Fastrack · Tropical Storm Cristobal Forms, Threatens East Coast

Tropical Storm Cristobal formed just before 11 a.m. on Aug. 12 from a disturbance about 1,050 miles east-northeast of Bermuda. A second wave, widely expected to become Cristobal, is still moving toward the Caribbean.

80% formation chance within 48 hours now applies to the Cabo Verde wave, up from 70%.
Cristobal is forecast to move east-northeast at roughly 20 mph and is expected to be short-lived.
The Cabo Verde wave sits about 900 miles west-southwest of the islands, tracking toward the Caribbean.
AccuWeather meteorologist Nick Arman said the wave's most likely peak would be a tropical depression or low-end tropical storm.

Why it matters: The Atlantic season is entering its traditional peak, and two systems are now being tracked simultaneously. A third storm, if it forms from the Cabo Verde wave, would be named Dolly.

Early spaghetti models show possible tracks for the Cabo Verde wave into the Carolinas or the Gulf.
AccuWeather projects three to five named storms will make direct U.S. landfall this season.

How 6 sources split on this story

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Coverage by lean% of 6 sources

6 sources · 7 articles · 83% Center coverage

Where they split: Outlets diverge on tone: some lead with Cristobal's formation and brief lifespan; others emphasize the Cabo Verde wave's potential U.S. threat.

Center coverage, 5 sources: The center focuses on the factual sequence — Cristobal formed unexpectedly from the Bermuda disturbance, making the Cabo Verde wave the next storm to watch.

USA Today3hTropical Storm Cristobal forms in Atlantic as other storms brew CNCTV News2hTropical Storm Cristobal forms in the Atlantic and a Pacific system could threaten Hawaii

Newsweek5hTropical Storm Cristobal threat grows: Spaghetti models show potential path TNDThe National Desk1hTropical Storm Cristobal forms in the northern Atlantic YNYahoo News3hTropical Storm Cristobal forms in the Atlantic Ocean well away from the Azores

Right coverage, 1 sources: The right emphasizes the growing U.S. threat, highlighting model tracks pointing toward the Carolinas and Gulf and noting this could be the season's third direct U.S. hit.

Daily Mail4hOdds of tropical threat forming in the Atlantic increase as models show paths to the US East Coast

What’s next: The Cabo Verde wave is expected to reach the Caribbean by this weekend if development continues.

The National Hurricane Center also plans advisories on a Central Pacific system near Hawaii.
Will the Cabo Verde wave intensify beyond a tropical depression before reaching the Caribbean?
If the wave strengthens and turns north, which part of the U.S. coastline faces the greatest risk?