The
Atlantic Basin has been void of a tropical depression or storm since mid-June,
until Sunday evening that is. Tropical
Storm Chantal has developed in the Atlantic Ocean and is currently 705 miles
east-southeast of Barbados. The
AccuWeather.com Hurricane Center has been keeping a close eye on this tropical
system over the past few days as it has been moving from near Africa across the
Atlantic Ocean. As the wave progressed
westward over the weekend, it encountered warmer waters near the Caribbean.
This helped it develop into what is now Tropical Storm Chantal.
The
fast forward motion of Chantal should hinder any significant development as it
is expected to maintain its status as a tropical storm over the next several days. Chantal will continue to track to the west
and northwest through midweek, passing over the Windward and southern Leeward
islands on Tuesday. The threat for flooding in low-lying and poor drainage
areas will accompany Chantal as it moves across these islands. Although Chantal is expected to remain at
tropical storm strength, the warm waters of the Caribbean may help it intensify
to a weak category one hurricane.
By
midweek, Chantal will encounter stronger wind shear (disruptive winds above the
surface) and will start to weaken. This weakening will occur around the same
time that nears Jamaica, Haiti, Hispaniola and Cuba. Even though the mountainous terrain of these
islands should deter Chantal from strengthening, these islands may still be
faced with the danger of flooding rain and mudslides at midweek.
Later
in the week, it is possible that the wave enhances the shower and thunderstorm
activity across the Florida Peninsula.
By: Kristina
Pydynowski, Senior Meteorologist – AccuWeather.com
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