Tropical Storm Dorian strengthened quickly Wednesday, after first designated as “Tropical Depression Four” just before 5 a.m. EDT over the far eastern Atlantic Ocean, southwest of the Cape Verde Islands.
Dorian will track west-northwest over the next several days on the south side of an intensifying Bermuda-Azores high, and will remain over open waters through much of the upcoming weekend.
It may approach the Leeward Islands, including the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, late Sunday night or Monday, though it’s not clear whether the system will track to the north of the islands at this early timeframe.
Additionally, this all assumes this system will survive the voyage. Some drier, more stable, cooler Atlantic Ocean water, and wind shear loom ahead of the system later this week. These ingredients are hostile to tropical cyclones.
Interests in the Leeward Islands, including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, should monitor the progress of this system.