When two storms develop in such close proximity, they have the potential to have a big influence on each other’s track and potential strength. It is a a process called the ‘Fujiwhara effect’, external, named after Sakuhei Fujiwhara, the Japanese meteorologist who first described it.
When storms are within around 870miles (1400km) of each other, they can start to interact in several possible ways.
Firstly the storms may orbit each other, rotating around a shared central point, rather like two spinning dancers holding hands in the middle.
Secondly, the storms may merge into one larger system, the stronger storm ‘sucking in’ the smaller storm.
Alternatively, the storms deflect each other, altering their expected paths and keeping away from each other like two repelling magnets.
The most likely outcome with Humberto and Imelda is that whilst Humberto moves eastwards faster, some of its residual energy and moisture will get incorporated into storm Imelda.
www.bbc.com
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