Invest 94L could approach Florida waters by weekend. Here’s what we know

ORLANDO, Fla. – Floridians are urged to stay alert and closely monitor tropical updates on Invest 94L over the weekend, as the forecast is expected to shift and improve rapidly in the coming days.

Invest 94L, a disorganized tropical wave near Hispaniola early Thursday, is expected to drift northwest and slow down, likely becoming a tropical depression near the Bahamas by late Friday or Saturday.

As of the 8 a.m. update from the National Hurricane Center, chances continue to increase for tropical development. They’re giving this area a 70% chance of development in the next two days, and a 90% within the next seven.

If it becomes a named storm, the next one on the list is Imelda.

Forecast Confidence

There’s added uncertainty due to nearby Tropical Storm Humberto, which is strengthening and forecast to become a major hurricane early next week.

Some models suggest that the presence of both systems could lead to interaction, potentially shifting their paths depending on how strong 94L becomes.

Any potential interaction could influence whether 94L moves closer to Florida or stays offshore.

Possible Florida Impacts

By late Friday, the system should begin organizing near the Bahamas, with the most likely window for Florida impacts from Saturday through Monday. At this point, local models keep typical summer storms in the forecast for the weekend, but that will likely change.

Even if it doesn’t fully develop or come ashore, marine impacts are likely along Florida’s east coast beginning this weekend, including rough surf, gusty winds and dangerous rip currents.

Beachgoers and boaters should be prepared for increasing hazards, regardless of whether a tropical storm forms.

Elsewhere in the Tropics

Meanwhile, Hurricane Gabrielle is moving quickly across the north Atlantic.

The latest forecast brings strong winds to the Azores and parts of Portugal as it transitions into an extratropical system by this weekend.

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