Infrared satellite loop of Tropical Depression 11 (NOAA)

When it seemed as if the hurricane season was going to end on a quiet note, Tropical Depression 11 forms in the southwestern Caribbean Sea and is poised to become the 9th named storm of the 2009 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

The center of Tropical Depression Eleven was located  an estimated 65 miles south-southwest of San Andres Island and about 125 miles east-southeast of Bluefields Nicaragua with winds of 35 mph.

The depression is moving toward the northwest near 8 mph and this general motion with a decrease in forward speed is expected over the next couple of days.

On the forecast track the center of the depression will be approaching the East Coast of  Nicaragua this evening.  

The depression is expected to become the 9th named storm (Ida) of the 2009 Atlantic Hurricane Season later today or tonight. 

(Note: The Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters will be in the area this afternoon to give a better estimate of the winds)

While this system is no threat to the United States in the near term, this system could become a threat by late next week.

National Hurricane Center Discussion:

The area of low pressure in the southwestern Caribbean Sea has developed enough organized thunderstorm activity to now be considered a tropical depression. 

Satellite images show that a new burst of thunderstorms is occurring near the center with banding features becoming more distinguished. 

Steering currents are expected to be fairly light during the next several days as the depression is caught between a weak mid-level high over the north-central Caribbean Sea and a trough over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico. 

National Hurricane Center 5 day track