The chances of a tropical system developing into Tropical Storm Sara in the southwestern Atlantic have increased, but Hurricane Rafael could hinder its formation. Rafael, currently a Category 2 hurricane, is forecasted to strengthen and make landfall in Cuba, impacting the likelihood of Sara developing. AccuWeather meteorologists note that the proximity of Rafael greatly influences this outcome.
The potential for a tropical storm, designated as Tropical Storm Sara, to form in the southwestern Atlantic has been increasing. However, it faces probable disruption due to Hurricane Rafael, located to the west. Hurricane Rafael, which intensified into a hurricane on Tuesday night, is forecasted to grow into a major hurricane before making landfall in Cuba. As of the latest update from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Rafael has sustained winds of 115 mph, categorizing it as a Category 2 hurricane. While Hurricane Rafael will weaken after passing over Cuba, it is expected to enter the Gulf while retaining its hurricane status. Concurrently, the system in the southwestern Atlantic currently has a 30 percent chance of developing into Tropical Storm Sara within the week, and a 20 percent chance for the next 48 hours. If development occurs, it would be the eighteenth named storm of the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season. AccuWeather meteorologists are cautious, noting that the proximity of Rafael diminishes the likelihood of the system developing further. Alan Reppert, a senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, explained, “The current track of Rafael affects the chances to develop over the next few days from being close by,” indicating that Rafael’s presence could hinder formation. Reppert emphasized that for the system to gain strength and develop into a named storm, favorable conditions would be needed. Should the system take shape, impacts would likely be felt in the northern Caribbean and the southern Bahamas. Although no specific forecast tracks have been released due to the system’s unnamed status, it is plausible that Florida could be in its path. The NHC reported on an area of low pressure producing disorganized weather patterns near the Leeward Islands, which is anticipated to progress westward. Gradual development of the system may occur towards the weekend, with potential effects on areas including Puerto Rico and the Southeast Bahamas. Regardless of whether the system develops into a tropical storm, significant rainfall is expected in central Caribbean regions and the southern Bahamas. Moreover, while Hurricane Rafael may mitigate the threat of another storm impacting Florida, it simultaneously poses some indirect risks, including coastal flooding and the possibility of tornadoes in the Florida Keys as the hurricane approaches the area.
The article discusses the interaction between Hurricane Rafael and a developing weather system in the southwestern Atlantic that may become Tropical Storm Sara. It acknowledges the complexity of hurricane development, emphasizing that existing weather systems can influence one another. With Rafael already classified as a hurricane, the focus shifts to the potential impact this may have on nearby systems, particularly regarding their ability to strengthen into named storms. The National Hurricane Center’s forecasts and meteorological insights are essential in predicting these evolving weather patterns and their implications for affected regions, especially the Caribbean and Florida.
In summary, while the chances of a new tropical storm forming in the southwestern Atlantic have been increasing, Hurricane Rafael poses significant challenges to its development. As Rafael strengthens and moves toward Cuba, its proximity is expected to hinder the formation of Tropical Storm Sara. The potential impacts of these weather systems highlight the intricacies involved in forecasting and the continued relevance of monitoring weather conditions in hurricane-prone areas.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
