HOUSTON — We're reaching the peak of hurricane season and there are two systems the National Hurricane Center is keeping an eye on, and so are we. One is Tropical Storm Laura out in the Atlantic. The other is Tropical Storm Marco, which formed in the Caribbean Friday night.
Tropical Storm Laura moving west
Tropical Storm Laura, which formed on Friday, shifted further west with the 4 p.m. update. It's located at 17.1 North, 61.2 West. It's moving to the west at 17 miles per hour.
Tropical storm conditions are expected for parts of the Northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico from today through Saturday. They’re also expected along the northern coasts of the Dominican Republic and Haiti Saturday and Sunday.
Heavy rain in those areas could cause mudslides and flash and urban flooding through Sunday.
On Sunday, tropical storm conditions are possible over parts of the southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The track remains uncertain, as does the intensity of Laura. Below is the latest forecast cone of Tropical Storm Laura.
Tropical Storm Marco forecast to become a hurricane
Tropical Storm Marco formed Friday in the Caribbean. It's shifted further to the south. The storm is located at 17.7 North, 84.3 West. It's moving to the northwest at 13 miles per hour.
It's far too soon to know where the storm will go, but we are watching Tropical Storm Marco especially closely. It's expected to enter the Gulf early next week. Get the latest detailed tropics update here.
Tropical Storm Marco forecast to get back into the Gulf of Mexico and intensify into a hurricane before making landfall along the Gulf coast.
The current cone of uncertainty runs from the South Texas coastline all the way to eastern Louisiana. There is still considerable uncertainty with this storm, so stay with KHOU.com or download our mobile news app for the very latest track.
What is the Fujiwhara Effect and could these two storms merge?
In a year that's seen everything from a global pandemic to murder hornets, now we have a possibility of not one but two hurricanes in Gulf waters at the same time. Tropical Depression 13 was the first to become a named storm as Laura on Friday morning. Tropical Depression 14 will be Marco when it reaches storm status. Could they merge in the Gulf? It's possible. But not likely. Here's what to know about the Fujiwhara Effect.
Be prepared this hurricane season
It's way too early to know the exact intensity and track these two systems will take. Regardless, we're in a very active hurricane season, so it's a good idea to know what you'll need if a storm was approaching.
Here is a list of important items you should have at home or take with you if you evacuate:
- Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3-7 days; also fill bathtub and other containers; Gator Aid is good to fend off dehydration
- Food - at least enough for 3-7 days; non-perishable packaged or canned food; juices; foods for infants or elderly family members; snack foods; food for special diets
- Non-electric can opener
- Cooking tools, fuel
- Paper plates and cups, plastic utensils
- Bedding: Blankets, Pillows, etc.
- Clothing
- Rain gear
- Sturdy shoes
- First Aid Kit, Medicines, Prescription Drugs
- Toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags
- Toiletries, hand sanitizer, hygiene items, moisture wipes, dry shampoo
- Flashlight, batteries, lantern
- Radio: Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
- Telephones: Fully charged cell phone with extra battery; chargers; traditional (not cordless) telephone set
- Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards: Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods
- Important documents: Place in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag: Should include insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, prescriptions, etc.
- Tools: Keep a set with you during the storm
- Gas: Fill up your vehicles several days before landfall is expected; Gas stations could lose power during a storm and supply trucks may not be able to reach the area
- Pet care items: Proper identification, immunization records, medications, ample supply of food and water; a carrier or cage; muzzle and/ or leash
- Bleach without lemon or any other additives
- Fire extinguisher
- Mosquito repellent
- Keys
- Toys, books and games for children
- Duct tape
- Cell Phone charging stations - locations where you can charge mobile devices