JACKSONVILLE, Fla --
***A high rip current risk at First Coast beaches due to easterly swells from "Leslie" through at least Thu. ***Twin storms in the Atlantic could soon both be hurricanes. "Leslie" has been upgraded to a hurricane but is some 1,200 miles east/southeast of Jacksonville. The slow moving storm will lift north/northwest then curve northeast staying far to the east of Florida and most of the U.S. east coast. The large size of the strengthening hurricane is pushing an easterly swell to local beaches causing rough seas and surf and dangerous rip currents. Remember to never swim alone and always near a lifeguard. The hurricane will likely cause rough weather for Bermuda this weekend and eventually Newfoundland.
The mid & upper level disturbance that was "Isaac" is moving into the Northern Gulf of Mexico & is accompanied by a persistent cluster of showers & t'storms. "Ivan" made a somewhat similar loop in 2004 (see 4th & 5th images below). A weak surface low could evolve over the North Central Gulf of Mexico the next couple of days as the disturbance returns to the warm water. Based on history ("Ivan" in 2004), if another tropical cyclone were to develop & could be traced to what was "Isaac", it would again be named "Isaac". Models do not develop a strong low, but this is something to watch as there should be eventual interaction with a strong upper level storm system that will move into the Eastern U.S. this weekend. There will at least be surge of tropical moisture into Northeast Fl. and Southeast Ga. this weekend that could help cause heavy rainfall.
IMAGE FROM LAST THU., AUG. 30TH:
IVAN'S TRACK IN 2004:
"Michael" is in the Eastern Atlantic about 500 or so miles east/northeast of "Leslie". The strengthening storm could become a hurricane but should remain over the open water of the Central & eventually N. Atlantic.
