The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is closely monitoring Invest 98-L, a tropical disturbance in the Atlantic Ocean, as its chances of developing into a tropical depression continue to rise. As of the latest update, the NHC predicts an 80% chance of formation within the next 48 hours and a 90% chance within the next seven days.
The disturbance, currently located about 1,000 miles east of the Lesser Antilles, is showing signs of increasing organization. Forecasters expect it to become a tropical depression early this week as it moves west-northwestward towards the Lesser Antilles.
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If the system continues to strengthen and reaches sustained wind speeds of 39 mph or higher, it will be named Tropical Storm Ernesto, the fifth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.
While it’s too early to predict the exact path and intensity of the potential storm, residents in the Caribbean and along the U.S. East Coast are urged to monitor its progress and be prepared for possible impacts later this week.
The NHC is issuing advisories on Invest 98-L and will continue to provide updates as the system develops.
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