Date: Friday, July 4, 2025 | Time: 4:47 PM
The National Hurricane Center issued its first advisory on Tropical Depression Three at 5:00 PM EDT today. The depression formed approximately 100 miles off the northeast Florida coast and is moving northward at 2 miles per hour. Maximum sustained winds are 35 mph, with a minimum pressure of 1012 millibars. Historically, 5% of Atlantic tropical depressions form by July 4th, according to NOAA data. The NHC forecasts a 60% chance of the system developing into a tropical or subtropical depression within 48 hours.
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for portions of South Carolina. The depression may impact the region starting Saturday. West-central and southwestern Florida are expected to experience heavy rain through early Saturday. An Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft is scheduled to investigate the system later today to provide updated data.
The development occurs as a proposed 35% reduction in NOAA funding by January 2026 is under consideration. The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research notes that such cuts could affect real-time storm tracking and predictive modeling. Staffing shortages have resulted in suspended weather balloon launches.
For updates, refer to nhc.noaa.gov. This is a developing story.
