Editor's note:Tropical Storm Fernand formed in the Atlantic on Saturday, Aug. 23. Hurricane forecasters have turned their attention fromErinto other developing tropical systems in the Atlantic, including one that could become Tropical Storm Fernand and may follow a path similar to Erin's. The National Hurricane Center is tracking two disturbances, Invest AL90 and Invest AL99 − so-called as "invest" is short for "investigation" − in the Atlantic, with the chance of developing into something stronger. The more likely to do so is Invest AL90, which is expected to develop into a tropical storm Saturday afternoon or evening, as it moves northward,the NHC saidin an outlook issued at 2 p.m. ET Saturday, Aug. 23. Also being tracked: four more tropical waves in the Caribbean to the east of Invest AL99, which is also a tropical wave located about 850 miles east of the Windward Islands. 85732690007 Forecasters have warned those in Bermuda to monitor the progress of Invest AL90, which is associated with showers and thunderstorms, as it is currently about 400 miles south-southeast of Bermuda, the NHC said. The system has a near 100% chance of formation over the next 48 hours, the NHC said. The storm, which is moving north at 10 to 15 mph, could follow a path similar to that of Hurricane Erin, but is expected to turn northward much sooner, which means it could come close to, or directly hit, Bermuda as a hurricane, according to AccuWeather. "This storm is expected to produce several inches of rain, wind gusts of 60-80 mph, rough seas and surf and storm surge of several feet," AccuWeather lead hurricane expert Alex DaSilva saidin a forecast. When the system develops into a tropical storm, it will be named Fernand. An Air Force Reconnaissance aircraft is scheduled to investigate the system on Saturday afternoon, the NHC said. If the storm's path shifts to the east as it approaches Bermuda this weekend, the impacts there will lessen even if the storm intensifies. By mid-week, the storm may bring rough seas, heavy rain and strong winds to Newfoundland, Canada, according to AccuWeather. The other disturbance, Invest AL99, made up of disorganized showers and thunderstorms, is located 850 miles east of the Windward Islands. It is expected to bring locally heavy rainfall and gusty winds to parts of the islands, which include Grenada and St. Lucia, but forecasters put its likelihood of development at 20% over the next seven days.,the NHC said. In addition to Invest AL90 and Invest AL99, the National Hurricane Center is tracking four tropical waves in the Atlantic: A far eastern Atlantic tropical wave is moving across the Cabo Verde Islands moving west. A central Atlantic tropical wave, located near Invest AL99, is moving west also. An eastern Caribbean tropical wave near Puerto Rico to western Venezuela is expected to bring some widely scattered showers and an isolated thunderstorm from near the U.S. Virgin Islands to south of the coast of Puerto Rico to the Mona Passage. A western Caribbean tropical wave near the Gulf of Honduras through Honduras to far northwest Nicaragua into the eastern Pacific Ocean. Each of the tropical waves are moving west and do not pose a threat at this time. However, experts say to be prepared for hurricane season. A tropical wave in the Pacific, which is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms several hundred miles south of the coast of southwestern Mexico, is expected to become a tropical depression by early next week,the center said. Forecasters give the system, which is moving west-northwesterward, a 40% chance of formation over the next two days and 70% chance over the next seven days. The term "tropical wave" describes atmospheric conditions, according toAccuWeather.com. Tropical waves are elongated areas, or troughs, of relativelylow pressurethat move east to west across the tropics, moving westward from Africa into the Atlantic. A wave can lead to the formation of a tropical cyclone, which in turn may develop into a tropical storm or hurricane, according to theNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Hurricanes are born in the tropics, above warm water. Clusters of thunderstorms can develop over the ocean when water temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If conditions are right, the clusters swirl into a storm known as a tropical wave or tropical depression. A tropical depression becomes a named tropical storm once its sustained wind speeds reaches 39 miles per hour. When its winds reach 74 mph, the storm officially becomes a hurricane. Delaying potentially life-saving preparations could mean waiting until it's too late. "Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period," NOAA recommends. Prepare now for hurricanes:Here's what you should do to stay safe before a storm arrives Develop an evacuation plan: If you are at risk from hurricanes, you need anevacuation plan. Now is the time to begin planning where you would go and how you would get there. Assemble disaster supplies: Whether you're evacuating or sheltering-in-place, you're going to need supplies not just to get through the storm but for the potentially lengthy aftermath,NOAA said. Get an insurance checkup and document your possessions: Contact your insurance company or agent now and ask for aninsurance check-upto make sure you have enough insurance to repair or even replace your home and/or belongings. Remember, home and renters insurance doesn't cover flooding, so you'll need a separate policy for it. Flood insurance is available through your company, agent, or theNational Flood Insurance Program. Act now, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period. Create a family communication plan: NOAA said to take the time now to write down yourhurricane plan, and share it with your family. Determine family meeting places, and make sure to include an out-of-town location in case of evacuation. Strengthen your home: Now is the time to improve your home's ability to withstand hurricane impacts. Trim trees; install storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass; seal outside wall openings. (This story has been updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Hurricane forecasters expect Fernand to form; track its path
