Formation of Subtropical Storm Patty and Monitoring of Caribbean Weather Systems
The National Hurricane Center has reported the formation of Subtropical Storm Patty in the northern Atlantic, while monitoring two additional systems in the Caribbean, one of which has a high likelihood of development. Patty is currently moving southeast and expected to affect the Azores, and forecasters predict heavy rains in the Caribbean region in the coming days.
As the hurricane season progresses towards its conclusion, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) announced that Subtropical Storm Patty has emerged in the northern Atlantic. Currently positioned approximately 170 miles west-northwest of the Azores, Patty boasts maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and is advancing southeast at a rate of 18 mph, with winds of 40 mph extending up to 205 miles from its center. The storm is anticipated to pass close to or over the Azores over the weekend, with a projected increase in its east-southeastward motion continuing through Saturday night, followed by a subsequent turn towards the east and east-northeast on Sunday and Monday. In addition to Patty, NHC is monitoring a system in the southwestern Caribbean Sea that holds a high probability of development. Forecast models indicate that a tropical depression may materialize within the upcoming days as this system migrates northward to northwestward across the central and western Caribbean. Regardless of potential development, forecasters have warned that heavy rainfall could affect areas including Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Cuba. As of the latest updates, there exists a 70% chance of this Caribbean system developing over the next two days, escalating to an 80% chance over the next week. Moreover, NHC is assessing a broad area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms, along with gusty winds, extending from the vicinity of Puerto Rico and Hispaniola northeastward for a considerable distance. This pattern is associated with a trough of low pressure and could see gradual development in the coming days as it advances west-northwest near the Greater Antilles. By the start of next week, forecasters expect this system to merge with the aforementioned low-pressure area in the Caribbean, contributing to potential substantial rainfall across the northern Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, eastern Cuba, and the southeastern Bahamas. Currently, forecasters estimate a mere 10% chance for this system to develop further over the next week.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, consistently producing tropical storms and hurricanes, some of which can have significant impacts on coastal areas. The National Hurricane Center is vital in tracking and predicting these systems, providing timely updates and forecasts to mitigate potential hazards. As of the latest season, 16 named storms have formed, with 10 escalating to hurricanes, exemplifying the season’s intensity and unpredictability. The formation of Subtropical Storm Patty and the two monitored systems in the Caribbean emphasizes the ongoing risks as the season approaches its finale.
In summary, the National Hurricane Center has confirmed the formation of Subtropical Storm Patty in the northern Atlantic while also tracking two systems in the Caribbean, one with high chances of development. With the hurricane season nearing its end, the NHC continues to provide critical updates as these weather systems evolve, alerting affected regions of potential heavy rainfall and hazards.
Original Source: www.tampabay.com
