Rare Fujiwhara Effect Looms as Hurricane Humberto and Tropical Storm Imelda Converge Near U.S. Coast
Rare Fujiwhara Effect Looms as Hurricane Humberto and Tropical Storm Imelda Converge Near U.S. Coast
Hurricane Humberto, now the eighth named storm of the season, is currently churning over waters just north of the Caribbean. While forecasts as of Friday, September 26, 2025, largely predict Humberto will remain offshore, meteorologists are closely monitoring a rare possibility: an interaction with a second developing system, soon to be named Tropical Storm Imelda, in the western Atlantic.
This potential convergence could trigger the Fujiwhara effect, a phenomenon where two tropical storms or hurricanes merge or ‘dance’ around a common center. CBS News meteorologist Nikki Nolan notes this is an unlikely outcome, especially given that the developing system appears significantly weaker than Humberto. However, if conditions align, it could alter their projected paths, albeit slightly.
Humberto strengthened to a tropical storm Wednesday night and reached hurricane status early Friday morning. Forecasters expect it to continue strengthening as it moves northwest. Meanwhile, the second system, currently near the northeastern Caribbean, is anticipated to become a tropical depression soon and likely Tropical Storm Imelda over the weekend. This system is tracking towards the Bahamas and could significantly impact parts of the southeastern United States, from Florida to North Carolina, with risks of storm surge, wind, and heavy rainfall.
Officials emphasize continued vigilance as both systems evolve, particularly concerning the potential for an ‘intense dance’ that could reshape regional weather patterns.
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