Tropical Storm Philippe expected to become hurricane while Rina fizzles
Tropical storms Philippe and Rina are still neighbors swirling in the Atlantic, but one has much better survival prospects than the other.
Two nearly twin tropical storms swirling through the Atlantic Basin together are keeping forecasters busy and presenting them with a challenging forecast, but now one is meriting more attention than the other as it swirls uncomfortably close to some of the Lesser Antilles.
Here's a closer look at Tropical Storm Philippe and Tropical Storm Rina.
Tropical Storm Philippe
(FOX Weather)
Tropical Storm Philippe has slowed to a near crawl about 455 miles east of the northern Caribbean islands. Philippe's peak winds are estimated to be 50 mph, and gradual strengthening is expected as the storm begins making a turn north during the next several days.
(FOX Weather)
There are still several complex atmospheric factors at play that will influence Philippe's future, including the fate of Tropical Storm Rina, which is churning just behind Philippe.
"Most of the computer forecasts show Philippe making its north turn comfortably to the east of the islands, but not all," says FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross. "There is still a possibility of a weak to moderate tropical storm affecting the northeastern Caribbean, perhaps as far west as the Virgin Islands. That appears to be the less-likely scenario, but the odds are sufficiently high that everybody in Puerto Rico and the surrounding islands needs to stay informed until it’s clear that Philippe has made its turn north."
BRYAN NORCROSS: TROPICAL STORM PHILIPPE FORECAST TO STRENGTHEN - COULD COME UNCOMFORTABLY CLOSE TO ISLANDS
The NHC now predicts Philippe will reach Category 1 hurricane status early next week, but remain out at sea. There are no coastal warnings or advisories in effect.
Tropical Storm Rina
(FOX Weather)
Philippe's neighbor, Tropical Storm Rina, is moving to the northwest at 14 mph and has maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. Unlike Philippe, Rina's time is coming to an end. The storm is expected to break free of Philippe early next week and gradually fizzle as it drifts to the northwest and encounters strong atmospheric shear.
As of the latest forecast from the NHC, the tropical storm is expected to become a remnant low and dissipate by early next week.
Rina is the 17th named storm of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season and the 18th to reach at least tropical storm status.
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(FOX Weather)
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