MIDWAY, Fl. (WTXL) -- There are THREE active Tropical Storms (Ian, Julia, Karl) that are currently active over the Atlantic Basin. In addition, two other clusters of thunderstorm activity have the potential to add to this active September.
First, Tropical Depression Julia has re-strengthened back to Tropical Storm status (winds of 40 mph as of the 5:00 am advisory) and it is expected to continue to meander off the coast of South Carolina as a minimal tropical storm before being pulled away by a front. It is not a threat to land, but indirect impacts that include storm surge, coastal flooding, and beach erosion are still possible.
Tropical Storm Karl has winds of 45 mph (per 5:00 am Advisory), and is west of the Cape Verde islands. This system is expected to fight an uphill battle with unfavorable conditions but the forecast has Karl becoming a hurricane by early next week as it begins to push north of the Leeward Islands.
Tropical Storm Ian continues to rapidly push to the northeast and it is not an immediate threat to land, though it has the potential to bring some gusty winds to Iceland as a non-tropical system. It is the strongest of the three tropical storms with sustained winds of 60 mph, as of the 5:00 am advisory.
In the Gulf of Mexico, a weak disturbance has a 10% chance of developing into a depression within the next five days. It is expected to move over Texas tonight, which should prevent this system from developing.
Finally, east of Tropical Storm Karl, an area of showers and thunderstorms continues to show life. It is about to emerge off the west coast of Africa and it has a 50% chance to develop into a tropical depression or storm in the next five days.
Come back tonight for your evening Tropics check with Chief Meteorologist Casanove Nurse.
