Tropical Storm Cristobal has formed in the Atlantic Ocean, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) confirmed Wednesday, though forecasters expect it to weaken by Thursday. The storm was located about 880 miles west of the Azores with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph and moving east. No coastal watches or warnings were in effect.
Meanwhile, a separate system in the Pacific—Potential Tropical Cyclone One-C—is forecast to strengthen into a tropical storm before nearing Hawaii by late Friday. The NHC warned the system could bring 5 to 10 inches of rainfall, with isolated totals up to 20 inches, raising concerns about flooding and mudslides. A hurricane or tropical storm watch may be issued for the islands by early Thursday.
The Atlantic disturbance that became Cristobal originated from a tropical wave about 900 miles southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands, where environmental conditions were described as conducive for development. The NHC initially assigned an 80% chance of formation over the next 48 hours, noting a tropical depression would likely form as the system moved westward. If Cristobal had developed further, it would have marked the third named storm of the season, following Tropical Storms Arthur and Bertha.
In addition to Cristobal, the NHC is monitoring two other Atlantic systems. A low-pressure system 1,050 miles east-northeast of Bermuda was producing gale-force winds and could briefly become a tropical storm before reaching cooler waters by Thursday. A separate tropical wave near the West African coast is also under observation, though no immediate development is expected.
The Pacific system, currently designated as Potential Tropical Cyclone One-C, was located 1,000 miles east-southeast of Hawaii with winds of 35 mph. Forecasters anticipate it will intensify before impacting the island chain, where emergency preparations are likely underway. The NHC emphasized the potential for life-threatening flash flooding and landslides, particularly in vulnerable areas.
Meteorologists have noted that the Atlantic hurricane season remains expected to be quieter than usual, despite the formation of Cristobal. AccuWeather senior meteorologist Nick Arman stated that if the Atlantic system had strengthened further, it would have likely remained a low-end tropical storm rather than a major hurricane. The NHC continues to update advisories as conditions evolve.