Will Hurricane Igor and Potential Hurricane Julia Hit the East Coast?

Hurricane Igor is a strong category four hurricane that is expected to make it to category 5 status. According to USA Today, only 23 storms have ever been named as category 5 hurricanes like we expect Hurricane Igor to achieve. The two most well known are probably Hurricane Camille in 1969 and Hurricane Andrew in 1992.

We are all too familiar with the life altering and taking effect of Hurricane Andrew and Hurricane Katrina. We can only hope Hurricane Igor turns back into the ocean and leaves the East Coast alone. The same can be said for potential Hurricane Julia. Let us take a look at previous hurricanes this season to possibly predict where Hurricane Igor will possibly make impact.

Previous News on the Atlantic Hurricane Season - Before Hurricane Igor and Potential Hurricane Julia

The Atlantic hurricane season is testing the patience and hurricane preparedness for the entire East Coast. Hurricane Earl looks to be missing coastal towns south of the Outer Banks, but two potential hurricanes are already forming in the water with a third disturbance - potential Hurricane Igor - in the wings. With three major storms possibly following the same path as Earl, will there be a low pressure sitting in the way or will the East Coast below the Outer Banks see some hearty hurricane weather before the season is all said and done?

Details on Hurricane Earl, Fiona, Gaston, Hermine and Igor

Experts continue to predict Hurricane Earl will be affected by a low pressure system sitting over the United States. This system will push the storm back into the ocean just enough to keep most of the East coastal United States from suffering hurricane strength activity. There is still a threat of landfall from the Outer Banks north, but that threat could be diminished if the low pressure system continues to push east.

Tropical Storm Fiona

Tropical Storm Fiona is moving northwestward parallel to Hurricane Earl. There is little threat from the storm directly, but forecast models show Tropical Storm Fiona moving awful close to Hurricane Earl. Hurricane Earl has already pulled some of the strength and moisture from Tropical Storm Fiona and if the two merge at some point, they will become one storm.

Potential Hurricane Gaston

Tropical Storm Gaston, or potential Hurricane Gaston is looking a lot like Hurricane Earl. Though the storm is moving slowly and not increasing in strength, the potential threat of a connection with the East Coast of the United States remains. At this time, potential Hurricane Gaston is moving at half the speed of Hurricane Earl. If it maintains this speed, it could have more time over open, warm water to grow and strengthen. The path of potential Hurricane Gaston takes it toward the Leeward Islands, just as Hurricane Earl passed over them not too long ago. The final path of the storm will rest on pressure systems in the Atlantic Ocean and over the United States.

Potential Hurricane Hermine

Hermine is just starting to develop behind Tropical Storm Gaston. Moving at only 10 MPH, potential Hurricane Hermine is mirroring Gaston. Within the next two days, the storm is not expected to develop into a Tropical Cyclone or Tropical Storm, but taking previous developments into consideration, this theory could be wrong. Satellite imagery off the coast of Africa shows strong storms that could mean Hermine will be just as strong, or stronger, than Hurricane Earl.

Hurricane Igor

After Hermine is Hurricane Igor. While the two storms have yet to be named, the threat of formation is clear. Hurricane Igor, according to African coastal satellite, looks to have an eye already with very strong, compact storms.

There is little doubt that the 2010 Hurricane Season is going to be one to remember, but for now the East coastal towns below the Outer Banks have to wait it out keeping eyes to the sky and hurricane preparedness plans at fingertip.