Good afternoon everyone.

Just a few hours ago, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) upgraded Tropical Depression #18 to Tropical Storm status. We now have our 18th Tropical Storm of this hurricane season, and it is named “Sam.” Note in the NHC forecast discussion (last graphic attached) that this is the second earliest formation of the 18th named tropical storm in the Atlantic basin, moving ahead of the year 2005, and is now only behind last year’s number at this time of year.

“Sam” is expected to intensify into a major hurricane, but it will take its time doing so. It could reach major hurricane strength by late Saturday night, but forecasters think it may be as late as early Monday morning before it ramps up to major hurricane intensity (winds =/> 110 mph). Sam’s movement is a bit more westerly over the last few hours, but is still expected to begin taking a more northwesterly track by late Saturday or early Sunday. Tropical Storm “Sam” is one to watch for potential future impacts to states in the Carolinas and northward, including SC, NC, VA, MD, DE, PA, NJ, NY, CT, RI, and MA. Upper level steering currents could keep “Sam” offshore, but the exact forecast track won’t be known for several more days. Certainly one to watch, though. - Sid Sperry

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