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 cha

See Full Page