Update: Hurricane Helene, Hurricane Isaac Churn in Atlantic

Tropical cyclones Isaac and Helene both became hurricanes on Sept. 10, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC).

In its latest update, Helene is a Category 2 hurricane with 105 mph winds, and it is located 375 miles west of the Cabo Verde Islands, moving 16 mph to the west-northwest.

“A west- northwestward motion with a decrease in forward speed is expected through late Tuesday, followed by a turn toward the northwest and then toward the north-northwest on Wednesday and Thursday,” the NHC said.

The agency forecasts the hurricane to essentially move north out into the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

Hurricane Helene is a Category 2 hurricane with 105 mph winds, and it is located 375 miles west of the Cabo Verde Islands, moving 16 mph to the west-northwest. NOAA/NHC

There are no coastal warnings or watches associated with the storm.

Isaac, meanwhile, is a Category 1 hurricane with 75 mph winds and is moving west at 14 mph. NHC

“Some additional strengthening is expected today, and Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane by tonight. Steady weakening is forecast to begin by late Tuesday,” the NHC said.

Isaac, meanwhile, is a Category 1 hurricane with 75 mph winds and is moving west at 14 mph.

The storm is about 1,150 miles from the Windward Islands in the eastern Caribbean. There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect for the storm.

Isaac, meanwhile, is a Category 1 hurricane with 75 mph winds and is moving west at 14 mph.

“Interests in the Lesser Antilles should monitor the progress of Isaac,” the NHC advised on Sept. 10.

“A westward motion with a slight increase in forward speed is expected through the end of the week. On the forecast track, Isaac should move across the Lesser Antilles and into the eastern Caribbean Sea on Thursday (Sept. 13),” the NHC said.

“Additional strengthening is expected over the next day or two,” the NHC said, but it noted that the storm will likely weaken as it approaches the Lesser Antilles.

Hurricane Florence, meanwhile, is still forecast to strike North Carolina and South Carolina on Sept. 13. In a tweet, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) tweeted that “residents in all coastal evacuation zones in all counties must evacuate beginning at noon tomorrow, Tuesday, September 11, 2018.” It added that “The SCEMD website is currently in disaster mode. This helps everyone find vital information more easily.”

“Interests in the southeastern and mid-Atlantic states should monitor the progress of Florence. Storm Surge and Hurricane watches could be issued for portions of these areas by Tuesday (Sept. 11) morning,” said the NHC in the update.

The NHC added that Florence, which reached major hurricane status several days ago but weakened into a tropical storm, now has an eye. The storm is forecast to strengthen even more.

“Florence is expected to be an extremely dangerous major hurricane through Thursday (Sept. 13),” said officials.