Eye on the tropics: Tropical Disturbance 98L could gain organization as it moves toward Caribbean

ORLANDO, Fla. — There is an increased threat that a tropical storm or hurricane could form in the Caribbean as soon as this weekend.

See forecast updates below:

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10 p.m. update

Tropical Disturbance 98L is showing some activity tonight in the far southern Caribbean, and will likely gain organization as it moves northwest toward the northwest Caribbean through the weekend, Channel 9 Certified Chief Meteorologist Tom Terry said.

The first tropical advisories for islands like Jamaica and The Cayman Islands are possible this weekend, and we’ll be monitoring this system very closely through early next week.

5 p.m. update

Hurricane Fiona remains a Category 4 storm with winds of 130 mph. Channel 9 chief meteorologist Tom Terry said Central Florida can expect 5-8 foot waves hitting our beaches.

He said Invest 98 is likely to develop by this weekend and threaten the southern Gulf next week.

11 a.m. update

Channel 9 meteorologist Rusty McCranie said Invest 98L remains weak and ragged but could develop into a hurricane in the Caribbean in the next week.

6 a.m. update

Channel 9 Meteorologist Brian Shields said conditions “conducive for development” for a tropical wave in the Caribbean.

READ: Hurricane Fiona to send big waves, strong rip current threat to Florida east coast

He said the system should develop this weekend before moving into the Gulf of Mexico next week.

Where the system goes from there is uncertain.

“We’re monitoring it closely,” Shields said.

Meantime, Hurricane Fiona has strengthened to a Category 4 storm is tracking toward Bermuda and Canada.

READ: Hot and drier Thursday in Central Florida

While Fiona did not pose a direct threat to Florida, the powerful storm will send dangerous rip currents and high surf to the east coast of Florida, including Central Florida’s beaches.

Follow our Severe Weather team on Twitter for live updates:

• Chief meteorologist Tom Terry
• Kassandra Crimi
• George Waldenberger
• Rusty McCranie
• Brian Shields

Visit our hurricane section: EYE ON THE TROPICS

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