As we approach the peak of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) has begun issuing advisories for Potential Tropical Cyclone 5. This system, currently located east of the Leeward Islands, could develop into Tropical Storm Ernesto later this week.

According to the NHC, the tropical activity in the region has been on the rise in recent weeks, with the formation of Hurricane Debby, which made landfall in Florida before hitting South Carolina as a tropical storm. Following closely behind was Invest 98L, which has now developed into what is known as Potential Tropical Cyclone 5.

Introduced in 2017, a potential tropical cyclone designation allows the NHC to issue routine advisories on a system that has not yet developed into a tropical depression or tropical storm. However, it poses a threat of 39-plus-mph winds to land within 48 hours. This designation also enables the issuance of Tropical Storm or Hurricane Watches and Warnings for areas at higher risk of being impacted by the storm.

The NHC predicts that Potential Tropical Cyclone 5 will likely strengthen into Tropical Storm Ernesto before reaching the Leeward Islands. As a result, Tropical Storm Watches have been issued for Guadeloupe, St. Martin, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, Antigua, Barbuda, and Anguilla. A Tropical Storm Watch indicates the possibility of experiencing tropical storm conditions within two days.

Additional watches or warnings are expected for the British and U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as Puerto Rico, as these areas are at risk from the potential impacts of Potential Tropical Cyclone 5.

The current forecast suggests that the system will continue moving westward, crossing the Central Tropical Atlantic, before veering northwest near the Caribbean Islands. After nearing Puerto Rico, it is projected to track northward.

As the situation unfolds, it is vital to stay informed about the latest updates regarding Potential Tropical Cyclone 5. Stay tuned to FOX Weather for the most recent information and details on this developing system.