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A tropical depression may form in the Atlantic Ocean this week, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The tropical wave off the coast of Africa has been given a 20% chance of development in the next 48 hours and a 40% chance in the next five days.

#NEW: 8AM advisory from the NHC is out. 2 day outlook gives a 20% chance of formation. pic.twitter.com/OfLZxexOCc

"Environmental conditions appear generally conducive for gradual development of this system while it moves westward to west-northwestward at 15 to 20 mph across the eastern and central tropical Atlantic, and a tropical depression could form around the middle to latter part of this week," the NHC says.

It is too early to say for sure what the impacts may be to Central Florida.

Related: What is a potential tropical cyclone?

Related: How to sign up for custom weather alerts in the WESH 2 News App

Related: Know your evacuation zones

Related: Breaking down the hurricane categories

KNOW WHAT TO DO WHEN A HURRICANE WATCH IS ISSUED

The WESH 2 First Alert Storm Team recommends you have these items ready before the storm strikes.

WHAT TO DO WHEN A HURRICANE WARNING IS ISSUED

HOW YOUR SMARTPHONE CAN HELP DURING A HURRICANE

Your smartphone can be your best friend in a hurricane — with the right websites and apps, you can turn it into a powerful tool for guiding you through a storm’s approach, arrival and aftermath.

Download the WESH 2 News app for iOS | Android

Enable emergency alerts — if you have an iPhone, select settings, then go into Notifications. From there, look for government alerts and enable emergency alerts.

If you have an Android phone, from the home page of the app, scroll to the right along the bottom and click on "Settings." On the settings menu, click on "Severe Weather Alerts." From the menu select from Most Severe, Moderate Severe, or All Alerts.

Your pet should be a part of your family plan. If you must evacuate, the most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to evacuate them too. Leaving pets behind, even if you try to create a safe space for them, could result in injury or death.

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