Activity in the tropics has ramped up, with two named storms in the Atlantic and a tropical depression expected to develop this week, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Hurricane Gabrielle is heading toward Portugal and Spain and Invest 94L looks to be heading toward the Bahamas.
East of 94L is Tropical Storm Humberto, which not only is expected to become a hurricane over the weekend, but a major hurricane early next week. A major hurricane is a Category 3 or stronger, with maximum sustained winds of at least 111 mph.
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The two other hurricanes that have formed so far this year — Erin and Gabrielle — both rapidly intensified into major hurricanes a day after becoming a hurricane.
Here’s what to know about Tropical Storm Humberto and its possible impact on Florida.
Storm tracker: Where is Tropical Storm Humberto going?
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Spaghetti models for Tropical Storm Humberto
Tropical Storm Humberto expected to strengthen into major hurricane
While there is uncertainty on where Tropical Storm Humberto will go due to interaction with Invest 94L, what’s more certain is that strengthening is expected.
Humberto is expected to gradually strengthen during the next couple of days.
“Most model guidance predicts Humberto will reach hurricane strength over the weekend and become a major hurricane by early next week,” the National Hurricane Center said.
“All else equal, this system is not a U.S. threat, and is likely to track near or somewhat west of Bermuda by mid-next week before getting picked up by a dip in the jet stream over eastern Canada and accelerating northeast,” said Dr. Ryan Truchelut, chief meteorologist at WeatherTiger, who works with the USA TODAY Network.
However …. there’s the “troublesome presence of Invest 94L” that could impact Humberto.
Humberto may track close enough to Bermuda to bring some rain and gusty winds starting Sunday evening, according to AccuWeather.
Will Tropical Storm Humberto impact Florida?
That’s unclear at this time.
➤ From Hurricane Hell Week to twin tropical trouble? Tricky forecast for Humberto, 94L
“The track forecast becomes more complicated in the next few days due to the proximity of the tropical storm to 94L (Invest 94L),” the National Hurricane Center said.
One certainty is that seas, surf and increasing rip currents will build and impact beaches across the Bahamas, Bermuda and the East Coast starting this weekend and perhaps lasting through the middle of next week, AccuWeather said.
Weather radar shows conditions across Florida
Current weather watches and warnings issued in Florida
Excessive rainfall forecast across Florida
Are you prepared for a storm? What do you need in hurricane kit?
Officials regularly encourage Florida residents to prepare for storms before a hurricane is approaching, while shelves are fully stocked.
On Aug. 1, specific hurricane supplies became permanently tax-free in Florida, ranging from batteries to generators.
➤ Don’t have a hurricane supply kit? From the basics to the extras, here’s what you need
Here are some of the basics you should have:
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This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Spaghetti models for Tropical Storm Humberto. What can Florida expect from future hurricane?
Reporting by Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Fort Myers News-Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
