Now that we are close to the peak two months of the hurricane season, the historical odds of having a tropical storm develop go up significantly. It appears that Mother Nature is playing the odds because the tropics are starting to buzz.

The National Hurricane Center is highlighting three areas for potential development. The one of most immediate concern is Tropical Disturbance #1, which long-range computer forecast models indicate may eventually end up in the western Gulf.

Henri dumped record rainfall on New York City and surrounding areas in the hours before landfall Saturday night. An outer band related to then-Hurricane Henri was enhanced by a strong upper-level low-pressure system to the west to produce the torrent that fell in some areas.

Given its location next to the Gulf of Mexico, one would think that the Tampa Bay region would have an extensive history with hurricanes. On the contrary, that's not the case.