Two new tropical threats are taking shape in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean

[jpak]

Source: Washington Post

As Harvey moves away from the Gulf Coast, a new storm is brewing in the Atlantic and forecasters are monitoring the potential for yet another storm in the Gulf of Mexico.

Hurricane Irma is expected to become a formidable cyclone, and its path puts the Caribbean and the Southeast U.S. coast at risk. Its too soon to predict exactly where it will track once it reaches the Caribbean. But this time of year, history has taught us that these kinds of storms beasts that form just off the coast of Africa, near the equator are not to be ignored.

Irma is forecast to intensify significantly: Theres essentially zero vertical wind shear, very warm water temperatures, humid air and a robust preexisting circulation. In laymans terms, conditions are ripe. Irma is expected to become the seasons second major hurricane Category 3 or stronger. Irma should be in the vicinity of the Lesser Antilles in about a week.

The U.S. coast should be on high alert not just for Irma, but for other storms that could spin up quickly, closer to land.



Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2017/08/31/two-new-tropical-threats-are-taking-shape-in-the-gulf-of-mexico-and-atlantic-ocean/?utm_term=.806462e3d064

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Gulf Coast and East Coast.

Get your shit together now - do not wait until the last minute.

Hurricane season has not yet peaked.

https://img.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src&w1484

Link to tweet

/photo/1

[elmac]

1. The hurricane season has just begun

and doesn't really kick in until mid Sept. Historically Sept is the most active month but Oct. has had its share of killer storms.

[jpak]

2. Sandy was an October Storm - as was the Perfect Storm

Both non-tropical - but deadly.

And folks far far inland can suffer catastrophic damage from hurricanes.

[jpak]

3. Ensemble tracks for Irma - not good

[lark]

4. This is what we do in FL from Aug - Nov.

We watch the weather for tropical storms that might come our way, then stock up on water and batteries, non-perishables, charcoal, lighter, etc. when anything could threaten us. We would have been in very bad shape if Matthew hadn't taken a turn to the east last year and saved us from a much worse disaster than it was.

[Baclava]

5. Hurricane Irma could become a Category 4 storm by next week

An area of low pressure could form over the southwestern Gulf of
Mexico by the weekend. Development, if any, of this system is
expected to be slow to occur as the low moves slowly northward.
If this system does develop, it could bring additional rainfall to
portions of the Texas and Louisiana coasts.

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/gtwo.php?basin=atlc&fdays=5

[lefty2000]

6. Got Enough Shit Already

Need gas, need milk.

[Baclava]

7. Looking like Irma wants to curve to the north, but it's way early yet

:large