- Tropical Storm Fiona is no immediate threat to land

- Invest 99 (behind Fiona) likely develops next week

- Some data suggests it could impact parts of North America

A significant development in the tropics may occur next week. Several reliable forecast models are suggesting that a tropical storm or hurricane could form in the western Atlantic by Tuesday and begin moving in a direction toward the East Coast of the United States. While it is absolutely too early to discuss specifics on this possible storm, we encourage all Floridians to keep tabs on it with us in the coming days.

As of Friday afternoon, Invest 99 (as the meteorological community calls it) was located 500 miles southwest of the Capo Verde Islands and moving west at 15 mph. The National Hurricane Center gave it a “medium chance” of development, especially when it moves into a more favorable atmospheric environment over the western Atlantic Ocean. Sea surface temperatures here are extremely warm and further strengthening, as some forecast data suggests, seems plausible next week when the system nears the Lesser Antilles. Thereafter, forecast skill does not yield enough confidence to make a reasonable prediction on where the system may go. Yet.

All Floridians, and really all residents along the East Coast of the United States or near the Gulf of Mexico are encouraged to closely monitor forecast information in the coming days. Updates will be frequently sent to our Florida Storms mobile app, where customized alerts are available. You can also like or follow us on our Facebook and Twitter accounts to stay informed.

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