A New Tropical Threat Heads Toward the Caribbean: Know About Invest 91L
What is Invest 91L?
Invest 91L is a designation given by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) to an area of low pressure in the central Atlantic that has the potential to develop into a tropical cyclone. A tropical cyclone is a rotating system of clouds and thunderstorms that forms over warm ocean waters and has a closed circulation at the surface. Tropical cyclones are classified into different categories depending on their wind speed and structure, such as tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes.
Invest 91L is currently located about 800 miles east of the Windward Islands, moving westward at 15 to 20 mph. As of Monday morning, the NHC gave it a 70% chance of becoming a tropical depression or storm within the next 48 hours, and a 90% chance within the next five days.
Why is Invest 91L a threat?
Invest 91L is a threat because it could bring heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and rough seas to parts of the Caribbean, especially the Windward Islands, which include Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago. These islands are already dealing with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano in St. Vincent earlier this year. Any additional stress from a tropical system could worsen their situation.
Invest 91L could also pose a threat to other parts of the Caribbean, such as Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, Cuba, Jamaica, and the Bahamas, depending on its track and intensity. Some models suggest that Invest 91L could reach hurricane strength by the end of the week and approach the eastern Gulf of Mexico or the southeastern US coast by early next week. However, there is still a lot of uncertainty in the long-term forecast, as Invest 91L has not yet developed a well-defined center and could encounter unfavorable conditions such as dry air and wind shear along its path.
How can you prepare for Invest 91L?
The best way to prepare for Invest 91L is to stay informed and follow the advice of local authorities. You can monitor the latest updates from the NHC at their website or on social media. You can also check your local weather forecast and warnings from your national meteorological service.
If you live in an area that could be affected by Invest 91L, you should have an emergency plan and kit ready in case you need to evacuate or shelter in place. Your kit should include items such as water, food, medicine, flashlight, radio, batteries, cash, documents, and personal hygiene items. You should also secure your home and property by trimming trees, clearing gutters, covering windows, and moving outdoor furniture indoors.
Conclusion
Invest 91L is a new tropical threat that could develop into a named storm and affect parts of the Caribbean in the coming days. It is important to be aware of its potential impacts and take precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones. Remember that even if Invest 91L does not become a major hurricane, it could still cause significant damage and disruption from heavy rain, strong winds, and high waves. Stay safe and stay tuned for more updates.
