Tropical Storm Developing in Atlantic Ocean, on Track to Hit U.S. Virgin Islands

A potential tropical cyclone, gaining strength rapidly, was forming in the Atlantic Ocean east-southeast of Antigua. Forecasted to become a named tropical storm by Monday, it was the fifth named storm of the season. A tropical storm watch was issued for several Caribbean islands, warning of possible damaging winds, high surf, and heavy rainfall. The front was projected to reach these islands by Tuesday afternoon and potentially impact the Leeward Islands, British and U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico by Wednesday. The storm’s formation aligns with forecasts predicting an above-normal number of storms for the Atlantic hurricane season due to warm sea surface temperatures. Colorado State University’s hurricane forecast also foresees an increased likelihood of major hurricane landfalls. Despite the potential threat, the current track of the storm suggests it will turn northward into the Atlantic, avoiding a direct hit on the U.S. mainland for now. Residents of the affected islands and regions were advised to closely monitor updates and be prepared for possible impacts from the developing tropical storm.

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