurricane Center.

Tropical Depression Four, which is causing thunderstorms and strong winds, is currently located southwest of the Cape Verde Islands and is expected to travel west, reaching the Windward Islands in the southern Caribbean in the next few days, the NHC predicted.


U.S. energy markets are eyeing the depression closely, amid concern that if it strengthened into a tropical storm or hurricane headed for the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, it could disrupt oil and natural gas production there.

The thunderstorms have become more organized and winds have intensified to 35 miles an hour with stronger gusts, said Lt. Dave Roberts, an NHC hurricane specialist.

“We’re expecting a gradual intensification over the next day or so,” Roberts said.

As the depression approaches the Windward Islands there’s a chance it could develop into a hurricane, he predicted.

Dow Jones Newswires