Invest 98-L nearing tropical storm status in Caribbean, NHC says

A tropical storm is expected to form in the Caribbean Sea on Tuesday, according to the National Hurricane Center. Invest 98-L is becoming better organized over the central Caribbean Sea, with winds of 45 mph. Environmental conditions are forecast to become more conducive, and a tropical storm is expected to form later today. Heavy rainfall and gusty winds are possible over portions of the ABC Islands during the next couple of days. The NHC advised that residents in Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Cuba should closely monitor the development of this system. These locations are at risk of heavy rain, flooding, strong winds and hazardous surf conditions later this week. Should the storm develop, it will be named Melissa. Related: Tracking Invest 98-L: Maps, models Formation chances for the next two days: 100%Formation chances for the next seven days: 100% Hurricane season 2025The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Stay with WESH 2 online and on-air for the most accurate Central Florida weather forecast.>> More: 2025 Hurricane Survival GuideThe First Warning Weather team includes First Warning Chief Meteorologist Tony Mainolfi, Eric Burris, Marquise Meda and Cam Tran.>> 2025 hurricane season | WESH long-range forecast>> Download Very Local | Stream Central Florida news and weather from WESH 2