Tropical Storm Lorenzo Forms in North Atlantic Ocean
Lorenzo, the 12th named storm to form in the Atlantic in 2025, has developed into a tropical storm in the North Atlantic Ocean, according to the National Hurricane Center’s latest advisory. As of early Monday Eastern time, the storm is being closely monitored for its potential impact on the region.
Forecast Wind Speeds and Direction
When a storm like Lorenzo comes close to land, radar signals from the United States radar network will begin to bounce off the rainfall within the tropical cyclone, making it easier to locate the more intense sections of the storm and the heaviest rainfall. The storm’s center will be the area on radar void of rain, called an eye, and completely encircled by the most intense winds and rain, called the eye wall. Spiraling out from the center will be bands of rain that vary in intensity.
Tracking Lorenzo’s Rainfall
Rip currents, even from distant storms, are the third-highest cause of death related to hurricanes, after inland flooding from excessive rain and storm surges, according to the Weather Service. The Hurricane Center has started providing rip current forecasts this year, highlighting the importance of monitoring these potentially deadly currents. Climate change is also affecting the amount of rain that storms can produce, with the air able to hold more moisture, leading to more intense rainfall events.
Risk of Rip Currents and Power Outages
The damaging winds from Lorenzo have caused power outages along the storm’s path, leaving thousands without electricity. The share of customers without power is expected to increase as the storm continues to move through the region. Rip currents, which can be deadly, are also a major concern, with the National Hurricane Center providing forecasts to help mitigate the risk.
What Does the Storm Look Like from Above?
Satellite imagery is being used to determine the strength, size, and cohesion of the storm. The stronger a storm becomes, the more likely an eye will form in the center. When the eye looks symmetrical, that often means the storm is not encountering anything to weaken it. The Atlantic hurricane season, which started on June 1 and runs through November 30, has seen 12 named storms so far, with Lorenzo being the latest.
Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook
In late May, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted that this would be an above-average season, with 13 to 19 named storms. In early August, a revised forecast from NOAA predicted 18 named storms for the season, with up to nine of them potentially becoming hurricanes. Last year, there were 18 named storms, 11 of which became hurricanes, with five of those reaching Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
Climate Change and Hurricane Intensity
Climate experts have warned that intense storms like these are more likely to occur, with more rapid intensification likely in a warming world. Hurricane Beryl, which formed last year, set records for the earliest point in a season that a storm had grown so big, with its quick intensity a result of above-average ocean temperatures. This year, however, the ocean heat content has been slightly below average in June, which may impact the development of storms.
Preparing for the Worst
Experts think it is probable that a major hurricane will make landfall in the U.S. this season, highlighting the need for preparation and planning. The Trump administration has slashed the number of employees at many of the agencies responsible for planning for and responding to natural disasters, including NOAA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Climate change is also expected to continue to impact the amount of rain that storms can produce, leading to more intense flooding events.
Image Source: www.nytimes.com
