Forecasters Eyeing 2 Tropical Systems In The Atlantic

With Hurricane Erin hammering the East Coast with flooding and life-threatening surf conditions, forecasters say they are keeping an eye on two more areas where tropical systems could develop in the Atlantic basin.

The systems originated near the west coast of Africa and are currently deemed tropical waves that may become tropical depressions, AccuWeather reported Tuesday.

Additionally, forecasters say a third tropical wave dwelling over Africa can eventually venture into the Atlantic, ramping up this Atlantic hurricane season.

“The tropical wave in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean is expected to follow a similar path to Erin,” Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said in a news release. “However, sea surface temperatures may have been temporarily cooled in Erin’s wake, which could inhibit rapid development early on.”

National Hurricane Center Director Dr. Michael Brennan on Thursday said though Erin's eye was far off the East Coast, the storm was still to blame for dangerous surf and rip current conditions through Thursday and Friday along almost the entire coast.

The average date for the first hurricane of the Atlantic season is Aug. 11, AccuWeather said. The first major hurricane usually doesn’t form until Sept. 1.

After at least a week post-Erin, AccuWeather reported areas in Erin's path could face favorable conditions for tropical formation.

Meanwhile, an active start to the hurricane season includes a disturbance generating in the far east Atlantic that unloaded heavy rainfall in parts of the Cabo Verde Islands

“The tropical wave just west of the Cabo Verde Islands is expected to track farther south than Erin and move over warmer waters,” DaSilva said in the release. “However, as it nears the eastern Caribbean islands, it may encounter disruptive upper-level winds that could inhibit further development.”

What's Ahead This Hurricane Season

Between 40 and 60 tropical waves are expected to travel across the Atlantic basin this hurricane season, AccuWeather reported.

Seven to 10 named storms could become hurricanes, with Erin being this season's first hurricane. It took a day for Erin to reach Category 5 status and bring 160 mph winds.

“We estimate that approximately one-third of this season’s tropical waves have occurred so far,” DaSilva said. “That leaves two-thirds of the season remaining, when sea surface temperatures are typically much warmer and more conducive to tropical development than during the early part of the season.”

So far, the Atlantic basin has hosted five named storms.

Remaining storm names are as follows: Fernand, Gabrielle, Humberto, Imelda, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Nestor, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van and Wendy.

See Also:

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• New 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Forecast: Here's What To Expect In FL