As Hurricane Helene impacted Florida and caused heavy rainfall in the southeast, meteorologists were keeping an eye on three separate systems in the Atlantic.

One of these systems is a new hurricane that formed far out in the ocean. The National Hurricane Center reported that Hurricane Isaac developed Friday morning, nearly 1,000 miles from Bermuda.

This marks the sixth hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, but it is seen as less concerning for the U.S. than others.

Additionally, experts are scrutinizing the Caribbean Sea, where another potential storm seems to be forming in a similar area to where Hurricane Helene emerged. Here’s what you need to know.

Tropical Storm Joyce also Emerged Friday

In addition, meteorologists are paying attention to a newly formed Tropical Storm Joyce, situated in the central Atlantic approximately 1,325 miles east of the Northern Leeward Islands in the Caribbean. Joyce is advancing northwest at nearly 13 mph, with its pace expected to slow down gradually through Sunday, moving to the north by Monday.

The maximum sustained winds are around 40 mph with stronger gusts possible. Some strengthening is anticipated until Saturday, followed by a gradual decrease in intensity into early next week.

As of Friday morning, Joyce does not pose any threat to land.

A System Developing in the Caribbean

Lastly, there is concern as forecasters direct their attention back to the Caribbean Sea, where another system seems to be developing similarly to where Hurricane Helene originated. “Conditions are anticipated to be favorable for slow development as the system moves mostly northwestward and might enter the Gulf of Mexico by the end of next week,” according to the hurricane center.

If this system strengthens enough to get a name, it is likely to be called Tropical Storm Kirk.

Overview of the Hurricane Season

Up to this point in the season, the Atlantic has seen 10 named storms, as reported by the hurricane center. Of these, six have developed into hurricanes, including the recent Hurricane Isaac located far out in the Atlantic.

This season’s storm count is about average, contrasting with earlier forecasts predicting an extremely busy season potentially featuring as many as 30 storms.

On average, a typical hurricane season has 14 named storms, with 7 of those becoming hurricanes, according to Colorado State University.

Hurricane Helene’s Impact

Hurricane Helene has made its mark as a record-setting storm, being the strongest to make landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region. It was also the fourth hurricane of the 2024 season to hit the U.S. Gulf Coast, joining Beryl, Debby, and Francine.

Only five previous years have seen that many Gulf hurricane landfalls: 1886, 1909, 1985, 2005, and 2020, according to meteorologist Phil Klotzbach from Colorado State.

Helene is notably the ninth-strongest hurricane since 1900 to make landfall in Florida, based on its barometric pressure.