Tracking the Tropics: Hurricane Ophelia Stays Well Offshore, Philippe Continues to Head West

Ophelia has become a hurricane over the Atlantic, but thankfully she continues to not be a problem for the US mainland. Hurricane Ophelia will stay well offshore and you can see her latest track as issued by the National Hurricane Center below.

Tropical Storm Philippe continues to move to the Northwest at around 13 miles per hour. Philippe's latest track takes the storm well South of Bermuda by early next week as the storm takes a turn towards the South-Southwest. I'll continue to monitor this storm and bring you the latest updates as needed.

Meanwhile, over the Eastern Pacific waters, Hilary has finally weakened to a tropical storm, but does not pose any threat to land.

Tracking the Tropics: Ophelia Stays Over Ocean, Philippe Heads West

There still has not been too much concern for the US mainland with regards to tropical cyclones over the past few weeks and it looks like it'll stay that way at least for the next several days. 

Let's go over the latest on Ophelia and Philippe.

As of 11AM EST this morning, Tropical Storm Ophelia has top winds of 50 miles per hour, moving to the North-Northwest at around three miles per hour. Ophelia poses no threat to land until crossing Bermuda this weekend as you can see by the latest projected path from the National Hurricane Center below.

Philippe is the storm we should keep a closer eye on. As of 11AM EST this morning, Philippe is a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 40 miles per hour. This storm is moving to the West-Northwest at 12 miles per hour and is expected to take a more Westward turn by this weekend. 

The good news about Philippe; however, is that I do expect this storm to weaken back to a tropical depression and stay at that strength at least through this weekend. You can see Philippe's latest forecast track below.

Tracking the Tropics: Maria Riding Solo in Otherwise Quiet Tropical Waters

Tropical Storm Maria is the only active storm in the tropics right now while the rest of the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico and Eastern Pacific waters are fairly quiet.

We still have a ways to go before the end of Hurricane Season 2011, so this quiet period is not expected to last long. There should still be several more storms this hurricane season.

As of 8AM EST Tuesday morning, Tropical Storm Maria has top winds of 50 miles per hour, moving to the North-Northwest at around five miles per hour. Maria is still expected to remain offshore as you see below and be out of the US picture by this weekend.

A tropical storm watch is in effect for Bermuda. Residents of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands should expect a general two to four inches of rain through this evening with isolated higher amounts likely.

We could see Maria strengthen a little over the next two days.

That's all the tropics have to offer for now! Stay tuned for your latest updates.