Tropical Storm Chantal Forms in Atlantic

Tropical Storm Chantal formed in the Atlantic Ocean late Sunday evening and began her path toward the Lesser Antilles, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Tropical storm warnings have already been issued for Dominica, Barbados, St. Lucia, Martinique and Guadeloupe, and a tropical storm watch is in effect for St. Vincent. More islands in the Lesser Antilles may go under watches and warnings Monday as Chantal approaches. Residents in these areas can expect tropical storm conditions by Tuesday.

After Chantal departs from the Lesser Antilles, the tropical storm is expected to affect parts of Haiti, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. The current forecast of Chantal will take the storm over the Bahamas Friday, but parts of Florida could be affected by Friday as well.

The 2013 Atlantic hurricane season began on June 1 and will officially end on Nov. 30.