Tropical Disturbance in Atlantic Could Develop into Storm Ernesto

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Meteorologists are closely monitoring a tropical disturbance in the Atlantic Ocean, identified as Invest 98L, which has a significant chance of evolving into the next named storm, Ernesto. Currently situated approximately 1,000 miles east of the Lesser Antilles, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) reports that the system, characterized by a growing area of showers and thunderstorms, is becoming increasingly organized. The NHC indicates that environmental conditions are conducive for the development of this system, with a tropical depression expected to form in the coming days as it approaches the Leeward Islands. Forecasters anticipate that the system may strengthen further, potentially becoming a tropical storm or hurricane. Residents and travelers in the region are advised to stay alert, as Tropical Storm Watches or Warnings could be issued as early as Sunday. As the system progresses, it may impact parts of the Greater Antilles by midweek. While it remains uncertain whether Ernesto will affect the U.S. mainland, residents of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands should prepare for possible impacts as soon as Tuesday. This development follows the recent passage of Hurricane Debby, which caused significant flooding, tornadoes, and high winds across the eastern United States, making landfall in Florida as a Category 1 hurricane and later in South Carolina as a tropical storm.