Subtropical Storm Patty has formed in the North Atlantic, bringing warnings to the Azores. Located 420 miles west-northwest of the islands, it is expected to produce wind and rain this weekend. Additionally, a system in the western Caribbean may develop into Tropical Storm Rafael. The Atlantic hurricane season continues until November 30, 2023.
A new weather development has emerged in the North Atlantic with the formation of Subtropical Storm Patty. This storm, located approximately 420 miles west-northwest of the Azores, is anticipated to impact the islands with wind and rainfall this weekend. Patty, characterized as a subtropical storm, displays some features typical of tropical systems, though it does not possess them all, marking it as the first storm of this type for the Atlantic season. The National Hurricane Center has issued tropical storm warnings in response to Patty’s trajectory, which is moving east-northeast at a speed of 7 mph, with sustained winds reaching 50 mph. However, the center does not predict significant strengthening for Patty, which is expected to be short-lived. In addition to Patty, the National Hurricane Center is monitoring a separate system in the western Caribbean Sea. This system is expected to become increasingly organized and may transform into a tropical depression in the coming days. Should it attain tropical storm status, it would be designated as Rafael. Current projections suggest that this system will move toward the north or northwest, potentially affecting areas including Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Cuba with heavy rainfall. Moreover, another disturbance near Puerto Rico and Hispaniola is being observed, which is anticipated to develop slowly. However, it is believed to merge with the western Caribbean system by early next week, presenting only a 10 percent likelihood of becoming a tropical depression. This disturbance could also lead to significant rainfall across Puerto Rico, the Leeward Islands, Hispaniola, the Bahamas, and eastern Cuba. The Atlantic hurricane season is not yet concluded, officially running until November 30, 2023.
The Atlantic hurricane season typically runs from June 1 to November 30, with varying storm developments each year. The formation of both tropical and subtropical storms is a common phenomenon during this time, as warm ocean waters and atmospheric conditions foster such systems. Subtropical storms possess certain characteristics akin to tropical storms, although they generally exhibit a less organized structure and weaker winds. The National Hurricane Center monitors these developments closely to issue warnings and advisories to affected areas, particularly when the storms threaten populated regions such as the Azores and parts of the Caribbean.
In conclusion, the emergence of Subtropical Storm Patty poses a specific risk to the Azores, with expectations of wind and rainfall throughout the weekend. Concurrently, the western Caribbean system could evolve into a tropical depression, potentially impacting areas in the Caribbean and moving toward the Gulf of Mexico. As monitoring continues, it remains essential for residents in these regions to stay informed about the developments regarding these weather systems as the Atlantic hurricane season proceeds towards its end.
Original Source: www.al.com
