The Atlantic Ocean has a new resident as of Monday, Tropical Storm Bret has generated enough energy to become the second named storm of the 2017 Hurricane Season, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Bret is just north of South America, below the Dominican Republic and is moving at 30 mph with sustained winds of 40 mph.

As of the 5 p.m. Monday, the tropical storm was located about 125 miles southeast of Trinidad and had an 80 percent chance of developing into a tropical cyclone over the next 2 days. The storm is not currently a threat to Osceola County, but Positively Osceola will keep an eye out as the storm progresses.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for Trinidad, Tobago, Grenada and Venezuela, from Pedernales to Cumana, including Isla de Margarita. A tropical storm watch is in effect for Bonaire, Curacao and Aruba.

A second system, Potential No. 3, in the Gulf of Mexico has caused a tropical storm watch for parts of Louisiana and Texas.

Remember, preparedness is paramount during the hurricane season, and KUA provides a free hurricane guide to Osceola in a printed format as well as digitally. Go to KUA’s website to download the FREE handbook!