GREENSBORO, N.C. — It's not uncommon to have two tropical storms at once, but it is rare for them to track close to one another. That's expected to happen early next week.
Tropical Storm Laura is in the Atlantic, and Tropical Storm Marco is in the Caribbean. By next week, they're both expected to be in the Gulf of Mexico.
Here's what we're tracking.
TROPICAL STORM LAURA
Tropical Storm Laura is tracking west and will make a close approach to Puerto Rico and then the Dominican Republic by Monday.
The storm is weak, and any path over land could rip the system apart. However, if it makes it past the island, and into the Gulf of Mexico by Tuesday, the stage is set for it to intensify fairly rapidly.
For now, the storm is looking like less of a threat for Florida, and more of a threat for the Central Gulf Coast states.
North Carolina should not be concerned about a direct hit, but if Laura heads inland and curves toward the northeast we could end up seeing some wind and rain one day late next week. We'll keep an eye on that for you.
TROPICAL STORM MARCO
The other system is Marco, currently located in the Caribbean Sea. It will track near the Yucatan Peninsula bringing some wind and rain to places like Cancun and Cozumel this weekend.
After passing Mexico, it will turn northwestward and approach the Texas Gulf Coast by Tuesday. It may strengthen, but that is uncertain due to some harsh winds present in this part of the Gulf right now.
NORTH CAROLINA IMPACTS:
As of right now, neither storm is poised to bring major impacts to North Carolina.
We will keep an eye on Laura to see if any remnant wind or rain could head our way.