96L Close to Tropical Storm Strength

[fredwx]

Thetropical disturbance that has been moving slowly northward over theEast-Central Gulf of Mexico appears to be very close to being classified by theNHC as a tropical storm. A ship in the Yucatan Channel as well as a NOAA Buoyto the east of the center reported gale force winds this morning

[exsubguy]

There's a couple of tugs that are trying to wait out the storm in Tampa. The Legacy was at anchor as well. It seems like everyone is hunkering down in the gulf