According to the USA Today website, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Fernand is expected to “move well east of Bermuda and across the open waters of the subtropical North Atlantic,” keeping it largely away from the US mainland.
While Fernand may intensify as it moves northward, possibly reaching hurricane strength at some point, forecasters do not anticipate major impacts for the United States. AccuWeather lead hurricane expert Alex DaSilva noted on the USA Today website, “At this time, direct wind and rain impacts are not expected in the US, but rip currents and rough surf could impact some East Coast beaches again next week.”
The storm’s formation comes days after Hurricane Erin became a Category 5 storm, churning the ocean along the East Coast and causing beach erosion and localized flooding. Forecasters say the Atlantic hurricane season is just beginning to heat up, with activity expected to peak around September 10. “We expect the second half of the hurricane season to be more active than the first half,” DaSilva added.
Tracking Fernand
The NHC’s forecast cone shows the most likely path of Fernand’s center, but the storm’s full impacts may extend beyond this area. Historically, the storm center travels outside the cone about one-third of the time.
How hurricanes form
Hurricanes develop in tropical regions over warm waters exceeding 80°F. Clusters of thunderstorms can evolve into tropical depressions and eventually tropical storms once sustained winds reach 39 mph. A storm officially becomes a hurricane when winds reach 74 mph.
Preparing for hurricane season
Experts stress that preparation is key, even if a particular storm does not pose an immediate threat. NOAA recommends:
- Develop an evacuation plan: Identify where you would go and how to get there if ordered to evacuate.
- Check insurance and document possessions: Review policies, including flood insurance, which requires a 30-day waiting period.
- Create a family communication plan: Establish meeting points and share plans with loved ones.
- Strengthen your home: Trim trees, install storm shutters or impact glass, and seal exterior openings to reduce hurricane damage.
With the heart of hurricane season approaching, experts urge residents in coastal areas to stay informed, prepare early, and not delay potentially life-saving measures.
