Hurricane Erika
Tropical Storm Erika has formed quietly, since Tropical Storm Erika is on the heels of Hurricane Jimena. But Tropical Storm Erika is the Atlantic's newest storm, even though the possible Hurricane Erika may not cause that much damage. Nevertheless, while attention focuses on the PacificTropical Storm Erika Struggles to Become Hurricane Erika and Hurricane Jimena, Erika will take up the attention of the Atlantic. But it is the Leeward Islands that are most concerned with Erika at the moment.
Tropical Storm Erika officially formed last night in the Atlantic, and is now moving forward. As of 8 a.m. EST, Tropical Storm Erika was 160 miles east-southeast of the Leeward Islands, with maximum winds at a mere 45 mph. Despite being relatively small and uncertain to become Hurricane Erika, it is nevertheless the fifth storm system of the Atlantic hurricane season. Thus far, Tropical Storm Erika is resembling Danny, which was only a minor hurricane that went down to tropical depression status by the time it reached land. The projected path of Tropical Storm Erika is uncertain thus far, as is whether the system could become a hurricane later in the week.
The Tropical Storm Erika projected path possibilities have it going either towards the Southeast and Florida - which has been relatively spared from hurricanes thus far this season - or headed for the West and areas like Puerto Rica and Cuba. For now, the system is heading for the Leeward Islands to deliver a few inches of rain. Afterwards, a possible Hurricane Erika could head for the north, but it appears too disorganized for forecasters to be sure at the moment. If this is all that the system is going to do, then it would be another Atlantic storm front that ultimately provides little damage. The real action remains in the Pacific, as Hurricane Jimena storms its way through Mexico and Baja California. But the much hyped Hurricane Jimena is starting to weaken itself, to the relief of thousands in the affected areas - though the damage may still be substantial.
