2 Tropical Disturbances Continue Westward Trek; Fiona Edges Closer to Bermuda

TAMPA BAY, FL — As Tropical Storm Fiona continues on a path that is expected to bring her close to Bermuda next week, forecasters at the National Hurricane Center are watching two other Atlantic disturbances closely.

As of Sunday, Fiona was located about 590 nautical miles northeast of the Leeward Islands. The storm was packing 40 mph maximum sustained winds and was moving west-northwest at an estimated 16 mph. Forecasters anticipate Fiona will downgrade to a depression sometime on Monday.

While Fiona isn’t likely to pose a threat to Florida or Tampa Bay, one of two disturbances currently under watch may. That tropical wave was located 1,100 miles east of the Lesser Antilles. As of Sunday afternoon, it was producing disorganized showers and a few thunderstorms, according to the hurricane center’s Tropical Weather Outlook report.

The system is anticipated to run into dry air that should slow development over the next few days. Once it clears the dry air mass, however, “environmental conditions could become more conducive for development,” forecasters wrote. The storm, which is moving at 15 mph, is expected to be near Hispaniola and the southeastern Bahamas by late in the week. Forecasters have given the storm a 40 percent chance of developing further over the next five days.

The second disturbance under watch was located a few hundred miles southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands as of Sunday afternoon. The system is anticipated to move westward and then northwestward over the next few days.

“Environmental conditions are conducive for development, and a tropical depression is likely to form during the next day or two,” forecasters wrote. The storm has been given a 90 percent chance of further development over the next five days. On its current projected path, the storm isn't likely to pose a threat to Florida.

While it’s still too early to tell the final paths the disturbances will take, the storms serve as a reminder for folks to be prepared as hurricane season continues. The season runs through Nov. 30.

To find out more about hurricane season and storm preparation, read these related Patch stories:

• Hurricane Season 2016: Where To Find Local Information
• 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast Released
• Hurricane Season: How to Prepare
• 2016 Hurricane Names: Is Yours On the List?
• Tampa Bay 'Ripe for Disaster,' Hurricane Experts Say

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.

Image courtesy of the National Hurricane Center