The Virgin Islands may face its first significant threat of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season as forecasters monitor a developing tropical system in the eastern Atlantic. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami has identified a westward-moving tropical wave that could potentially impact the eastern Caribbean in the coming days.
As of 8:00 AM EDT Thursday, the disturbance, designated as AL95, was located several hundred miles west-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands. While currently producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms, environmental conditions are expected to become more favorable for development.
The NHC predicts a 40% chance of formation within the next 48 hours, with the likelihood increasing to 70% over the next week. Forecasters anticipate that a tropical depression or tropical storm could form this weekend as the system moves westward at 15 to 20 mph, potentially positioning itself several hundred miles east of the Windward Islands.
Given the system’s projected path, residents of the Virgin Islands are being urged to stay informed and pay close attention to upcoming weather updates. While it’s too early to determine the exact impact on the territory, this development marks the first potential threat to the region for the 2024 hurricane season.
The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which officially began on June 1st, has been relatively quiet until now. This system serves as a reminder that conditions can change rapidly, and vigilance is crucial throughout the season, which runs through November 30th.