Tropical Storm Dexter has slightly strengthened as it drifts further from the northeastern U.S. coast.
As of Wednesday, Aug. 6, the storm was located about 405 miles south-southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with sustained winds of 45 mph. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) expects Dexter to continue strengthening over the next 48 hours as it transitions into an extratropical cyclone.
Two More Systems Brewing in the Atlantic
A weak surface trough off the southeastern U.S. coast is producing scattered thunderstorms. The NHC predicts that a low-pressure system could develop in this area within a day or so, giving it a 40% chance of forming into a tropical depression in the next week.
Further east, a tropical wave is generating disorganized showers and thunderstorms. It also holds potential for gradual development and has a 50% chance of forming into a tropical depression over the next seven days as it moves west-northwest across the central Atlantic.
Tropical Storm Henriette Active in the Pacific
In the Pacific, Tropical Storm Henriette continues moving west-northwest, located about 1,760 miles east of Hilo, Hawaii. Henriette currently has winds around 50 mph. The storm may weaken slightly over the next 24 hours, with no immediate threat to land.
EP91 Shows Strong Development Potential in Pacific
Another system, labeled EP91, is active in the Gulf of Tehuantepec. It is producing organized showers and thunderstorms, and the NHC gives it a 90% chance of forming into a tropical depression within 48 hours as it moves west-northwest.
Understanding Hurricane Formation
Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters when clusters of thunderstorms develop into tropical depressions. These become tropical storms when sustained winds hit 39 mph, and hurricanes when winds reach 74 mph.
Hurricane Preparedness Tips from NOAA
- Evacuation Plan: Know where you’ll go and how to get there.
- Disaster Supplies: Stock up early to prepare for the storm and aftermath.
- Insurance Checkup: Review your policy, and secure flood insurance early—there’s a 30-day waiting period.
- Family Communication Plan: Share your hurricane plan and meeting locations with loved ones.
- Home Protection: Trim trees, install storm shutters, and seal wall openings to strengthen your home.
Stay prepared and informed this hurricane season at QueOndaMagazine.com.