A new tropical depression has formed off the North Carolina coast Friday. It is the third depression of the 2018 hurricane season.
According to the National Hurricane Center, as of 11 p.m. Friday it is located about 195 miles south-southeast off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. It is moving toward the north-northwest near 6 mph, and a slow northward motion is expected overnight and Saturday.
A decrease in forward speed is expected by Saturday night, and the depression is forecast to meander well off the southeast U.S. coastline on Sunday and Monday.
Maximum sustained winds remain near 30 mph with higher gusts. Gradual strengthening is forecast during the next few days, and the depression is expected to become a tropical storm on Saturday.
A reconnaissance plane is scheduled to investigate the cyclone on Saturday.
As of 11 p.m. Friday:
Location: 32.6°N 74.1°W
Moving: NNW at 6 mph
Min pressure: 1015 mb
Max sustained: 30 mph