Tropical Storm Humberto Strengthens Before Landfall

Tropical Storm Humberto is strengthening as it slowly crosses the Gulf of Mexico and approaches landfall in Texas. It was churning off shore, about 50 miles south of Galveston, TX. The tropical storm warning area was extended to include a greater part of Louisiana, in addition to Texas. NOAA

The Atlantic storm season has been extraordinary, with two Category 5 hurricanes making landfall in Central America within days of one another -- the first time that has ever been recorded. There have so far been seven named storms. The traditional peak of the hurricane season is right around now, and if predictions hold there will be several more named storms -- including major hurricanes -- before the storm season ends.

Further, the prognosis received a boost Monday when the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration noted the formation of a La Nina pattern in the Pacific Ocean. That cooling pattern tends to coincide with the formation of Atlantic hurricanes. Now another tropical depression -- probably strong enough to be named Tropical Storm Ingrid soon -- is following closely on the heels of Tropical Storm Humberto.

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