Former T.D. #7 Becomes "Helene"; "Gordon" Eastbound; Strong Wave E. Atlantic......
Tropical depression #7 has
regenerated into tropical storm "Helene"
now over the far Western Gulf of Mexico in an environment highly favorable for organization & strengthening except for very close proximity to the coast of Mexico. In fact, there are indications the center is already very near the coast. A few forecast models show the disturbance moving very little or only slowly to the north or even a little northeast while others take the storm directly into the Mexico mountains which would quickly rip apart the storm. Most of the normally reliable tropical forecast models are showing the move into Mexico. Still...an unseasonable upper level trough will dig deep into the eastern half of the U.S. with the base of the trough as far south as the Gulf of Mexico. It's not entirely out of the question that this trough could try to pull "Helene" more north or even northeast. There are also indications that tropical moisture will get streamed northeast across the Northern Gulf and Gulf Coast into the First Coast possibly adding to the heavy rain potential next week.
"Gordon" is moving harmlessly eastward over the open Central Atlantic far to the east of Bermuda. Recurvature has already occurred, & the storm will move east/northeast toward the Azores -- where tropical storm WATCHES have been issued -- the next several days in the far E. Atlantic becoming extratropical by at least early next week. No impact on the U.S. OR Bermuda.
Another tropical wave has come off the coast of Africa in the far E. Atlantic southeast of the Cape Verde Islands & is looking rather impressive. Virtually all global models develop this wave turning it into a hurricane over the Central Atlantic but also showing an early recurvature. This seems the most plausible scenario given the system will be into the Central Atlantic next week. Thereafter, upper level ridging builds over the N. Atlantic but could be late enough so as to still allow recurvature. This will be a system to keep an eye on, however as will another wave that will come off the coast of Africa early next week.
