The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services has issued a tropical cyclone alert for the Leeward Islands and the British Virgin Islands as a developing weather system, labeled AL98, enters the monitored area.
As of 2 p.m. Eastern Caribbean Time (ECT) on August 10, 2024, the center of AL98 was located near latitude 12.0 North and longitude 40.0 West, placing it about 1,498 miles southeast of Antigua and 1,696 miles southeast of the British Virgin Islands.
Meteorologists report that conditions are favorable for the gradual development of AL98 over the coming days. The system is currently moving westward to west-northwestward at a speed of 15 to 20 mph across the central tropical Atlantic. Forecasters anticipate that a tropical depression will likely form by early to mid-next week as AL98 approaches and possibly moves near or over the Lesser Antilles.
Currently, AL98 has maximum sustained winds of about 25 mph, with higher gusts, and an estimated minimum central pressure of 1010 mb. While these numbers do not yet indicate a strong storm, there is potential for intensification as the system moves closer to the Caribbean.
Given its current track, AL98 is expected to be near the Leeward Islands within two to three days. As a result, watches may be issued for some of the islands within the next 48 hours.
Residents in potentially affected areas are strongly advised to finalize their hurricane preparedness plans and be ready to implement them at short notice.
The Meteorological Services emphasizes the importance of monitoring AL98 closely and being prepared to take necessary action. Regular updates will be provided, with the next advisory scheduled for around 8 p.m. ECT.
