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.
Another example of the impacts warmer Atlantic waters are having. And, the farther north you go, the more above-average the temperatures get in the Atlantic overall. https://t.co/SoVoRPf7M1
— Tom Terry (@TTerryWFTV) September 23, 2022
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.
5pm update, Thursday: #Fiona still at Cat4, winds 130mph moving quickly NE with 5-8ft waves hitting our beaches. #Invest98 likely to develop by this weekend and threatening southern Gulf next week. Watching it closely! @WFTV pic.twitter.com/Mz7if5atj0
— Tom Terry (@TTerryWFTV) September 22, 2022
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.
there is very little skill in the models in regards to the track. You'll see the GFS and EURO models already begin to deviate in the NW Caribbean. We are in watch and wait mode and will be the next several days. 2/2
— Rusty McCranie (@RMcCranieWFTV) September 22, 2022
11am Thursday Fiona: Still a powerful Category 4 hurricane with only slow weakening as it moves past Bermuda. Although it will become extratropical, it will still bring hurricane force winds to far eastern Canada this weekend. pic.twitter.com/sI5PmEyy32
— Rusty McCranie (@RMcCranieWFTV) September 22, 2022
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.
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