Subtropical Storm Patty has formed in the North Atlantic, affecting the Azores, and is accompanied by a developing system in the Caribbean which may soon become another storm named Rafael. The Atlantic hurricane season remains active with ongoing monitoring of multiple disturbances.
Subtropical Storm Patty has formed in the North Atlantic, prompting tropical storm warnings for the Azores. Located about 420 miles west-northwest of the Azores, Patty is tracking east-northeast at 7 mph, with sustained winds of 50 mph. It is characterized as a subtropical storm, exhibiting some features typical of a tropical system but lacking in others. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has indicated that Patty is likely to remain short-lived and not intensify significantly. Over the weekend, the Azores may experience wind, rain amounting to 1-2 inches, rough seas, and rip currents due to the storm. In addition to Patty, forecasters are monitoring a system in the western Caribbean Sea expected to become more organized. This Atlantic system is anticipated to develop into a tropical depression and might eventually adopt the name Rafael should it escalate to a tropical storm level. The western Caribbean system has the potential to impact areas such as Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Cuba with substantial rainfall. The NHC has indicated that it could take a northern or northwestern track but stated it is premature to ascertain whether it will reach the Gulf of Mexico and pose a threat to the U.S. Furthermore, a second disturbance near Puerto Rico and Hispaniola is being tracked. It is anticipated to combine with the system in the western Caribbean, yielding only a 10 percent chance of developing into a tropical depression. Nonetheless, this system could still result in heavy rainfall across Puerto Rico, the Leeward Islands, Hispaniola, the Bahamas, and eastern Cuba. The Atlantic hurricane season is still active, concluding on November 30.
The Atlantic hurricane season typically extends from June 1 to November 30, during which various storms can develop and impact the region. Subtropical storms, like Patty, represent a category of storms that possess some characteristics of tropical storms but do not completely conform to their criteria. The formation of named storms is closely monitored by the National Hurricane Center, which provides critical forecasts and warnings to protect affected regions. The potential for additional storms increases as the season progresses, particularly with systems developing in the Caribbean and near the Azores.
In summary, the emergence of Subtropical Storm Patty in the North Atlantic has prompted necessary precautions for the Azores while monitoring continues for potential tropical developments in the Caribbean. The situation demands vigilant observation as storm conditions may evolve over the coming days, potentially affecting multiple regions.
Original Source: www.al.com
