Subtropical Storm Patty Forms in Northern Atlantic, No Threat to U.S.

As of Saturday morning, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) has named a storm in the Northern Atlantic as Subtropical Storm Patty. Located approximately 400 miles west/northwest of the Azores, Patty has sustained winds of 50 mph and is moving east-southeast at about 7 mph.

Patty is characterized as a subtropical storm, a hybrid that derives power from both the warm waters of the Atlantic and the interaction between warm and cold air masses. Unlike traditional tropical storms, subtropical storms lack cold and warm fronts but feature a defined center and closed circulation. The area of maximum winds in these storms is typically farther from the center, and the circulation is less symmetrical.

The forecast indicates that Patty will maintain its current strength on Saturday but is expected to gradually weaken by Sunday, potentially becoming a post-tropical cyclone by late Sunday. The storm is anticipated to affect the Azores, bringing tropical storm-force winds and 1-2 inches of rain. Additionally, life-threatening surf and rip currents are possible in the region. The storm’s remnants may reach Portugal and western Spain early next week.

It is important to note that Subtropical Storm Patty will not affect the United States. However, the NHC is also monitoring other systems in the Caribbean, particularly one in the southwestern Caribbean Sea, which has a significant chance of developing into Tropical Storm Patty over the next few days. This system could bring heavy rainfall to areas including Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Cuba.