Let’s Not Forget About Strengthening Hurricane Jose
Even though Irma is grabbing all of the attention, the storm that is nearly following in her path continues to strengthen and is forecast to become a major hurricane sometime on Friday.
Jose’s forecast track from the National Hurricane Center has the center passing very near to the northern Leeward Islands, where Irma unleashed her full strength during the evening hours on Tuesday through the early morning hours on Wednesday. Movement is currently to the west-northwest at 18 MPH, and is expected to continue in the same direction with a slight decrease in forward speed over the next couple of days.
A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Antigua and Barbuda.
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Anguilla, Montserrat, St. Kitts, Nevis, Saba, and St. Eustatius.
Even though Jose will probably not reach the same strength as Irma, strengthening is expected over the next couple of days and should become a major hurricane (category 3) on Friday.
Conditions will start to deteriorate by Saturday morning when tropical storm force winds and the outer bands are expected to reach the watch areas. Rainfall totals up to 10 inches can be expected, keeping the flooding ongoing from Irma and possibly causing more life-threatening flooding. Swells will cause life-threatening surf and rip currents for portions of the islands by Saturday.
About the Author (Author Profile)
Scott Martin is an operational meteorologist, professional graphic artist, musician, husband, and father. Not only is Scott a member of the National Weather Association, but he is also the Central Alabama Chapter of the NWA president. Scott is also the co-founder of Racecast Weather, which provides forecasts for many racing series across the USA. He also supplies forecasts for the BassMaster Elite Series events including the BassMaster Classic.Subscribe
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