Two tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Ocean could potentially collide and interact with each other, triggering a rare meteorological phenomenon known as the Fujiwhara Effect. Meteorologists note the scenario is unlikely but highlight its potential to disrupt weather patterns along the Eastern coast.
Hurricane Humberto, the eighth named storm of this year’s hurricane season, is positioned north of the Caribbean and projected to intensify into a major hurricane. A separate system developing in the Caribbean may evolve into a tropical depression and eventually Tropical Storm Imelda. The Fujiwhara Effect occurs when two cyclones come within 900 miles of each other, causing them to spin around a shared center in what scientists describe as an erratic dance.
“The Fujiwhara Effect is when storms close together, interact, and rotate around each other,” said Diamond, describing the phenomenon. “For tropical systems, the two must be within 900 miles of each other.” The outcome depends on each storm’s size and strength, with rare instances resulting in a merged superstorm. However, if the systems are evenly matched, they may swirl around a shared point before dispersing, as seen with Pacific Hurricanes Hilary and Irwin in 2017.
CBS News meteorologist Nikki Nolan noted that when one system is stronger, the weaker one often gets absorbed. “Very rarely has a larger system absorbed a smaller one and become larger or stronger,” she said.
Humberto intensified into a tropical storm Wednesday night and gained hurricane status early Friday. Forecasters anticipate it will move northwest, strengthening as it approaches the southeastern United States. A second system near Humberto in the northeastern Caribbean is expected to develop into Tropical Storm Imelda by weekend, potentially increasing risks of storm surge, wind, and rainfall along coastal areas from Florida to North Carolina.
Nolan stated that while the two systems may interact under the Fujiwhara Effect, their current distance and imbalance in strength suggest a limited impact. If they do collide, their paths could shift slightly, according to forecasts.
