A tropical disturbance in the Atlantic has an 80% chance of becoming a tropical depression or Isaias tropical storm (ees-ah-EE-as) within the next 48 hours, according to the National Hurricane Center.
It would be the earliest storm to start with an “I” on the record. The previous record was set on August 7, 2005, part of the busiest season to date.
Days after Hurricane Hanna brought torrential rains and flooding to South Texas, the unusually warm temperatures of the sea surface are providing fuel to strengthen the tropical disturbance.
“Every model I saw today develops this area into a tropical system form and turns it to or north of Puerto Rico,” said CNN meteorologist Chad Myers.
Although the storm will not threaten the earth for a few days, the models are consistent in showing that the storm takes advantage of the warm waters and strengthens itself.
“You rarely see the convergence of models as you are seeing with this next storm,” Myers said. “There is a consensus with this that the storm is going to do something and that it is going to enter the Bahamas area.”
The system will find favorable conditions that will allow it to develop and strengthen as it moves west, says the National Hurricane Center.
“The system is forecast to move west to west-northwest at a speed of 15-20 mph and could begin to affect parts of the Lesser Antilles on Wednesday or Wednesday night,” NHC said. “Interests on those islands should continue to monitor the progress of this system.”
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