Invest 98L is becoming better organised, and is forecasted to become Tropical Storm Ophelia within the next 24 to 36 hours (if it has not been upgraded by the time of print). The system is currently tracking to the west, and track models show that the Windward and Leeward Islands can expect tropical storm conditions by Friday (23). They also show that the system is going to weaken as it passes through the islands on Friday night.

After Invest 98L passes through the islands, a strong trough of low pressure that is located over the eastern US will pick it up. It is then believed that it will move through the northeastern Caribbean and end up in the open Atlantic, similar to Maria.

Rob Lightbown writes, “For those of you in the Leeward Islands and the Windward Islands, please be aware that Invest 98L looks to take a little further north track than what was expected yesterday and tropical storm conditions are possible across the northern Windward Islands and the Leeward Islands starting during the day Friday and continuing right into Saturday. The Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico may also be affected by tropical storm conditions on Sunday. Finally, should this system be pulled northward, Bermuda may be affected by tropical storm conditions right around next Wednesday.”

Go to Crown Weather Services at www.crownweather.com or to the National Hurricane Centre at www.nhc.noaa.gov/ for more information on Invest 98L and. iNews wishes to thank Crown Weather for their permission to use their graphics and information. Please support them.