MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) – We now have the next tropical storm developing in the Caribbean. This system is expected to become a tropical storm by tomorrow and then a hurricane by midweek.

At 4 p.m., the disturbance was centered near latitude 13.0 North, longitude 77.1 West. The system is moving northeast near 7 mph. A turn to the north and then northwest is expected over the next few days. On the forecast plan, the system is expected to move near Jamaica by late Monday and near or over the Cayman Islands on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph (55 km/h), with higher gusts. This system is expected to become a tropical depression this evening and steady strengthening is forecast.

Hurricane conditions are possible in the Cayman Islands on Tuesday. Tropical storm conditions are expected in Jamaica through Monday evening.

Heavy rain will affect areas of the western Caribbean, with the heaviest rainfall occurring over Jamaica and southern Cuba through midweek. Rainfall totals between 3 and 6 inches, locally up to 9 inches are expected. Flooding may occur over portions of Jamaica and Cuba, with possible mudslides. Heavy rain will spread northward into Florida and adjacent areas of the southeastern United States by mid to late week.

Minor coastal flooding is possible in Jamaica on Monday and the Cayman Islands on Tuesday.

For us in the Carolinas, no direct impacts will likely be seen, however we will see an increase in moisture through next weekend.

Copyright 2024 WMBF. All rights reserved.