Tropical Storm Rina forms in central Atlantic; could merge with Tropical Storm Philippe

ORLANDO, Fla. — Channel 9 meteorologists are tracking two tropical storms in the Atlantic Ocean that could merge into one system.

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11:15 a.m. update:

The National Hurricane Center said Thursday morning that Tropical Storm Rina has formed in the central Atlantic Ocean.

Rina is closely following Tropical Storm Philippe.

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The two storms are moving closer together by the day and could eventually combine into one.

Due to this possibility, forecasting the strength and track of the two systems is difficult.

Certified meteorologist Kassandra Crimi will have the latest information on both systems on Channel 9 Eyewitness News at Noon.

Scroll below to see photos of Hurricane Ian, one year after it hit Florida:

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Orlo Vista flooding After years of complaints about flooding issues in the Orlo Vista, the damage done by Hurricane Ian’s rains is the final straw. (WFTV.com News Staff)

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Hurricane season names These are the names for storms that develop during the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season. (WFTV.com News Staff)

Earlier report:

Morning forecast: Thursday, Sep. 28 (WFTV)

One of the systems is Tropical Storm Philippe and the other is a large disturbance following in its path.

When you have two systems together, they do not necessarily merge together to make one big system.

Read: Recovery efforts continue in parts of Central Florida 1 year after Hurricane Ian made landfall

The more powerful one will take over the weaker one.

When two systems are generally the same strength they can actually start to rotate around each other.

Because Philippe and the other system are so close, it’s difficult to forecast what will happen to them.

Philippe is nearly stationary and only moving west-northwest at 5 mph.

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There is currently no tropical organization near Florida, only a stalled front that is drawing moisture into our area.

The front will keep our rain chances and humidity high over the next several days.

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