Florida has declared a state of emergency as tropical disturbance 97L nears the US.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency as a tropical disturbance, known as Invest 97L, approaches from the Caribbean. The disturbance, currently generating disorganized showers and thunderstorms over areas like Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas, could develop into a tropical depression or storm as it moves into the Gulf of Mexico this weekend or early next week.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) notes that while development has been slow, conditions are expected to become more favorable for growth once the system moves past the Greater Antilles. They predict that a tropical depression might form near Florida by the weekend or early next week.

Residents in the Greater Antilles, Bahamas, and Florida should stay updated on the system’s progress. The disturbance’s chances of development in the coming days have increased, with the likelihood of a significant development within a week now categorized as “high.”

Model projections suggest the storm could head towards Florida and the eastern Gulf of Mexico, but exact details remain uncertain. The storm may bring heavy rainfall and potential flooding to Florida and neighboring states. It might also stall over northern Florida or nearby regions, potentially affecting areas from the northern Gulf Coast to the Carolinas, with a possible looping track.

If the system intensifies into a tropical storm, it will be named Debby, marking the fourth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. Due to the potential for rapid development, residents should prepare for swift changes and limited warning time.