The U.S. Gulf Coast and Caribbean should keep eyes on another potential system, NHC says
One system headed for the Gulf of Mexico should have the attention of the United States, Cuba and Mexico, and two systems with development chances follow a tropical storm in the Atlantic Ocean.
All that and Hurricane Isaac are in the National Hurricane Center’s Sunday updates on the weather system activity in the Atlantic region.
A disturbance in the Caribbean
What the hurricane center calls “a broad area of low pressure” over the western Caribbean Sea could become a tropical storm in a few days as it “meanders” west-northwest.
“This system is then expected to move northwestward into the Gulf of Mexico during the latter portion of this week,” the hurricane center said. “Interests in the northwestern Caribbean Sea and along the U.S. Gulf Coast should monitor its progress.”
Formation chance over the next two days: near zero.
Formation chance over the next seven days: 50%.
A wave with no clear direction
A tropical wave off Africa’s west coast could show “gradual development” during the week as it moves west or west-northwest into the Atlantic.
Formation chance over the next two days: 10%.
Formation chance over the next seven days: 50%.
Tropical Storm Joyce
Where is Joyce: Under 1,000 miles east-northeast of the Northern Leeward Islands.
Where is Joyce going: Joyce is heading northwest at 6 mph and the motion is “expected to continue [Sunday] with a turn toward the north anticipated on Monday and Tuesday.”
Joyce’s maximum sustained winds: 40 mph.
Watches and warnings: None.
“Joyce is likely to become a tropical depression on Monday and weaken into a remnant low on Tuesday,” according to the hurricane center.
A tropical depression following Joyce
The tropical depression — which could become a hurricane by Wednesday — is moving west near 9 mph, according to the hurricane center’s Sunday night update.
“Gradual strengthening is forecast over the next day or so followed by a faster rate of intensification by the middle portion of this week,” the NHC said.
Formation chance over the next two days: 60%.
Formation chance over the next seven days: 80%.
Hurricane Isaac
Where is Isaac: About 565 miles northwest of the Azores. Isaac’s hurricane force winds extend to 70 miles. That’s 230 miles from the center for tropical storm force winds.
Where is Isaac going: Isaac is heading northeast at 12 mph and the motion is “expected to continue for the next couple of days, followed by a turn towards the north-northeast on Tuesday.”
Isaac’s maximum sustained winds: 70 mph.
Watches and warnings: “Swells generated by Isaac and a large wind fetch from a deep-layer trough will affect the Azores over the next few days. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.”
Isaac’s life as a hurricane is expected to be done by Monday afternoon.
This story was originally published September 29, 2024 at 9:40 AM with the headline "The U.S. Gulf Coast and Caribbean should keep eyes on another potential system, NHC says."
