The Atlantic Ocean

Ian looms larger in the Caribbean

Updated: September 25, 2022 11:47 PM EDT

Tropical Storm Ian has become better organized over the western Caribbean Sea. Further strengthening is expected as the storm moves west-northwestward into a zone of lower wind shear and very warm water and will likely become a hurricane before daybreak Monday. Interests from the Cayman Islands to Cuba and Florida should all be prepared to face potentially significant impacts from the storm, ranging from storm surge flooding and damaging winds to heavy rainfall and tornadoes.

Gaston has lost tropical characteristics, and has been downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone as it moves away from the Azores. Shipping interests in the area should continue to monitor the progress of this storm in Atlantic, however.

Elsewhere across the basin, we are watching an area of low pressure in the central Atlantic that has a low potential to develop into a tropical system.