Helene forms in eastern Atlantic; Will Isaac soon follow?

Tropical Storm Helene has formed in the eastern Atlantic, and another storm may soon follow and threaten some of the islands in the Caribbean during the middle to latter part of next week.

On Friday night, Tropical Depression Eight strengthened to Tropical Storm Helene just west of Africa.

Helene, which is close to Cabo Verde, has prompted tropical storm warnings on the islands. Enough wind and rain to threaten lives and property on Cabo Verde are likely by Sunday. Seas will build in the region through the weekend.

Tropical Depression Nine, located farther west, is expected to strengthen and become Isaac this weekend.

Steering winds over the Atlantic are likely to guide Tropical Depression Nine on a westerly track through this weekend. During next week, a slightly more northwest track may develop.

There is a significant chance this system may become a hurricane along the way.

Because of the potential close proximity of the path of Tropical Depression Nine, interests in the northern Caribbean Islands to the Bahamas, the United States and Bermuda should monitor this system and keep up-to-date with other happenings in the tropical Atlantic.

Waters are warm enough to support development and strengthening in the coming days. Wind shear may vary along the path of the storm, which can cause fluctuations in strength.

Wind shear is the increase in wind speed at either increasing elevation or horizontal distance.

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