JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Tropical Storm Humberto officially formed on Wednesday in the central Atlantic, becoming the eighth named storm of this year’s hurricane season.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Humberto was located about 550 miles east-northeast of the northern Leeward Islands with sustained winds near 40 mph and moving west-northwest at around 15 mph. Forecasters expect the storm to steadily intensify in the coming days, with the possibility of it reaching Category 1 hurricane strength by Saturday and even Category 2 by Sunday, assuming it remains over warm open waters with low wind shear.
The current forecast track keeps Humberto moving generally northwestward, away from the Caribbean and toward open Atlantic waters. Steering currents in the atmosphere may cause the storm to gradually curve more northward, potentially keeping it well east of the U.S. mainland.
As of now, no coastal warnings or watches have been issued for any land areas, and Humberto is not expected to pose a direct threat to the U.S. in the immediate future. However, large swells, rip currents, and minor coastal impacts could still reach parts of the East Coast later this week.
Meanwhile, forecasters are closely watching another system—Invest 94L—currently located near Puerto Rico and the northeastern Caribbean. This disturbance is showing signs of organization, with a 30% chance of development within 48 hours and an 80% chance over the next seven days. As it moves west-northwest toward the Bahamas and potentially the southeastern U.S., it could become the next named storm, likely to be called Imelda. Some forecast models suggest 94L could develop into a tropical storm or hurricane and may pose a greater threat to land, particularly Florida or the southeastern coast of the U.S., depending on its track and timing.
One complicating factor is the potential interaction between Humberto and 94L. If they draw closer together, a phenomenon known as the Fujiwhara effect could occur, potentially altering their paths or intensities. While it’s too early to determine if that interaction will happen, it’s a factor meteorologists are monitoring closely.
For now, residents along the East Coast, Gulf Coast, and Caribbean are advised to stay informed and prepared, as hurricane season enters one of its most active phases.