Topline
Forecasters have just reported that Tropical Storm Odette, which formed just hours earlier off the East Coast of the United States, is now about to turn into Tropical Storm Peter. This is because the rapid pace of storm development in the central Atlantic over the past few weeks seems to not be slowing down.
On Saturday, Tropical Storm Odette whipped the East Coast of the United States. NOAA
The Key Facts
Odette formed Friday afternoon and was located approximately 235 miles east from Massachusetts Saturday morning with maximum sustained winds 45 mph. Although the storm could cause "life-threatening surf conditions" along the East Coast, its primary impacts will be felt in maritime Canada where it is expected to bring rain, wind, and snow Sunday and Monday. According to the National Hurricane Center, another system in the central Atlantic has a 90% chance for development within the next 48-hours and could develop into Tropical Storm Peter later Saturday. The disturbed weather system is moving towards the northwest but it's not clear at this stage how strong it will become or where it might track. Forecasters predict that another system will develop in the far east Atlantic. It is expected to track northward towards the Cabo Verde Islands off the coast Africa.
Surprising Fact
Despite the ferocious activity in the Atlantic it is now past the historic peak of hurricane season which was around September 10.
Important Background
Already, this season has brought down devastating storms to the United States. Hurricane Ida is the most prominent of them all, having made landfall in Louisiana on 28 August with 150 mph maximum sustained wind speeds. This tied it for the title of strongest storm to hit the hurricane-prone state in terms winds speed. The storm caused widespread destruction to coastal communities, with parts of New Orleans still without power nearly three weeks later. The New York City area suffered the most severe loss of life, as Ida's remnants caused heavy rains and triggered the first flash flood emergency in the region's history. The storms in New York City and New Jersey have caused at least 48 deaths. Ida struck the U.S. weeks after Tropical Storm Fred had brought floods to areas of western North Carolina. At least six people were killed in the flooding. Recent days saw the remnants from Hurricane Nicholas flood parts of Louisiana, which had suffered extensive damage during Ida.
What to Watch
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's August forecast, there will be 15-21 named storms in this hurricane season. Since Odette's formation there have been 15 storms.
Continue reading
According to Government Forecasters, Hurricane Season is about to get worse (Forbes).
20 People are missing in N.C. after flooding rains from Fred. Another tropical threat is looming for the East Coast (Forbes).
Ida Kills At Least 41 People on East Coast. States Take Stock of Storms Damage (Forbes).
