Chances are rising for a system in the southwestern Atlantic to strengthen into Tropical Storm Sara; however, Hurricane Rafael could hinder its development as it approaches Cuba. Although Sara has a 30% chance of forming in the coming days, Rafael’s proximity poses challenges. Should it develop, Sara may impact the northern Caribbean and southern Bahamas, while Rafael brings risks of coastal hazards to Florida.
The odds of a system in the southwestern Atlantic developing into Tropical Storm Sara are being threatened by Hurricane Rafael, located to the west. Hurricane Rafael, which intensified into a hurricane on Tuesday night, is expected to strengthen further before making landfall in Cuba. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reports that Rafael currently has maximum sustained winds of 115 mph, classifying it as a Category 2 hurricane. Although it will weaken over Cuba, it is anticipated to maintain hurricane status upon re-entering the Gulf of Mexico. The system in the southwestern Atlantic presently holds a 30 percent chance of forming within the next week, with a 20 percent likelihood in the next 48 hours. Meteorologists assert that even if the storm develops, it is likely to face significant challenges due to Rafael’s influence. AccuWeather senior meteorologist Alan Reppert stated, “The current track of Rafael affects the chances to develop over the next few days from being close by”. Should this system grow into Tropical Storm Sara, it is projected to affect the northern Caribbean and southern Bahamas. The NHC has yet to release a forecast track, but meteorologists suggest possible impacts on Florida. According to the NHC, a trough of low pressure is generating disorganized showers and thunderstorms near the Leeward Islands, and an organized low pressure system may form in the region soon. Over the coming days, this system could gradually develop as it moves near Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, possibly impacting the Southeast Bahamas. In addition to potentially mitigating threats from another storm, Hurricane Rafael brings its own hazards to the Florida Keys, including risks of coastal flooding and tornadoes. Thus, while Hurricane Rafael might impede the formation of Tropical Storm Sara, its presence poses indirect dangers to Florida’s coastal regions.
The Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, witnesses the formation of tropical storms and hurricanes. Forecasters continuously monitor weather systems in the Atlantic for signs of development that could result in hurricanes. This report focuses on the interactions between Hurricane Rafael and a nascent system in the southwestern Atlantic, exploring the implications these storms hold for regions in the Caribbean and U.S. coasts.
To summarize, Hurricane Rafael’s impending strength poses significant disruption to a developing system in the southwestern Atlantic that could potentially form into Tropical Storm Sara. With forecasts indicating Hurricane Rafael could make landfall in Cuba and subsequently enter the Gulf of Mexico, the interplay between these systems will likely have ramifications for the northern Caribbean and southern Bahamas, as well as the Florida Keys. The overall development of Sara remains uncertain due to Rafael’s presence.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
