Storm Watch : Four Storm Patterns Develop on the Atlantic Coast

As Tropical Storm Gordon begins to subside, four more tropical storm patterns have started to develop on the Atlantic Coast causing concern for Gulf / East Coast residents. Tropical Storm Florence is to be followed by two storms that are expected to increase in intensity as the week continues during this Mid-September peak of the 2018 Hurricane Season.

The National Hurricane Center has issued public advisories for both Tropical Storm Florence on the East Coast and for Hurricane Olivia in the Pacific Coast. 

Tropical Storm Florence is expected to continue moving west-northwestward with an increase in speed over the southwestern Atlantic Ocean early next week. 

The National Hurricane Center stated that “Regardless of Florence’s eventual track, large swells will begin to affect the Bermuda Islands later today and portions of the U.S. East Coast this weekend, resulting in life-threatening surf and rip currents” (NHS).

Florence is expected to impact along the U.S. East Coast within the coming days but experts are advising to have a hurricane disaster plan in place in the event that this storm pattern will continue beyond the day 5 marker. The NHS is advising that the effects of this storm system can be seen well beyond the storm’s central point. Their effects can spany many hundreds of miles from the center. As the Atlantic Coast awakens, the Pacific Coast continues to generate concerned in Hawaii.

Hurricane Olivia is on track to move west-northwest towards the Hawaiian Islands and is expected to continue through next week. Hurricane Olivia is a category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale and a slow weakening trend is expected during the coming week de-categorizing Hurricane Olivia into a Tropical Storm. 

Hurricane Olivia will be the second storm system to impact the Hawaiian Islands this year in addition to Hurricane Lane which affected the Islands just last month. It is expected that Hurricane Olivia will also bring about a downpour of rain causing concerns for flash flooding and dangerous terrain.

As we hit the peak of Hurricane Season, it is important to have contingencies in pace for disaster scenarios. Be mindful of your surrounds and make best efforts to stock up on important emergency supplies such as a portable power source, food, water, and medicine. 

Pay attention to any evacuation orders issued by your local, state, and or federal government. For any emergencies requiring immediate attention, please contact your local emergency services.