Tropical Depression #7 formed in the tropical Atlantic on Aug. 9th about 1100 miles east of the Lesser Antilles. It looked like there was some potential for it to develop into at least a tropical storm as it moved westward towards the Caribbean Sea....following a similar path as Ernesto which formed earlier in the month. However, what could have been Gordon was soon to encounter a rough environment as it neared the windward Islands.
T.D. #7 moved into an area of 20-40kt wind shear (increased wind with height) as it approached the Lesser Antilles. This helped to tear the storm apart since it wasn't organized enough to withstand that type of shear. Also, it had an abundance of dry air to its north & west...which was sucked into the storm and also helped with its destruction.
So, on the morning of August 11th...the National Hurricane Center declared that T.D. #7 had degenerated into just a tropical wave after the hurricane hunters did some investigating of the system. It still brought squally weather to the Lesser Antilles on its westward track into the Caribbean Sea.
Regeneration is possible...but, not likely. However, The Weather Authority team will continue to watch its remnants.
Meteorologist Deitra Tate
