Janice R. Andrews
A large low-pressure system churning in the central Caribbean Sea has meteorologists on high alert, with the National Hurricane Center (NHC) predicting a 90% chance of tropical cyclone formation by midweek. If the system strengthens as expected, it would become Tropical Storm Sara, the season’s 18th named storm during what has been a particularly active 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.
The disturbance currently features widespread shower and thunderstorm activity, with forecasters noting ideal environmental conditions for further strengthening. According to the NHC’s latest advisory, the system is expected to develop into a tropical depression as it drifts westward across Caribbean waters.
Weather models suggest the system will linger over the western Caribbean throughout the weekend before shifting its track northwestward early next week. Jamaica faces an immediate threat of heavy rainfall, prompting weather officials to issue alerts. The NHC has emphasized that communities throughout the western and northwestern Caribbean should closely track the system’s evolution.
Development prospects remain especially high, with forecasters maintaining both 48-hour and 7-day formation chances at 90%. The system’s likely upgrade to Tropical Storm Sara would follow Hurricane Rafael, which recently affected Cuba before weakening over Gulf waters. This season has already produced 17 named storms, including 11 hurricanes.
With the Atlantic hurricane season continuing through November 30, Caribbean residents are advised to maintain preparedness measures as this latest system threatens to bring impacts to the region.
