The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is closely monitoring a disturbance in the western Caribbean Sea that is highly likely to develop into a tropical depression within the next 48 hours.
This system poses a potential threat to Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and Cuba, with heavy rainfall and possible tropical storm conditions expected.
Disturbance AL97:
- Location: South-central Caribbean Sea
- Development: 90% chance of becoming a tropical depression within 48 hours.
- Movement: Northward towards Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and Cuba.
- Potential Impacts: Heavy rainfall and possible tropical storm conditions, including strong winds and coastal flooding, are expected in Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Cuba.
READ: AccuWeather Warns Of Potential Hurricane Threat To US Gulf Coast
An Air Force Hurricane Hunter aircraft is currently investigating the disturbance to gather more information about its structure and intensity. Tropical storm watches or warnings could be issued for portions of the western Caribbean later today.
Other Tropical Activity:
Subtropical Storm Patty: Patty is located over the northeastern Atlantic Ocean near the Azores Islands. It is not expected to impact land but could bring strong winds and rough seas to the Azores.
Disturbance near the Southeastern Bahamas: This system has a low chance (10%) of development and is expected to be absorbed by the larger disturbance in the Caribbean Sea. However, it could still produce locally heavy rainfall across the Greater Antilles and the Bahamas.
Southwestern Atlantic: An area of disturbed weather is expected to develop near the northern Leeward Islands around the middle of the week, with a low (20%) chance of slow development as it moves westward.
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