MACON, Georgia — It has been a couple of days since the arrival of Helene and the tropics continue to stay active. There are three named storms and two areas of interest outlined by the National Hurricane Center that we'll break down.
One area of interest in the Caribbean Sea has prompted some whiplash, considering it is right where Helene had formed last week. But right now, it is too early to tell whether it will form into a hurricane and, if it does, what path it could take.
Here's what you need to know about the tropical developments we are keeping an eye on right now:
Tropical Storm Isaac:
First, is Tropical Storm Isaac, which is very far north in the Atlantic Ocean and will not impact the United States. Isaac was once a hurricane, but now is continuing to weaken over the cooler water in the North Atlantic with a track fairly close to the United Kingdom.
Tropical Depression Joyce
Tropical Storm Joyce also formed over the weekend and has continued to weaken into a Tropical Depression out in the middle of the Atlantic. Joyce will not have a long lifespan and will dissipate over the next couple of days as a "fish storm" and not impact any land masses.
Tropical Depression Twelve
Tropical Depression Twelve has not been named yet, but the National Hurricane Center expects this to be a tropical storm shortly which would take the name Kirk. The National Hurricane Center expects the system to be our next major hurricane over the coming day, however, it is still extremely far from North America and the new forecast track from the national weather service hints at a potential northward shift. We will keep an eye on the storm for now.
Area of interest near Africa
Right behind Tropical Depression Twelve, another area of interest has emerged off the coast of Africa. This tropical wave has only a 20% chance of developing over the next 2 days, but a 60% chance of organizing over the next week. Just like Twelve, we'll continue to keep our eye on it as it tracks across the Atlantic.
Area of interest in the Caribbean Sea
The area of most relevance and closer to home is exactly where Helene formed in the Caribbean Sea and southern Gulf of Mexico around the Yucatan Peninsula.
There is a 50% chance of formation with this area over the next week, but more details are needed to determine the path it will take.
Some longer-range models are hinting at another track into the southeast at the end of this weekend into next week, but there is even more disagreement amongst these models than there was this far out before Helene formed, which could be a good sign.
Again, the track of this potential system is anything but certain right now, but with the sensitivity of Helene lingering, it will be something the 13WMAZ Weather Team will continue to update you on as we get a better idea over the next couple of days just like Helene.
We will continue to monitor the development of this disturbance over the next few days and provide updates as we receive them.