Disturbance in tropical Atlantic bears watching for next week
A disturbance making its way across the central tropical Atlantic is being watched by weather forecasters for potential development, but it’s still too soon to know exactly where it will go or how strong it may get.
The National Hurricane Center on Monday afternoon gave the system, which is expected to interact with a nearby tropical wave, a 60% chance of becoming a tropical cyclone in the next seven days.
“Environmental conditions are forecast to become conducive for gradual development thereafter, and a tropical depression could form late this week while the system is in the vicinity of the Greater Antilles or the Bahamas,” according to the NHC. “Interests in the Greater Antilles, the Bahamas, and the southeastern U.S. should monitor the progress of this system.”
“Regardless of what happens, this is a reminder we should be completing our hurricane plans and kits now,” said forecasters at the National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City office.
“Don’t wait until a storm is forecast to hit our area as it may be too late, with supplies running out,” NWS Newport said. “For information on your evacuation zone, what to have in your kit, how to prepare your home, and more visit www.weather.gov/mhx/hurricaneprep.”
While there have only been two named storms so far in 2024, an extremely active year is still forecast for the remainder of the hurricane season that lasts through November 30.
A pair of National Weather Service Hurricane Community Forums will be happening in Dare County this week.
The first will be at the Avon Fire Station on Tuesday at 2 p.m., and the second on Wednesday at the Dare County Emergency Operations Center on Airport Road in Manteo at 10 a.m.
Speakers at these free forums will share important information on preparedness actions as well as updates on weather service forecast products.
Topics will include important preparedness efforts and why it’s important to never focus only upon the category of a storm but instead to focus on the storm’s potential impacts.
At the end of each forum, time will be set aside for a community discussion during which attendees can ask questions and share their concerns.
For those who are unable to attend these free public forums in person, a virtual option will be offered on Wednesday at 10 a.m.
Virtual attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions using the chat and/or audio features of the meeting software.
For the virtual option, internet access is required, and participants must register online at https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6003861693854679898
