Hurricane forecasters track Tropical Storm Ivo, Atlantic systems and more
The National Hurricane Center is tracking two weather systems in the Atlantic Ocean – neither of which pose immediate risk to the United States – while Henriette and Ivo wax and wane in the Pacific Ocean.
A tropical wave, called Invest 96L, dispensing disorganized showers and thunderstorms over the central tropical Atlantic, could gradually develop during the early or middle part of next week as the system moves northwestward to northward across the central Atlantic, the National Hurricane Center said in an advisory on Saturday morning, Aug. 9. However, the NHC puts its likelihood of developing into a tropical depression at 20% over the next seven days.
The hurricane center also said another tropical wave, off the west coast of Africa in the Eastern Tropical Atlantic is also producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms and could gradually develop into a tropical depression. The system is expected to deliver local heavy rainfall Sunday and Monday across parts of the Cabo Verde Islands. The NHC gives this system a higher chance of developing (40%) over the next seven days.
Neither system is currently expected to develop soon or threaten land. That doesn't mean those who live along the U.S. coast should become complacent as an above-normal hurricane season is still expected.
"The tropics remain quiet, and are likely to stay that way for another 10 days or more." said Ryan Truchelut, WeatherTiger meteorologist who provides regular hurricane season forecasts for the Paste BN Network.
"Still, we know well hurricane seasons can be nowhere to be found, then suddenly impossible to avoid. While there is hope the active peak months of hurricane season may not translate into another awful year in human terms, the reality is that U.S. hurricane impacts are likely and to be expected over the next few months."
Henriette and Ivo in the Pacific
The NHC had expected both storms in the Pacific Ocean – Henriette and Ivo – to eventually develop into hurricanes. However, Henriette, located about 615 miles east of Hilo, Hawaii, has become a tropical depression with maximum sustained winds near 35 mph with higher gusts. It is expected to become a tropical storm again by Sunday, but its northwesterly path will keep it north of Hawaii, the center said.
Tropical Strom Ivo, which is about 220 miles southwest of the southern tip of Baja California, is producing maximum sustained winds near 60 mph. But it is expected to weaken and become post-tropical by late Sunday, the NHC said. However, swells created by the storm will likely continue to create life-threatening surf and rip currents for the southern Baja California peninsula for the next day or so.
What is a tropical wave?
The term "tropical wave" describes atmospheric conditions, according to AccuWeather.com.
Tropical waves are elongated areas, or troughs, of relatively low pressure that move east to west across the tropics, moving westward from Africa into the Atlantic.
A wave can lead to the formation of a tropical cyclone, which in turn may develop into a tropical storm or hurricane, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
How do hurricanes form?
Hurricanes are born in the tropics, above warm water. Clusters of thunderstorms can develop over the ocean when water temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If conditions are right, the clusters swirl into a storm known as a tropical wave or tropical depression.
A tropical depression becomes a named tropical storm once its sustained wind speeds reaches 39 miles per hour. When its winds reach 74 mph, the storm officially becomes a hurricane.
Prepare now for hurricanes
Delaying potentially life-saving preparations could mean waiting until it’s too late. "Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period," NOAA recommends.
- Develop an evacuation plan: If you are at risk from hurricanes, you need an evacuation plan. Now is the time to begin planning where you would go and how you would get there.
- Assemble disaster supplies: Whether you’re evacuating or sheltering-in-place, you’re going to need supplies not just to get through the storm but for the potentially lengthy aftermath, NOAA said.
- Get an insurance checkup and document your possessions: Contact your insurance company or agent now and ask for an insurance check-up to make sure you have enough insurance to repair or even replace your home and/or belongings. Remember, home and renters insurance doesn’t cover flooding, so you’ll need a separate policy for it. Flood insurance is available through your company, agent, or the National Flood Insurance Program. Act now, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.
- Create a family communication plan: NOAA said to take the time now to write down your hurricane plan, and share it with your family. Determine family meeting places, and make sure to include an out-of-town location in case of evacuation.
- Strengthen your home: Now is the time to improve your home’s ability to withstand hurricane impacts. Trim trees; install storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass; seal outside wall openings.
Contributing: John Gallas and Cheryl McCloud, Paste BN Network
Mike Snider is a national trending news reporter for Paste BN. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at mikegsnider & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider & msnider@usatoday.com
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