Tropical wave upgraded to TD 9 as thunderstorms expected into Tuesday

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FORT MYERS, Fla. – The tropical wave located in the Florida Straits was upgraded to Tropical Depression 9 Sunday before 5:30 p.m.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said Sunday that the depression is located 60 miles (100 kph) south of Key West and is moving west at about 9 mph. Maximum sustained winds were clocking at 35 mph (55 kph), with higher gusts, according to the Associated Press.

The storm is expected to bring continued rains to Southwest Florida, said WINK News Meteorologist Janine Albert. Lee County schools will be open Monday, the district said Sunday.

Invest 99L was named a tropical depression shortly after additional storm activity flared up just south of the Bahamas and thunderstorm activity from the wave decreased over Cuba Saturday evening.

“What it looks like is that it looks like it’s intensifying,” WINK Weather meteorologist Ron Phillips said. “Now I don’t think this is going to be something that is permanently intensifying. I do believe it will be just temporary.”

Invest 99L intensified because there’s no wind sheer in the area.

“It will encounter more wind sheer on the back end, which will keep it at bay, I’m happy to say,” he said.

There was sunshine Sunday morning with storms rolling in during the afternoon. Highs are expected to reach the low 90s. Strong winds and thunderstorms are expected Monday and Tuesday with temperatures in the upper 80s.

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