Paulette forms in the central Atlantic; Tropical Depression 18 to impact Cabo Verde Islands
Two tropical cyclones, Paulette and 18, both formed within the last 12 hours, are currently active in the Atlantic basin. As of 11:00 am AST, Paulette was producing sustained winds of 35 knots (40 mph), and a pressure of 1005 millibars. Paulette was moving to the west-northwest at 3 knots (3 mph). 18 was producing a sustained wind of 30 knots (35 mph) and had a pressure of 1004 millibars. 18 was moving west-northwest at 9 knots (10 mph). As of right now, 18 is the only tropical cyclone that has a threat to land. Tropical storm warnings are in effect for the Cabo Verde islands.
Timing and impacts
Paulette is expected to take a more northwest motion for the next 2-3 days. Then it will take a mostly westward motion before resuming a northwest motion. As of now, it is not a threat to land, and any land impacts would be over a week away at this point. Paulette is expected to strengthen some to an intensity of about 50 knots (60 mph) before weakening occurs due to wind shear.
Tropical depression 18 is expected to continue moving to the west-northwest for the next 3 days, before beginning to recurve. 18 is forecasted to become a tropical storm within the next 12 hours. It is expected to be a weaker tropical storm while it passes over the Cabo Verde Islands. This will bring tropical storm force winds as high as 45 knots (50 mph) and heavy rain to these islands, where there is a tropical storm warning in effect. After passing the Cabo Verde islands, it is forecasted to strengthen to a category 1 hurricane with winds of 70 knots (80 mph). The system is then forecasted to begin to recurve out to sea. At this time, the Cabo Verde islands are the only land areas at threat from the depression.
Stay tuned to Force Thirteen and the National Hurricane Center for updates.
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