Highlights
- Tropical Storm Erika has formed in the central Atlantic about 955 miles east of the Leeward Islands.
- Erika is expected to remain a tropical storm and some strengthening is expected as it moves quickly to the west.
- This new system may post a threat to the Leeward Island midweek.
Current Status
Projected Path
Model Tracks: Invest 98-L
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By midweek, Erika may move to a position near or north of the Leeward Islands. Just like we saw with Danny, Invest 98-L will have to battle dry air and wind shear nearby as it tries to organize.
During the next couple of days, Erika will be moving through an environment characterized by a moist air mass, low vertical wind shear and warm water. This should allow some strengthening. The intensity forecast becomes more complicated later this week due to differences in the computer forecast models.
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After reaching the vicinity of the Leeward Islands, the forecast computer models diverge and show different track scenarios. The exact track will also make a difference in the intensity of Erika and if it survives its track westward.
If it takes a more southern track, this would raise the potential for rain and wind impacts in the Lesser Antilles midweek. A track farther north would minimize these impacts.
The current forecast from the National Hurricane Center takes Erika towards Puerto Rico and Hispaniola later this week and near the Bahamas this weekend.
It's far too early to know at this time what impacts Tropical Storm Erika may bring to the eastern Caribbean or anywhere else.
Check back with The Weather Channel and weather.com for updates during the week ahead.
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