Tropical troubles continue to brew in the Atlantic Basin. We currently have two areas of concern one of which is now a hurricane. As of 5pm Tuesday July 10th, 2018 our second hurricane of the year was born. The storm continues too remain 200 + miles off the coastal Carolinas with a northeasterly drift out to sea following the warm Gulf Stream. Winds with the storm are now at Category 1 strength at 85 mph with gusts over 105 mph creating some big waves over the open waters and problems along the coast with rip currents which we have seen in many beach areas this past weekend.
Hurricane Chris though luckily for us will continue to move away from the coast and out to sea by the end of the week. The biggest concerns with this storm though as it moves away will be beach erosion and the increased concerns for rip currents. This past weekend according to Ocean City Beach Patrol over 215 rip current rescues were performed. Remember if you are heading to the beach the next few days to stay near the lifeguard towers and to have a flotation device nearby at all times.
Behind Chris is another area of concern over Cuba and the Dominican Republic. This area of concern is actually the remnants of former Hurricane Beryl. Right now development is at 20% over 48 hrs with 50 percent development over the next 5 days ahead. This area of storms is likely to move northwest into a more favorable environment hence the higher percentage over the next 5 days ahead.
Sea surface temperatures remain in the 80s which is fuel for a tropical system along with limited shear creating more concerns. One saving grace is a frontal boundary by the end of the weekend which looks to keep this storm system out over the water.
