Hurricane Sam and Tropical Storm Victor, which should be upgraded to a hurricane too soon, continue to spin about over the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean; neither pose any threat to land at this time.
While a direct hit is not expected for now, Tropical Storm Watches have been issued for the island of Bermuda. Bermuda may see the impacts of a glancing blow as the center of the hurricane passes well to the island’s east in the coming days. Swells generated by Sam will impact the Northern Leeward Islands and the Greater Antilles, including Puerto Rico, during the next few days. Swells are expected to reach Bermuda and the Bahamas by Friday, and then spread to the United States east coast by this weekend. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns that these swells could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions; even experienced surfers and swimmers should avoid the ocean, especially at beaches where lifeguards are no longer stationed during the off-season.
While Sam spins to the west, Victor is spinning well to its east. Victor, located at 8.7 N and 27.3 W is roughly 550 miles south-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands in the eastern Atlantic. Maximum sustained winds have increased to 45 mph and the NHC expects it to gain additional strength over the next few days. For now, the storm is moving to the west-northwest at 13 mph. Victor has an estimated minimum central pressure of 1004 mb or 29.65″.
Victor is forecast to become a hurricane by tomorrow. While it should remain strong over the weekend, it should weaken significantly by Monday as it moves north over colder open waters of the North Atlantic.
Victor should dissipate before it has the chance to impact any land mass.
