The First Warning Storm Team is tracking 3 systems in the tropics. One far off to our east in the Atlantic which is Hurricane Gaston. Tropical Depression Eight which is off the North Carolina coast and Tropical Depression Nine located near the Gulf of Mexico.
Here is the rundown of what we’re tracking:
Tropical Depression Eight is moving WNW at 10 mph, with sustained winds of 35 mph and is located off the coast of North Carolina. It is forecast to strengthen to a tropical storm by Monday afternoon. If it continues with the current track, it will just brush the coast of North Carolina.
What we can expect…
- Rough surf and the threat for rip currents.
- Some bands of heavy rain, mainly in North Carolina.
- This will not be a big rain maker for Hampton Roads.
Tropical Depression Nine is moving W at 9 mph, with sustained winds of 35 mph and is located near the Gulf of Mexico. It is forecast to strengthen to a tropical storm Monday afternoon. If it stays on its current track, it will head toward the Gulf of Mexico and then boomerang to the northeast, across Florida and into the Gulf Stream. This could also affect the coast of North Carolina.
A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for the coast of North Carolina from Cape Lookout to Oregon Inlet. A Tropical Storm Watch means tropical storm conditions are possible within the next 48 hours. This watch is in effect until Saturday.
Hurricane Gaston has been upgraded to a Category 3 hurricane. It is now the strongest hurricane of the season. It is about 1000 miles from our coast and is nearly stationary. Gaston has sustained winds of 120 mph. Even though this hurricane is well offshore, it will still give us some rough surf and dangerous rip currents.
Track the activity in the tropics with the First Warning Hurricane Tracker
