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While Fernand is predicted to intensify as it moves northward, possibly even becoming a hurricane at some point, AccuWeather does not expect significant impacts on the U.S. mainland. The storm may bring rip currents and rough surf to East Coast beaches next week, but direct wind and rain impacts are not expected in the U.S., according to Alex DaSilva, lead hurricane expert for AccuWeather.
The heart of hurricane season is heating up, with the Atlantic hurricane season peaking around September 10. “We expect the second half of the hurricane season to be more active than the first,” DaSilva noted.
Fernand’s forecast path shows the most likely track of its center, though it does not illustrate full storm width or impacts, and the center could deviate up to 33% of the time.
Tropical storms form in the tropics above warm water. Thunderstorms can develop over the ocean when water temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If conditions are right, these clusters swirl into a tropical wave or depression. A tropical depression becomes a named storm once its sustained wind speeds reach 39 miles per hour, and it officially becomes a hurricane when winds reach 74 mph.
It’s crucial to prepare now for hurricanes. Develop an evacuation plan, assemble disaster supplies, get an insurance checkup, create a family communication plan, and strengthen your home. NOAA recommends getting disaster supplies while shelves are still stocked and starting flood insurance early as it requires a 30-day waiting period.
For more information on how hurricanes form and what to do before hurricane season, visit the provided links.
