Source: Loop News
The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services has issued a tropical cyclone alert for the Leeward Islands and British Virgin Islands as a developing weather system, designated AL98, enters the monitored area.
As of 2 pm Eastern Caribbean Time (ECT) on August 10, 2024, the centre of AL98 was located near latitude 12.0 North and longitude 40.0 West.
This positions the system approximately 1,498 miles southeast of Antigua and 1,696 miles southeast of the British Virgin Islands.
Meteorologists report that environmental conditions appear conducive to the gradual development of AL98 over the next several days.
The system is currently moving westward to west-northwestward at 15 to 20 mph across the central tropical Atlantic.
Forecasters predict that a tropical depression is likely to form by early to mid-next week as the system approaches and then moves near or over the Lesser Antilles.
Currently, AL98 has maximum sustained winds near 25 mph with higher gusts and an estimated minimum central pressure of 1010 mb.
While these figures do not yet indicate a strong storm, the potential for intensification exists as the system moves closer to the Caribbean.
Given its present track, AL98 is expected to be near the Leeward Islands in two to three days.
As a result, watches may be required for some of the islands within the next 48 hours.
Residents in potentially affected areas are strongly advised to complete their hurricane preparedness plans and be ready to implement them at short notice.
The Meteorological Services emphasizes the importance of all residents in the region monitoring the movement of AL98 closely and being prepared to take necessary actions.