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The Atlantic hurricane season adds a new point of interest with the simultaneous presence of Imelda and Humberto, two systems moving over open waters that could draw close enough to give rise to the rare Fujiwhara Effect.
The Cuban Meteorological Institute explained on Facebook that this is an uncommon phenomenon in the Atlantic basin, although it has been documented in the Pacific, where it has produced spectacular interactions between cyclones.
Described in 1921 by Japanese meteorologist Sakuhei Fujiwhara, it occurs when two storms come within 1,200 to 1,400 kilometers of each other and begin to orbit around a common point, altering their trajectory and even their intensity.
In extreme cases, the stronger hurricane may absorb the weaker one, or both may merge into a larger system.
That possibility, although remote, is what has garnered attention in recent hours.
Cuban meteorologist Raydel Ruisánchez detailed on Facebook that in the western Atlantic, the centers of Humberto and Imelda are about 758 kilometers apart.
While Humberto is weakening, Imelda continues to strengthen and could impact Bermuda in the coming days.
In Cuba, the indirect influence of these systems keeps humidity in the atmosphere, with scattered rain from Matanzas to Guantánamo and on the Isle of Youth.
For its part, CNN noted that when two hurricanes interact in this way, the forecast becomes extremely complex.
In 2017, hurricanes Hilary and Irwin experienced this phenomenon in the eastern Pacific and ended up weakening after days of rotating around each other.
In 2022, Typhoon Hinnamnor absorbed a weaker tropical depression in the western Pacific.
Although the models suggest that Imelda and Humberto could be close enough for the Fujiwhara Effect to take place, experts warn that there is still some uncertainty.
Small changes in the intensity or trajectory of each storm could prevent interaction.
For now, attention is focused on the evolution of Imelda, which is expected to strengthen in the coming days, while Humberto continues to lose organization.
Experts agree that it will be crucial to closely monitor forecasts for the upcoming week, when it could be determined if the Atlantic will witness the so-called "dance of the hurricanes."
In this regard, the tropical storm Imelda intensified on Tuesday to become a Category 1 hurricane, striking the western Atlantic with force and directly affecting both the east coast of the U.S. as well as the Bahamas and the Bermuda archipelago, where an even more severe impact is anticipated.
Although its center remains offshore, the hurricane has already wreaked havoc in several regions and poses an increasing threat to the northern Atlantic islands.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Fujiwhara Effect and Hurricanes Imelda and Humberto
What is the Fujiwhara Effect and how does it affect hurricanes?
The Fujiwhara Effect is a meteorological phenomenon in which two tropical cyclones that are nearby begin to orbit around a common point. This interaction can alter their trajectory and, in some extreme cases, the stronger hurricane may absorb the weaker one, or both may merge into a larger system. This phenomenon has generated particular interest during the Atlantic hurricane season, as hurricanes Imelda and Humberto may be close enough to experience this effect.
How could hurricanes Imelda and Humberto interact?
Although models suggest that Imelda and Humberto could get close enough for the Fujiwhara effect to occur, there is uncertainty about whether this will actually happen. The interaction depends on their proximity, and they are currently about 758 kilometers apart. Minor changes in the intensity or trajectory of each storm could prevent the phenomenon from manifesting. However, experts are closely monitoring the evolution of these systems.
What impacts could Hurricane Imelda have on Cuba and the U.S.?
Imelda has already caused heavy rains in eastern Cuba, leading to landslides and other impacts. This hurricane, which has intensified to a category 1, also poses a growing threat to the east coast of the U.S., where heavy rains are expected that could lead to minor flooding. Additionally, the swells generated by Imelda and Humberto are creating dangerous rip currents along the U.S. east coast.
What measures should residents in areas affected by these hurricanes take?
Authorities recommend monitoring official bulletins issued by the National Hurricane Center and local weather services. It is crucial to avoid entering the sea in areas with strong waves or the risk of rip currents and to pay attention to possible flood alerts in urban areas. It is also important not to underestimate the indirect risk of storms that are far from the coast, as they can have significant effects on vulnerable areas.
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