Tropical Weather- September 22, 2023

Potential Tropical Cyclone 16 has turned into Tropical Storm Ophelia just south of the North Carolina coast. It is already close to hurricane strength with 70 mph winds and could briefly become a hurricane before making landfall early Saturday morning along the North Carolina coast. Tropical storm force winds, storm surge and the threat for coastal flooding will be the main threats. Ophelia should quickly weaken to a tropical depression by Sunday. Nigel is in the north Atlantic and has lost tropical characteristics. Another strong tropical wave in the eastern Atlantic has a high chance of becoming Tropical Storm Philippe this weekend.