Formation of Subtropical Storm Patty in the North Atlantic
Subtropical Storm Patty has formed in the Atlantic, prompting tropical storm warnings for the Azores. Located about 420 miles west-northwest of the islands, Patty boasts sustained winds of 50 mph and is expected to bring rainfall and rough seas over the weekend. Concurrently, a system in the southwestern Caribbean may develop into a tropical depression, potentially affecting Jamaica and surrounding areas. The Atlantic hurricane season is ongoing, concluding on November 30.
The Atlantic has witnessed the formation of Subtropical Storm Patty, the first subtropical storm of the season. Patty is situated in the northern Atlantic and is projected to approach the Azores, leading to the issuance of tropical storm warnings for the islands. Classified as a subtropical storm, Patty exhibits some characteristics of a fully tropical system but does not fulfill all criteria. As of 4 a.m. CDT, Subtropical Storm Patty was located approximately 420 miles west-northwest of the Azores, moving east-northeast at a speed of 7 mph. With sustained winds reaching 50 mph, forecasts suggest that the storm is unlikely to intensify and may prove to be short-lived. The National Hurricane Center has warned that the Azores could experience tropical storm conditions over the weekend, including rainfall of 1-2 inches, rough seas, and rip currents. In addition, the National Hurricane Center continues to monitor a system in the southwestern Caribbean Sea that was previously speculated to receive the name Patty before the current storm emerged. This Caribbean system is anticipated to gain organization and may transition into a tropical depression within the next few days, potentially evolving into a tropical storm, which would be named Rafael. Furthermore, forecasters are tracking a separate disturbance near Puerto Rico and Hispaniola. While there is a slight chance of development, it is expected to merge with the western Caribbean system early next week. The disturbance poses a 10 percent likelihood of becoming a tropical depression and could lead to significant rainfall across Puerto Rico, the Leeward Islands, Hispaniola, the Bahamas, and eastern Cuba. The Atlantic hurricane season is still active, concluding on November 30.
The Atlantic hurricane season is defined by the formation of tropical and subtropical storms, which are categorized based on their wind speeds and structural characteristics. Subtropical storms, like Patty, demonstrate a hybrid nature, sharing features with tropical storms yet lacking some defining characteristics typical of fully tropical systems. Despite their potential for heavy rainfall and rough seas, subtropical storms generally do not exhibit the same intensity as their tropical counterparts. The National Hurricane Center plays a crucial role in tracking these systems, providing timely warnings and updates to impacted regions, particularly the islands of the Azores, which are currently under alert due to the anticipated effects of Subtropical Storm Patty.
In summary, Subtropical Storm Patty has formed in the northern Atlantic, with implications for the Azores due to expected wind and rainfall. While Patty is projected to remain relatively weak and short-lived, the National Hurricane Center is also closely monitoring a potentially developing tropical depression in the Caribbean, with implications for various regions, including Jamaica and Hispaniola. The Atlantic hurricane season continues to unfold, with additional disturbances being observed.
Original Source: www.al.com
