ORLANDO, Fla. – There’s buzz about a new tropical system called Alvin, but there’s no cause for concern. Rest assured, this system is not on its way to Florida.

Tropical Storm Alvin has formed in the eastern Pacific, off Mexico’s coastline, marking it as the northern hemisphere’s first named storm of the year.

Interestingly, this late development in the Pacific is somewhat atypical. Meteorologists usually start monitoring systems by early-to-mid May. Consequently, the Pacific hurricane season commences on May 15, whereas the Atlantic hurricane season starts on June 1.

The latest forecasts show a small window for development as the system moves northward. However, in a few days, factors like wind shear, drier air and cooler waters are expected to limit its strength before it approaches the western coast of Mexico.

According to the National Hurricane Center, tropical-storm-force winds are not anticipated to impact mainland Mexico or Baja California.

While this system might grab some headlines for being the first storm of the year in the northern Pacific, it won’t have any major impacts.

That said, this is a good reminder that the Atlantic hurricane season is just around the corner. The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on June 1, and while the tropical Atlantic is expected to remain quiet for the next week, long-range forecasts suggest we could see some activity by the second week of June.

The first name on the list for Atlantic storms is Andrea.

To read more on that potential development in the Caribbean, click here.

Now is a great time to check your hurricane plans, review your emergency kits, and ensure you’re ready no matter what comes our way. just in case. Stay weather-aware, Florida!