Tropical Storm May Form as Thunderstorms Move Into the Southeast U.S.



Tropical Storm May Form as Thunderstorms Move Into the Southeast U.S.



SOUTHEAST U.S. - Authorities in Florida are keeping a close eye on a particular batch of thunderstorms coming off the Atlantic, predicting that the weather system could quickly turn into a tropical storm. The storms are expected throughout the end of this week and into the weekend.

Dan Kottlowski, Hurricane Expert, AccuWeather"Thunderstorms between northeastern Florida and northern Bahamas have developed a circular motion," according to AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski. "It is possible this feature develops tropical characteristics with little notice." 

At the very least, if the storm continues on its trajectory without morphing into a tropical storm, it will increase rainfall, high winds, and chance of flooding as it interacts with existing showers and thunderstorms, according to AccuWeather. The storm will move in close proximity along the Atlantic Seaboard into Saturday.

Eastern Florida, the Carolinas, and the northern Bahamas are being told to monitor the status of the storms closely, in case they do evolve with little notice. Authorities have also said that even areas as far away as the Florida West Coast may be hit with heavier than normal thunderstorms. 

Source: AccuWeather

"The budding system is likely to move in a curved path around the western edge of an area of high pressure over the central Atlantic ocean," Kottlowski said. "Part of the circulation of the system will be over land." 

As authorities keep an eye on the storm system, meterologists have stated that its pattern is conducive for the formation of waterspouts and brief tornadoes. Weather officials are also keeping an eye on another system of interest, so far known as 99L, which may behave in a similar pattern in the same area during early next week. 

Source: AccuWeather

According to CNN, the Colorado State University recently announced that the Atlantic is still on track for its predicted above-normal hurricane season in 2017. So far, 16 named storms are predicted–with 5 having already occurred–8 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes throughout the Atlantic. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts for somewhere between 11 to 17 storms, 5 to 9 hurricanes, and 2 to 4 major hurricanes. 

As storms continue to brew, fade, and form throughout the Atlantic, AndNowUKnow will report on the latest.