Rare Twin-Storm Fujiwhara Effect Could Fling Tropical Storm Imelda Into The Carolinas

Two tropical systems off the Carolina coast could dramatically shift paths next week due to a rare weather phenomenon called the Fujiwhara effect.

As of the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Humberto has formed, while a nearby system, Invest 97L, is likely to be named Imelda soon. If both systems move within 900 miles of each other, they could begin rotating around a common center — a rare phenomenon that can send one storm surging toward land while the other is flung out to sea.

Potential Impacts for the Carolinas • If Humberto dominates, Invest 97L could veer toward Bermuda.

If Humberto dominates, Invest 97L could veer toward Bermuda. • If Invest 97L takes over, Humberto may be flung west toward North Carolina.

If Invest 97L takes over, Humberto m