A tropical storm is intensifying and is expected to reach typhoon strength before hitting southern China's coast on Sunday

The system, identified as Invest 93L, originally developed east of Florida before traversing the entire state and ending up over Louisiana and Mississippi.

North Carolina has declared a state of emergency after Tropical Storm Chantal caused severe flooding and at least six deaths. Gov.

Hurricane center forecasters said the system, designated as Invest 93L, is forecast to continue moving westward and could emerge or redevelop.

The National Hurricane Center is tracking Invest 93L. Could tropical storm Dexter develop? What is the weather forecast for travel? What we know

NC Governor Stein visits Chapel Hill to survey Tropical Storm Chantal damage and meet with affected residents.

In 2023, a typhoon brought sustained heavy rains to southern China, triggering inundations in Hong Kong and other areas. Deluges around the city of Maoming in Guangdong province caused a lake at a commercial crocodile farm to overflow with over 70 animals escaping, local media reported.

This is because dusty, dry, Saharan air – one of the Atlantic's biggest limiting factors – typically disperses and allows tropical waves to produce tall thunderstorms. These thunderstorms lead to a healthier system and could eventually lead to the formation of a tropical depression or storm.