Weather
Tropical Storm Karl to Strengthen, Julia Taking Slow Trip to N.C. Coast
Tropical Depression Julia has been meandering off the Carolina coast for days, but has found a direction. Dangerous riptide alerts up.
MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. — Tropical Storm Karl appears poised to increase strength as it moves west, but the imminent tropical activity remains Tropical Depression Julia. The storm has meandered off the Carolina coast for days, but now appears poised to make landfall in North Carolina this week, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The current tracking at 11 a.m. would see the cyclone nearing the North Carolina coast by Tuesday, with maximum winds at 35 mph. The storm would then rapidly weaken, according to forecasters, with the remnants of Julia left lingering over eastern or coastal North Carolina.
Winds may not be a significant concern with this storm, but alerts have been issued for the Outer Banks, Morehead City and other beach communities due to the high threat of rip currents. The alerts will be active through Sunday evening, with the water particularly dangerous at low tide, according to the National Weather Service.
Find out what's happening in Clearwaterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The latest forecast for Tropical Storm Karl has the storm continuing a trek westward, with winds increasing to hurricane-force by the end of the week.
The storm track is uncertain at that point, but will likely take Karl west of Bermuda as it moves north of the Caribbean.
Find out what's happening in Clearwaterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Karl is expected to be a Category 2 storm by Friday, with maximum wind speeds at 85 mph. It is not clear yet whether the storm will impact the East Coast.
Forecasters are also monitoring a tropical disturbance off the coast of Africa. The storm is expected to become a tropical storm by mid-week.
The Atlantic Hurricane Season peaks each year between mid-August and mid-October. While the season technically runs June 1 through Nov. 30, many of the major storms on record have occurred during the traditional eight-week peak.
To keep up with storm activity as the season develops, bookmark the National Hurricane Center’s website and keep an eye on your hometown Patch site for local information.
Includes reporting by Sherri Lonon. Images courtesy of the National Hurricane Center.
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