TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Atlantic region is experiencing an active week as the National Hurricane Center closely monitors two systems: Tropical Storm Bret and Invest 93L.
Initially projected to intensify into a Category 1 hurricane, Bret’s latest forecast indicates it will likely maintain tropical storm status, although gradual strengthening is expected.
As of Wednesday morning, Bret is moving west at a speed of 16 mph, with this general motion anticipated to persist over the next few days. Maximum sustained winds have reached 60 mph, accompanied by higher gusts.
Further intensification is anticipated in the next 24 hours as Bret’s center is projected to pass through portions of the Lesser Antilles on Thursday afternoon and Thursday night, before traversing the eastern Caribbean Sea on Friday.
Bret is expected to maintain tropical storm strength as it approaches the Lesser Antilles, gradually weakening to a tropical depression by the weekend.
The National Hurricane Center has issued a tropical storm watch for the Lesser Antilles.
Invest 93L currently holds a 70% chance of development within the next 48 hours and an 80% chance of development over the next seven days, as reported by the National Hurricane Center.
Forecast models for Invest 93L indicate that the system is likely to veer into the Atlantic.