Tracking The Tropics: 2 of 3 areas for potential tropical development are just off NC coast

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is monitoring three areas for potential tropical development over the next few days, including two off the North Carolina coast — one of which is drifting north toward our state.

Weather experts have predicted that 13 to 19 storms were forecast for this year’s Hurricane season in the Atlantic. So far, we have seen Andrea, Barry and Chantal.

Of those, between six to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 miles per hour or higher), including three to five major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5 with winds of 111 miles per hour or higher).

Southeastern United States

An area of low pressure could form in a couple of days a few hundred miles southeast of the Carolinas. Some gradual development of this system is possible by midweek as the system drifts to the northwest.

Tropical formation chance through 7 days is 20 percent.

Western Atlantic

Just off the North Carolina coast, an area of showers and storms is being tracked for potential development.

The non-tropical area of low pressure, located along a frontal boundary, could become tropical as early as Sunday or Monday as it moves away from the North Carolina coast at 10 miles per hour.

As of Sunday afternoon, there was a 70% of tropical development within the next 2 days — up from 40% earlier on Sunday. 

According to the NHC, environmental conditions become less conducive for development after Monday. Regardless of development, direct impacts are not expected; however, dangerous rip currents and high seas are expected.

The National Weather Service office in Wilmington put out a moderate risk of rip currents Sunday morning through Sunday night. There’s a high rip current risk in the Outer Banks.

Central Tropical Atlantic

A tropical wave is forecast to move off the west coast of Africa in the next few days.

Tropical development will be possible mid-to-late in the week as it moves west-northwest across the Atlantic. The chance of development is low at 20% over the next 7 days.

While it doesn’t pose a direct threat to North Carolina at this time, it’s worth watching. 

Tropical trends

Development will ramp up over the next few weeks. August, September, and October are the busiest months for the Atlantic Hurricane Season.

Peak season happens around September 10. 

This is a developing story. Check back with the CBS 17 Storm Team for updates!