Atlantic System Could Develop Into Subtropical Storm Kyle

A developing weather system in the Atlantic Ocean could become Subtropical Storm Kyle this week, following two weeks of inactivity in the basin. The potential storm is expected to form northeast of the Bahamas, far from the US East Coast, but could affect Bermuda as it moves toward the open Atlantic.

According to weather.com, a broad area of low pressure may develop along a weakening frontal boundary several hundred miles northeast of the Bahamas. If thunderstorms become sufficiently organized near its center, the system could transition into a subtropical storm.

The development window is limited. Meteorologists say the system must organize this week to receive a name, as unfavorable atmospheric conditions could prevent further development by the weekend.

If the system strengthens into a named storm, it would receive the name Kyle, the next available name on the Atlantic storm list. Regardless of whether it reaches subtropical storm status, the system is expected to move east or northeast into the open Atlantic Ocean.

Weather.com reports that the system is not expected to threaten the United States because of its position far offshore. However, Bermuda could experience some weather impacts as the system develops and moves across the Atlantic.

The potential development follows Subtropical Storm Josephine, which briefly formed off the US East Coast on Oct. 21-22. The Atlantic basin has remained quiet since that system's formation.

A subtropical storm combines characteristics of a tropical storm and a low-pressure system commonly associated with cold and warm weather fronts. These systems can develop organized thunderstorms while retaining some features of non-tropical weather systems.

The National Hurricane Center issues forecasts and advisories for subtropical depressions and storms. Like tropical depressions and tropical storms, these systems receive official numbers or names as part of the monitoring process.

Subtropical storms can produce heavy rainfall, strong wind gusts and storm surge, similar to the impacts associated with tropical systems and hurricanes. The potential effects depend on the system's development and movement.