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Tropical Storm Leslie’s Path and Atlantic Hurricane Monitoring
As of Thursday morning, Tropical Storm Leslie was recorded as a Category 1 storm in the Atlantic Ocean, according to the National Hurricane Center. Positioned within the Sargasso Sea region, Leslie is moving with sustained winds of 90 mph, coupled with higher gusts, while traveling west-northwest at a pace of 7 mph.
The storm is anticipated to change direction, shifting north later today before transitioning to a northeastward path by Friday. Over the weekend, Leslie is expected to head east-northeastward and is predicted to weaken over the forthcoming days. Currently, no landmass faces any threat from Leslie, and there are no coastal warnings or watches issued.
The formation of Leslie marks the 12th named storm in the Atlantic this year. Notably, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts an above-normal hurricane season with 17-25 named storms. This increase is attributed to La Niña events and unusually warm ocean temperatures. Within the short span of September 24 to October 2, a record five named storms were documented.
In addition to Leslie, weather experts are observing a disorganized cluster of showers and storms off Africa’s west coast. This system is moving westward at 10-15 mph and has a medium probability for development into a tropical depression or storm, possibly earning the next name on the list, Nadine.
Meanwhile, the remnants of Tropical Storm Milton, now a post-tropical cyclone, are expected to dissipate as it moves further into the Atlantic. Milton had previously caused significant damage, including flooding and power outages.
Throughout the remainder of the hurricane season, the monitoring of potential developments continues. The meteorological community keeps the public informed about storm trajectories and possible impacts. This vigilance is crucial, considering the above-average activity in the Atlantic basin this year.
For those experiencing the aftermath of recent storms, organizations like Cajun Navy Relief are actively providing assistance, particularly in areas hit hard by Hurricane Helene.