Hurricane Helene Moving Northwest as Tropical Storm Isaac ‘Remains Strong’

Zachary Stieber
9/11/2018
Updated:
9/11/2018
Hurricane Helene has been detected moving northwest as Tropical Storm Isaac remains strong, the National Hurricane Center said in a morning update on Sept. 11.

Helene has maximum sustained winds near 110 miles per hour, with a forecast of gradual weakening.

“Some strengthening is possible during the next 12 hours, but a gradual weakening trend is expected after that time,” the center said in a 5 a.m. EST update.

However, the center noted that some models are showing Helene weakening in the short-term but strengthening after a few days.

Helene remains far off any coastline, closer to Africa than the Americas.

Because of its distance from land, the forecasts for Helene haven’t tried to forecast any landfall or effects on islands.

A map from the National Hurricane Center shows the locations of three major storms weather experts are tracking: Hurricane Helene, Tropical Storm Isaac, and Hurricane Florence, on Sept. 11, 2018. (National Hurricane Center)
A map from the National Hurricane Center shows the locations of three major storms weather experts are tracking: Hurricane Helene, Tropical Storm Isaac, and Hurricane Florence, on Sept. 11, 2018. (National Hurricane Center)

Tropical Storm Isaac ‘Remains Strong’

Tropical Storm Isaac isn’t as strong as Helene but “remains a strong tropical storm” and is much closer to land, the center noted in an update on September 11.

Isaac is closest to the Lesser Antilles, and the center said that people there should keep an eye on future updates as the storm is expected to approach hurricane strength.

Isaac is moving west and is expected to continue moving west.

“On the forecast track, Isaac should move across the Lesser Antilles and into the eastern Caribbean Sea on Thursday,” the center stated.

“Little change in strength is forecast during the next few days, but Isaac is forecast to be at or near hurricane strength as it approaches the Lesser Antilles.”

In another aspect of the update, the center added: “Isaac is expected to be at or near hurricane intensity when it approaches the Lesser Antilles. However, confidence in the forecast is lower than normal.”

“Interests in the Lesser Antilles should continue to monitor Isaac during the next couple of days. Watches will likely be required for portions of the Lesser Antilles later today,” it stated.

Home Depot employee Jim Brown helps a customer load plywood into his truck as residents prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Florence in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on Sept. 11, 2018.
Home Depot employee Jim Brown helps a customer load plywood into his truck as residents prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Florence in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on Sept. 11, 2018.

Hurricane Florence Approaches Land

People are keeping an eye on both Helene and Isaac but another storm, Hurricane Florence, is barrelling toward the East Coast of the United States and is projected to make landfall early Sept. 14.

High winds, huge storm surges, and other damaging weather are forecast across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia.

Evacuations have been ordered in parts of the Carolinas as governors of the states, other personnel, and federal officials keep a close watch on the hurricane.
From NTD.tv