Disturbance brewing in Atlantic could become 2024 hurricane season's next named storm, Ernesto

ORLANDO, Fla. - An updated version of this story can be found here. 

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring three potential tropical waves that could develop into significant storms. 

The first of these systems is likely to become Tropical Storm Ernesto, with the possibility of strengthening into a hurricane. While the storm's track remains uncertain, the entire East Coast is advised to stay vigilant. It's too early to predict whether the storm will impact any specific state or veer out to sea.

The second wave also has development potential, but it's moving into an environment that may be less favorable for strengthening.

The third wave, however, is raising more concern for the U.S. mainland. As we approach the end of August and Labor Day, the Atlantic high-pressure system is expected to shift further west, which could significantly reduce the chances of storms curving out to sea. While the possibility of a recurve isn’t entirely off the table, the risk of a mainland impact increases.

The next storm names in the sequence after Ernesto are Francine and Gordon.

With a very active hurricane season unfolding, forecasters warn that we are only in the early stages, with much more to come.