Catching up on Tropics: Helene, Gordon and Future Isaac | News

We are in the active time of hurricane season.  Looking at the map of the Atlantic basin, you can see a lot of activity out there.  We have 3 systems that we are watching now.  2 of the systems have names, the other will be names soon.  Here's a breakdown:

1. Tropical Storm Helene is moving in to the eastern coast of Mexico in the Gulf of Mexico.  This is a weak tropical storm that got a name Friday afternoon.  It will hang out along the coast today near Cabo Rojo.  It will weaken as it moves into land.

2. Hurricane Gordon-Gordon became a hurricane this morning.  It has strengthened with maximum sustained winds at 80mph.  This storm is not moving toward the USA.  In fact, it is moving toward the east, AWAY from us!  It will eventually weaken over the NE Atlantic.

3. Tropical wave near Africa-Notice the cluster of clouds in the orange circle in the map.  That is the next tropical wave that shows good potential for development.  Right now, NHC gives this a 40% chance that it will develop into a tropical cyclone in the next 48 hours.  If this develops, it will be named Isaac.  Check out the spaghetti model below.  It shows the storm moving toward the east.  It is still a good 8-10 days from having any impact on land.  This is one to watch this week.

We of course will keep an eye on all of these for you.