Hurricane Center Monitoring Potential Cyclone Development in the Caribbean
The National Hurricane Center is tracking a potential tropical storm in the Caribbean, with low pressure off Costa Rica and Panama possibly evolving into a cyclone. Current forecasts indicate minimal threat to the U.S., while another system in the central Atlantic could impact Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. The names Nadine and Oscar are next for storm designation in 2024 if they reach tropical-storm strength.
The National Hurricane Center is currently monitoring a developing tropical storm in the Caribbean, following the previous intensification of Hurricane Milton earlier this month. This new system is identified as an area of low pressure situated off the coasts of Costa Rica and Panama, with the potential to evolve into a tropical depression or a tropical storm as it migrates across the ocean. The National Hurricane Center has assessed the probability of this low-pressure system strengthening, indicating a 10 percent chance of it becoming a tropical cyclone within the next 48 hours, and a 20 percent chance over the next week. While this potential tropical cyclone does not appear to threaten the United States, forecast models suggest it will veer northwest, avoiding Nicaragua and Honduras, and toward the coastlines of Belize and Guatemala. The National Hurricane Center has stated, “Showers and thunderstorms in the southwestern Caribbean Sea are associated with a broad area of low pressure. Some gradual development is possible if the system stays over water while it moves slowly northwestward towards Central America. Regardless of development, locally heavy rainfall is possible across portions of Central America later this week.” In addition to the storm near the Caribbean, another system is forming in the central Atlantic. This system shows a greater likelihood of developing into a tropical storm, with a current estimate of a 30 percent chance of becoming a tropical cyclone in the next 48 hours and a 50 percent chance over the next seven days. The trajectory of this storm appears to direct it towards regions such as Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti, although natural occurrences could alter its path. Should either of these systems reach tropical-storm status, they will receive their names. The next available names in line for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season are Nadine and Oscar.
The article discusses the developing weather conditions in the Caribbean following Hurricane Milton’s intensification. The potential formation of new tropical storms raises concerns about their trajectory and the impact they could have on Central America and surrounding regions. The National Hurricane Center plays a critical role in monitoring and predicting these weather systems, providing forecasts that help assess potential cyclone development and inform the public about safety measures.
In summary, the National Hurricane Center is closely monitoring two developing tropical systems in the Caribbean and the central Atlantic. While the first system has limited chances of posing a threat to the U.S., the potential for heavy rainfall in Central America remains significant. The second system shows a greater likelihood of development towards tropical storm strength, with possible impacts on Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Hurricane names will be assigned if the systems strengthen accordingly as the 2024 hurricane season progresses.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
