ORLANDO, Fla. – Tropical Storm Gordon continues to show signs of some improvement, according to the latest satellite imagery. As of the Saturday 5 p.m. update from the NHC, it has winds of 45 mph near the center and it is expected to remain over the open Atlantic throughout its lifetime and have no effect on any land areas.
It’s expected to run into unfavorable conditions like dry air and wind shear through the weekend. These mechanisms will weaken Gordon, which is forecast to become a tropical depression by Sunday.
The current forecast keeps Gordon as a tropical storm for now, but it may weaken to a remnant low or surface trough by mid-next week as it takes a slow turn to the north over the open Atlantic Ocean.
Gordon is moving west at about 9 mph.
Another area the Pinpoint Weather team is watching is a low-pressure system off the southeastern U.S. coast. It is showing signs of organization and could develop into a subtropical or tropical system in the next few days.
This system, associated with a weakening frontal boundary and located over the Gulf Stream which could help it evolve into a tropical system by Sunday.
The NHC has a medium formation chances (50%) in the next 2-7 days.
This area of low pressure is expected to move northwest toward the Carolinas, with impacts likely starting late this weekend and continuing into early next week. Coastal residents should prepare for heavy rainfall, rough seas, coastal flooding, and dangerous rip currents.
The GFS model suggests this system could intensify and become a named storm by Monday. Helen is next on the list.
In the coming weeks, there is potential for tropical activity in the western Caribbean during the week of September 23. A few long-range models suggest tropical development in that general area.
There are no tropical threats to Central Florida or the Gulf coast.