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First tropical storm to hit the U.S. this year gains strength off Florida coast and is expected to reach the nation’s southeastern parts by this week’s end. The storm, which should achieve tropical scale in a couple of days, debuted as a weaker storm, but it heralds the debut of this year’s Atlantic tropical storm season .
According to AccuWeather.com’s staff, the storm is currently drifting northwards as it steadily gains strength due to a warm ocean and favorable weather conditions. The storm will open the first Atlantic hurricane season of this year even if it fails to fully gain tropical traits and remains only a subtropical storm. Ana is the first (sub)tropical storm expected to sweep the U.S. in 2015.
Subtropical storms mix ingredients from both tropical and non-tropical storms – they are warm as tropical storms, also known as hurricanes, but they also have some cooler characteristics.
Experts said that it is “not likely” that the recently detected storm would gain enough energy to be classified as a tropical storm. Nevertheless, there is a “significant chance” of a subtropical hybrid.
According to a panel of experts, the storm will continue to gain strength along the U.S. coast from the northeastern parts to the Sunshine State to southeastern Virginia by this week’s end.
Southeastern Florida beaches are currently affected by strong surf which triggered even stronger rip currents along the coast.
Carolina and Georgia’s coastal regions should get prepared for storms, gusty winds and thunderstorms, which may impact the two states as the budding storm gains more strength Thursday. But its major impact is expected to be seen Friday and continue over the weekend.
From Friday night through Saturday, the shores of South Carolina may be affected by a fully developed subtropical storm, which will continue its route toward southeastern North Carolina. Florida’s northeastern beaches and Virginia’s southeastern shores may be affected by adverse weather conditions throughout the weekend.
Experts said that in the Southeastern the storm would be very similar to a developing nor’easter since it will trigger the same weather conditions, such as coastal flooding, hurricanes, and northeastern winds.
However, dry air conditions would significantly rein the intensity of the storm. Carolina and Virginia may experience winds that do not exceed the 40 mph limit with an average speed of 20 to 30 mph.
On the other hand, weather experts recommend that people living in the Southeast should not let their guard down as they may have to cope with excessive rainfall.
According to meteorologists, swaths of the Carolinas and southeastern Georgia should expect three consecutive days of heavy rainfall especially around noon and in the evening.
Showers will most likely boost the flooding risk, while several tornadoes may also emerge.
Still, risk of property loss on land is very low. But bathers, fishermen, and ship crews on the southeastern coast to Bahamas should be extra careful and closely monitor the budding storm. Bathers and local fishermen should also look out for deceiving rip currents.
The core of the storm is expected to remain offshore, while only heavy rainfall, seas, and winds are expected to sweep the coastal regions. The land should only experience weak steering winds, experts claim.
Image Source: NOAA News
Deborah Nielsen
Deborah Nielsen never thought she could be a journalist and a good one, we might add. Having a strong passion for music, she started singing at an early age, but it was only in college that she formed her first band. Her music education won her a job as a news reporter at the local radio station as well as the chance of meeting her favorite artists. In 2013, Deborah took things forward by starting her own blog and contributing to various news related websites. Currently, she covers a broad area of subjects and topics from various fields.
