98L is most likely going to strenghten, just like Gaston only more because it is located further away from the coast, it has good outflow in just about all sectors of the storm. It could very well become the next tropical depression or storm by 5 P.M. Frances is facing some southerly shear as indicated by the tattered north side of the storm, as rabbit said in a pervious post. Gaston is providing much needed rain in South Carolina and parts of North Carolina, it should weaken greatly when it goes further inland. Wind gusts where up to 80 mph in some places, it was a pretty strong tropical storm.