While almost everybody’s attention has been focused on Tropical Storms Ana and Bill, still well out in the Atlantic, a new tropical disturbance has formed much closer to home …

On Sunday evening, the National Hurricane Center began monitoring an area of low pressure just off the west coast of Florida (approximately 80 miles southwest of Tampa). With very little wind shear, conditions in the upper levels of the atmosphere appear favorable for development.

It’s still too early to tell how much this system will develop, and if it does become a Tropical Storm or Hurricane, exactly where it will go.

However, after a very slow start the 2009 Atlantic Hurricane season this is definitely an indication that people in coastal areas need to start paying close attention. It could be a very wet and windy couple of days for some areas of Florida, Alabama and even Louisiana next week.

I’ll continue to monitor the NHC, along with radar and satellite, over the next day or two, and will post a follow-up if I have any unique insights to offer. (I used to work as a satellite analyst at the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, and at the moment I also happen to be on vacation at my parents house near Tampa Florida)