Hurricane Kyle Approaches East Coast and Baseball Playoff Race

The hurricane season still has a few punches left, it would appear. After the likes of Gustav, Hanna and Ike, Kyle is now on track to be a meaningful storm or hurricane. Currently, Tropical Storm Kyle is making itself different from Hanna and Ike in that it could hit the East Coast primarily. As the possible eleventh major storm to hit the United States this hurricane season, Tropical Storm or Hurricane Kyle could cause major storms for the East Coast this weekend. But Tropical Storm Kyle comes at the worst time for baseball, in particular.

Tropical Storm Kyle was spotted earlier this week forming 600 miles south-southwest of Bermuda. At the time, it had has progress of 8 mph and maximum winds of 45 mph. The potential Hurricane Kyle could arrive at the coastline this weekend, as it approaches the Atlantic with progress speed of 13 mph.

As of 8 a.m., Tropical Storm Kyle was 500 miles south-southwest of Bermuda. Maximum winds were closer to 60 mph, as it is approaching Bermuda. The island could get up to three inches of rain, as the west of Bermuda could get the strongest winds.

The National Weather Service warns that Tropical Storm Kyle is building in force as it comes closer to landfall. Once it does, heavy rain could fall in the East Coast. By Saturday, Kyle could actually become a hurricane.

However, the much more dangerous hurricanes of Gustav, Hanna and Ike eventually decreased in power by the time they actually reached land. The hope is that a Hurricane or Tropical Storm Kyle would do the same thing.

Even if rain storms aren't so bad over the weekend, they may do enough to damage a heated baseball playoff race. Heavy storms are expected over New York and Philadelphia as the Mets and Phillies finish their battle for the NL East division title. Rainfall already arrived in Washington and canceled a game between the Marlins and Nationals. The rains could force the Mets and Phillies to play doubleheaders at some point and cause a delay of the baseball postseason schedule.

In addition to Tropical Storm Kyle, another storm front is approaching about 225 southeast of North and South Carolina. This could cause some coastal flooding and rip currents in the area.

Sources

The Tech Herald- "Tropical Storm Kyle gathering strength on U.S. approach" www.thetechherald.com/article.php/200839/2136/Tropical-Storm-Kyle-gathering-strength-on-U-S-approach

CF News 13- "Tropical Storm Kyle Gains Strength" www.cfnews13.com/Weather/HurricaneCenter/2008/9/26/tropical_storm_kyle_gains_strength.html