Meteorologists are closely tracking two storm systems over the Atlantic as Hurricane Milton wreaks havoc in Florida. While Milton, which made landfall as a category five storm, dominates headlines with its destructive force, attention is also being given to additional weather systems that may pose future threats.
Two developing systems in the Atlantic are showing potential for intensification in the coming days. Although smaller than Milton, both storms are increasing in size and wind speed.
Hurricane Leslie, which strengthened in the northeast Caribbean on Wednesday, has reached category one status, the lowest in the hurricane scale. Another system, currently several hundred miles north of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, known as Invest 93L, is also being monitored. Though not yet classified as a hurricane, it has sustained winds of 85 miles per hour and is moving northwest at around 10 mph. If its winds exceed the threshold for a category one hurricane, it will be named Hurricane Nadine, making it the 14th named storm of the 2024 season.
Neither Leslie nor Invest 93L is expected to hit the U.S. mainland at this time, but meteorologists caution that changing conditions could alter their paths. Tom Kines, senior meteorologist at Accuweather, told the Mail: “While it’s unlikely they’ll reach the U.S., we can’t completely rule it out. Weather can be unpredictable.”
Despite these concerns, Kines emphasized that Hurricane Milton remains the primary threat, stating, “Of the three storms, Milton is by far the most dangerous and poses the greatest immediate risk.”
While it’s important to stay informed about these developing storms, Milton continues to demand the most urgent attention.