JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — There are multiple areas to watch in the tropics:
Western Caribbean/Gulf of Mexico: An area of low pressure has formed over the western Caribbean Sea. As it moves towards the Gulf, it could develop into a tropical depression in a few days. The National Hurricane Center is giving it a medium chance of development in the next seven days. Once the system enters the Gulf, we cannot say with certainty where it will go and how strong it will be. At this time, everyone from Mobile to Fort Myers needs to stay vigilant. It also currently looks like it will stay a weaker storm. We will watch closely to see if it could bring us higher rain chances by the weekend or early next week.
Isaac: Isaac was a Category 2 at its peak but is now is now post-tropical. It is not heading for land, and the only impacts expected from this system are swells that will affect the Azores over the next few days. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
Joyce: This system weakened into a tropical depression Sunday night. it is expected to become a post-tropical remnant low Monday and not impact land.
Kirk: Following behind Joyce, Kirk became a tropical depression Sunday and a tropical storm Monday. It is forecast to strengthen into a Major Cat 3 hurricane but not impact land.
Eastern Atlantic: Following behind Kirk, a tropical wave off the coast of Africa is being watched for a high chance of development in the next 7 days. A tropical depression could form during the middle or latter part of this week.
Helene has dissipated. It made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region Thursday night as a major Category 4 hurricane. The National Weather Service said at 11:10 p.m. Thursday, Helene made landfall about 10 miles southwest of Perry, Fla., bringing maximum sustained winds of 140 mph. Coverage of the aftermath continues on firstcoastnews.com.
The peak of hurricane season was Sept. 10. It was the 60th anniversary of Hurricane Dora, the last hurricane to make landfall in Jacksonville.
