Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center are monitoring five distinct systems in the Atlantic, including the newly formed Tropical Storm Kirk. However, only one of these systems poses a significant threat to the United States, particularly to the storm-weary Southeast.
The most concerning system is located in the Caribbean Sea, where a “broad area of low pressure” is generating disorganized storms. Conditions in the region appear favorable for gradual development of this system. The hurricane center indicated that a tropical depression could form in the coming days while the system moves over the southern Gulf of Mexico or northwestern Caribbean Sea.
The timeline for development of this system has been extended, with forecasters advising that while residents along the northwestern Caribbean Sea and the U.S. Gulf Coast should remain vigilant, significant development is not expected until late this week or into the weekend. The system currently holds a 40% chance of formation in the next seven days.
AccuWeather experts predict that Florida may experience the most significant rainfall from this system, although this forecast may change as the storm evolves.
In other updates, Tropical Depression Joyce is anticipated to continue its weakening trend over the next 48 hours, likely becoming a post-tropical remnant low by Monday evening and dissipating by Wednesday.
Tropical Storm Isaac, situated approximately 515 miles north-northwest of the Azores, is also expected to weaken slowly over the coming days and is forecast to transition into a post-tropical cyclone by Monday.
Tropical Storm Kirk has formed in the eastern Atlantic, exhibiting a steady westward to west-northwestward movement, with a turn toward the northwest expected by midweek. The storm boasts maximum sustained winds of 45 mph, with predictions of further strengthening, potentially reaching hurricane status by Tuesday night or Wednesday. Current models indicate that Kirk will curve northward into the Atlantic, staying clear of the U.S. coastline.