Tropical Storm Helene to pass near the Azores

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Tropical Storm Helene is forecasted to pass near the Azores on Saturday.

Located about 885 miles southwest of Lajes Air Base in the Azores, Tropical Storm Helene is moving toward the north at speeds near 21 miles per hour. The cyclone is expected to accelerate and turn toward the northeast over the weekend, says to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). On this forecast track, Helene will pass near or over the Azores late Saturday or Sunday.

The NHC said in their 11 p.m. advisory that maximum sustained winds are near 65 miles per hour, with higher gusts. Little change in strength is expected during the next 48 hours.

A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for all of the Azores Islands. Tropical storm wind conditions are possible within this area by late Saturday, says the NHC.

The NHC also says that Helene is expected to produce total rainfall amounts of two to four inches across the Azores, with isolated amounts up to eight inches across the western Azores. This rainfall may cause life-threatening flash flooding.

Swells generated by Helene are affecting portions of the Azores, the NHC reports. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. 

The Atlantic is currently very active, with several other cyclones and disturbances ongoing. Take a look at the existing ones by clicking any below.

Be sure to keep up with the latest on the 2018 Hurricane Season HERE. And you can download your Hurricane Guide in English HERE or in Spanish HERE.