WeatherFanatics: Atlantic Storm to Bypass Eastern US, Aim at Canada

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Atlantic Storm to Bypass Eastern US, Aim at Canada

By Alex Sosnowski, Expert Senior Meteorologist

September 26,2013; 8:43PM,EDT

A storm forecast to develop over the western Atlantic Ocean this weekend is likely to remain weak and stay east of the United States, but will impact Bermuda, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.
With a weaker storm tracking farther east, the overall weather will remain dry for most areas from the Carolinas northward to Maine.
There is a chance of spotty showers from the coastal areas of the Carolinas, to perhaps as far north as the Delmarva Peninsula this weekend. Breezy conditions are likely along the Carolina coast this weekend and during Sunday and Monday farther north over Delmarva. Early morning fog can be a problem away from the coast through Monday.

The storm is forecast to bring building surf, rough seas and locally gusty showers and thunderstorms to Bermuda this weekend.
It could impact Atlantic Canada from Nova Scotia to Newfoundland Monday into Tuesday with the effects of a moderate nor'easter with rough seas and the chance of windswept rain.

The most significant impact from a U.S. standpoint will be locally rough surf and offshore seas Sunday into Monday. However, because of the farther east and weaker storm track, problems related to this will be minor. Most larger, ocean-worthy vessels will have no issues negotiating the conditions. Small craft should exercise caution when venturing away from coastal waters as the storm begins its northward run offshore.
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While there is still a slight chance of the storm rapidly strengthening and taking a left turn toward New England, odds favor a zone of high pressure bringing a continuation of sunny days and clear cool nights to much of the mid-Atlantic and New England through the weekend.
It is not out of the question that the storm may attain the next name on the Atlantic list, which is Jerry.
According to Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski, "There is a chance the storm takes on some tropical characteristics before reaching Atlantic Canada waters, but disruptive winds and colder water farther north would limit the intensity and deter rapid strengthening of the system."
With a zone of high pressure hanging around the interior mid-Atlantic and New England, the long nights, light winds and clear skies will favor the formation of early morning fog. Patchy fog will favor, but may not be limited to the interior river valleys. Allow extra travel time as a buffer if you will be heading out during the early morning hours.