The Atlantic Continues to be Active

Courtesy of NASA: Incredible image of Igor from space

Hurricanes Igor and Julia continue to stir up the Atlantic, strengthening and weakening but large storms never the less.  As of the latest hurricane update from early this morning, Igor is weakening but still remains a strong storm. Igor is a Category 4 hurricane with current maximum sustained winds of 145mph with a maximum central pressure of (a beautifully low) 935 mb, 27.61 inches. The storm is moving slowly (which will allow for the potential strengthen of the storm) West-Northwestward at around 9.0 mph (NOAA) with so far a general forecast motion more Northwestward within the next 48 hours. 

Courtesy from NOAA: Forecasted Track of Igor

Now, what does this mean for us? It is still to early to tell. Forecasters can have a general idea of the storm track though observing the weather models, but until they are come in to some kind of agreement, it is difficult  to determine the exact path until about 48-24 hours out; even then, it could change.

As of now, the forecasted track has Igor riding far enough away from the Eastern seaboard. However Bermuda may not be so lucky. There is a chance they may see Igor make landfall, but not as a Category 4 hurricane. By this weekend, Igor should weaken substantially. 

Julia is the other storm reeking havoc in the Atlantic. Right behind Igor, there spins Julia, also a Category 4 storm. As of this morning, Julia has strengthened and could continue to strengthen over the next 48 hours. Currently she is approximately 500 miles West of the Cape Verde Islands with maximum sustained winds of 135 mph with a central pressure of 950 mb, 28.05 inches.  Julia is moving toward the Northwest at about 10mph with a forecasted turn to the West-Northwest increasing in speed in the next 36-48 hours (NOAA). With both of these cyclones, there is no immediate hazards to land, because both are still far enough away at sea. The only exception is Igor will turn up the seas creating high swells near Puerto Rico will continue to create rough seas along the Eastern seaboard though the rest of the week into the weekend. 

Courtesy from NOAA: Forecasted track of Julia