Pinehurst officials and staff meet on Wednesday morning to discuss preparations for possible inclement weather.

The National Hurricane Center is now predicting a broad area of low pressure has formed in the central Gulf of Mexico. Although the shower activity is still disorganized, upper-level winds are forecast to become more conducive for development, and it is likely that a tropical depression will form on Thursday, before the system reaches the western Gulf coast. Another reconnaissance plane is scheduled to investigate the disturbance tomorrow. Regardless of development, heavy rainfall and gusty winds are expected across portions of northeastern Mexico, Texas, and Louisiana late this week, and interests there should monitor the progress of this system, and refer to products from their local weather office.

• Formation chance through 48 hours…high…70 percent.

• Formation chance through 5 days…high…70 percent.