Tropical Storm Fred, which formed early Sunday in the far Eastern Atlantic Ocean, is on the verge of becoming a hurricane.

No threat to the United States, Fred had winds of 70 mph around 11 p.m., according to meteorologists. The storm was expected to bring hurricane conditions to the portions of the Cape Verde Islands.

The Cape Verde Islands are under a hurricane warning for the first time ever.

Fred is expected to move toward the northwest and then a subtle turn westward is expected. The storm is thousands of miles from the United States.

Going back through the records to the mid 1800s, only once has a storm been within 100 miles of where Fred is expected to go and reached the United States.

Bottom line, we are not concerned with Fred making a US impact.

  • Location at 11 p.m. Sunday: 15.3 N, 22.4 W
  • How far is it?
    • 125 mi. ESE of Praia in the Cape Verde Islands
  • Winds: 70 mph
  • Movement: NW at 15 mph
  • Pressure: 995 mb / 29.39 inches

Track the Tropics

 

Tropical Storm Fred Advisory

11 p.m. — Fred nearing hurricane strength. Hurricane Warning issued for the Cape Verde Islands.

Watches and Warnings

Changes with this advisory:

  • A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the Cape Verde Islands

A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area, in this case within the next 12 hours. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.

Discussion and 48-hour outlook

At 11 p.m., the center of Tropical Storm Fred was located near latitude 15.3 North, longitude 22.4 West.

Fred is moving toward the northwest near 15 mph (24 km/h).

A northwestward motion at a slightly slower forward speed is expected through Tuesday.

On the forecast track, the center will move near or over some of the Cape Verde Islands early Monday morning.

Maximum sustained winds are near 70 mph (110 km/h) with higher gusts.

Strengthening is expected, and Fred is forecast to become a hurricane overnight.

Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 80 miles (130 km) from the center.

The estimated minimum central pressure is 995 mb (29.39 inches).

Hazards affecting land

WIND: Tropical storm conditions are expected to reach portions of the Cape Verde Islands in a few hours, with hurricane conditions by early Monday morning.

STORM SURGE: A storm surge is expected to produce coastal flooding in areas of onshore winds in the Cape Verde Islands. Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves.

RAINFALL: Fred is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 3 to 5 inches over the Cape Verde Islands, with possible isolated maximum amounts of 8 inches. These rains could produce life- threatening flash flooding and mud slides.

Next Advisory
Next complete advisory at 5 a.m.