While it’s too early to tell the exact path of tropical wave 99L, it’s not too early to pull out those hurricane plans, Escambia County Emergency Management Agency Director David Adams said Friday.

“I have hesitated publishing anything earlier in reference to the tropical wave 99L that is located northeast of Cuba because it has been too poorly defined to have a good forecast,” Adams said of the storm that has many in the southern states watching and waiting. “Many forecasters have been making predictions; however, the National Hurricane Center has not issued a forecast other than to say that it has a 20 percent chance of developing into a tropical storm in the next 48 hours and a 60 percent chance of development through the next five days.”

Adams said the wave was slightly less organized Friday morning than it was yesterday, which if a center if circulation gets organized, the NHC, using the forecast models will be better able to form an educated forecast.

The wave is forecast to enter the Gulf of Mexico early next week, where prime conditions exists for continued development.

“When it enters the Gulf, it will encounter very warm waters and the conditions may be more conducive to strengthening,” Adams said. “In the meantime, please use this time to review your hurricane plans. Be sure that you have sufficient non-perishable food, water, and required medications to last at least three days in the event that a tropical storm does develop and heads our way.

“Please stay tuned to local TV and radio stations for updates through the weekend and prepare accordingly,” he said.