A word you will probably start to see get hyped up over the next few days

I am noticing the internet and social media is a buzz this morning already over a Washington Post article indicating that Hurricane Jose and Hurricane Maria could do what is knows and the Fuijiwhara Dance. You may get many descriptions on what that effect is but here is how to break it down.

The Fujiwhara Effect is most commonly visible across the Pacific, and occurs when two or more tropical systems draw sufficiently near to interrupt each other’s traditional outflow/inflow pattern.

Eventually, the upper-level outflow bands of one storm descend, are compressed, and warm up in temperature — soon acting as the inflow of the other. When this occurs, they become “pinwheel cyclones,” and begin rotating around each other.

Basically some long range models are showing the storms circling each other off the east coast much like you may see two cats circle each other before they begin to fight. It is likely the storms could touch each other eventually and one storm would weaken while the other storm wins out. 

For a visual explanation below is a video from my friend and weather colleague Grant Gilmore. Grant is formerly from WFMY News 2 in Greensboro but is now in the Tampa Bay area. He had a great explanation earlier this season explaining the Fujiwhara Effect. Take a look.

I will f course continue to keep you updated on the tracks of these storms but at this point neither storm poses a threat to Rowan County. Maria is the storm I am watching for now. As always thank you for following Rowan County Weather!