ORLANDO, Fla. – Activity is ramping up in the Caribbean, where a developing system is showing signs of becoming better organized.
The disturbance, currently identified as Invest 98L, continues to organize itself over the central Caribbean Sea.
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Latest Update
Satellite and radar data early Tuesday show that the system now has a broad but improving circulation. While it still lacks a fully defined center, the overall structure is becoming more organized.
Warmer weather and lower wind shear will support further strengthening, and a tropical storm is likely to form Tuesday as the system drifts slowly through the central Caribbean.
The National Hurricane Center gives this disturbance a 100% chance of tropical cyclone formation within 48 hours.
[VIDEO BELOW: Candace Campos’ forecast for Orlando area]
Impacts
Heavy rainfall and gusty winds are already possible across portions of the Leeward Islands over the next couple of days.
To the north, residents in Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, Jamaica and Cuba should closely monitor the system as it continues to move west-northwest.
There is a potential for heavy rainfall, flash flooding, strong winds and rough surf later this week, depending on its exact track and intensity.
Most computer models show the system turning north-northeast, away from Florida, but it’s future path is uncertain at this point.
The next named storm will be called Melissa.
Hurricane season runs through November.
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