A new storm system is emerging in the Atlantic Ocean and could potentially impact both the Caribbean and the United States later this week. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the system is currently located about 1,000 miles from the Lesser and Greater Antilles.
Forecasters predict an 80 percent chance that the system will develop into a formal storm within the next 48 hours, with a 90 percent likelihood of becoming a named storm within a week.
The storm’s trajectory initially indicated a direct path toward the Caribbean, but recent updates suggest it may shift northward. If this new path continues, the storm might stay over the ocean and potentially have limited effects on land areas in the Caribbean.
At this point, it’s difficult to predict the specific impacts or timing of the storm on the United States. The potential strength of the storm remains uncertain, and if it does become a named storm, it would be designated as Ernesto.
Emerging Atlantic Storm Could Impact Caribbean and U.S. This Week, Following Hurricane Debby’s DevastationAccuWeather’s Lead Hurricane Expert Alex notes that if the storm persists and reaches the area near or north of the Caribbean, it could develop into a tropical storm and possibly approach the East Coast of the U.S., raising concerns for direct impacts.
This developing storm follows the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Debby, which hit Florida and the East Coast with heavy rains and strong winds. Hurricane Debby, classified as a Category 1 storm with winds up to 80 mph, led to severe flooding and claimed at least eight lives.
The flooding from Hurricane Debby affected large areas, including parts of South Carolina and Georgia, where rainfall reached up to a foot in some regions. The East Coast also experienced disruptions due to the storm’s remnants, including significant flight delays and adverse weather conditions in New York City.