Trackers at the US-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) are today (June 17) preparing potential tropical cyclone advisories for a weather disturbance that continues to gather steam in the Gulf of Mexico.

With a 90 per cent chance for further strengthening, the NHC, in its 2:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) bulletin, is the low-pressure system has become better organised over the past 24 hours.

“This system is expected to move generally northward, and a tropical or subtropical depression is likely to form over the west-central Gulf of Mexico tonight or early Friday,” the NHC indicated.

“A tropical storm warning will likely be required for a portion of the northern Gulf Coast later this afternoon, and potential tropical cyclone advisories will likely be initiated on this system at 4:00 pm CDT (Central Daylight Time),” the hurricane watchdog added.

The system currently poses no direct threat to Jamaica.

The next available name on the 2021 hurricane list is Claudette.

According to the NHC, a US Air Force Reserve Unit reconnaissance aircraft is en route to investigate the disturbance this afternoon.

Regardless of development, heavy rainfall is expected to continue over portions of Central America and southern Mexico during the next couple of days.

Heavy rains will also begin to affect portions of the northern Gulf Coast on Friday.