Tropical Depression Six forms over the central Atlantic, aims for Bermuda

August 22nd, 2010 - 3:59 am ICT by BNO News  

MIAMI (BNO NEWS) — Tropical Depression Six formed over the central Atlantic on late Saturday afternoon and is expected to become a hurricane by Monday, forecasters said.

The storm formed about 580 miles (935 kilometers) west-southwest of the southernmost Cape Verde Islands at around 5 p.m. EDT on Saturday, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami.

Forecasters said maximum sustained winds are currently near 30 miles per hour (45 kilometers per hour) with higher gusts. “Some strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours and the depression could become a tropical storm tonight or tomorrow,” said forecaster Blake. “And a hurricane by Monday.”

The depression is moving toward the west-northwest near 9 miles (15 kilometers) per hour. “This general motion within an increase in forward speed is expected for the next several days,” Blake said.

Unofficial intensity forecast models show that the storm could eventually strengthen into a category three hurricane and is currently on course for the British overseas territory of Bermuda. However, the storm may still change course and eventually miss the island completely.

When the depression strengthens into a tropical storm, which is almost certain, it will be given the name Danielle.

It would be the first time since 2004 that a tropical storm was named Danielle. In August 2004, Category 2 hurricane Danielle formed in the far eastern Atlantic Ocean but never affected land.

Related Stories

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted in World News |

Subscribe