embedded within the ITCZ. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) first mentioned the system as a candidate for tropical cyclone formation on June 20, while it was crossing the Windward Islands into the southeastern Caribbean Sea; at the time, some upper-level wind shear was present, leading to conditions only marginally favorable for development. The system moved through the Caribbean, and on June 21, it developed to the extent that the NHC assessed a 50% chance of development into a tropical depression within 48 hours. The next day, however, the feature deteriorated, as thunderstorm activity spread across the Greater Antilles, although the upper-level regime remained favorable for eventual redevelopment. On June 24, a low-level circulation had gradually become better established to the south of Jamaica, although it was displaced from its poorly organized convection. By 18:00 UTC, a surface low-pressure area had formed about 105 miles (165 km) to the northeast of Cabo Gracias a Dios, Nicaragua, but due to a lack of persistent thunderstorm activity, it was not yet considered a tropical cyclone. Later that day, convection increased over the center of circulation, and atmospheric pressures dropped across the region. Late on June 25, Hurricane Hunters verified the development of a surface low pressure area, which, combined with the increase of thunderstorm activity, indicated the system was a tropical depression. Accordingly, the cyclone was classified as Tropical Depression One at 22:00 UTC, while located about 345 miles (555 km) to the east-southeast of Chetumal, Quintana Roo. After the end of the hurricane season, the National Hurricane Center revised their analysis and estimated that the system had actually become a tropical depression at around 18:00 UTC. At the time of its formation, the depression was moving to the west-northwest, steered by a high pressure system over the northern Gulf of Mexico. An anticyclone positioned over the storm created an environment of minimal wind shear, and the depression quickly intensified. At 09:00 UTC on June 26, the system obtained tropical storm status and was given the name Alex. As Tropical Storm Alex progressed through the western Caribbean Sea towards the Yucatán Peninsula, it developed a large field of clouds accompanied by well-established outflow throughout its circulation. Its inner structure was initially disorganized, although by late on June 26, it became better defined. At about 21:00 UTC, as the tropical storm approached the Belize coast, a Hurricane Hunters flight reported winds of 65 mph