Caribbean System Poised to Become Tropical Storm Patty

Forecasters warn of potential storm development in the Caribbean with possible impacts on Florida and the Southeast U.S.

The National Hurricane Center gives the Caribbean system a 40% chance of developing into a tropical depression or storm by the weekend.
If it forms, the storm will be named Patty, marking the 16th named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.
Meteorologists highlight favorable conditions for storm development, including warm sea temperatures and low wind shear.
Potential paths for the storm include impacts on Florida and the Carolinas, though exact trajectories remain uncertain.
Forecasters caution that the unusually warm ocean temperatures could extend the hurricane season into December, increasing the risk of late-season storms.