Invest 97L Development: The system, now designated as Invest 97L, is forecasted to develop into Hurricane Helene this week while it moves toward Florida.
High Chances of Formation: The NHC has developed an 80% chance of formation of the system into a tropical storm within 48 hours and 90% over the next seven days.
Potential Impact Areas: Most models indicate this storm will impact Florida, particularly the Panhandle and Big Bend areas, with landfall expected by Thursday
.
Rapid Intensification Expected: The storm is expected to increase rapidly as warm waters exist in the Gulf of Mexico, raising concerns about significant impacts.
Florida Preparations: People across the affected areas have been warned to expect strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding into their areas from late Wednesday through Thursday.
Track Uncertainty: While the general path of the storm is westward toward Florida, small shifts in track could make big differences regarding where the worst of it falls.
Other Tropical Storms: Another area of disturbance between Africa and the Cabo Verde Islands has a 70% four-day chance of developing, further indicating a very busy Atlantic
.
Current Weather Watches and Warnings: As the storm churns on, local and national meteorological services will provide updated information and advisories to the public..