The Fujiwhara Effect, What is it?

Two tropical depressions in the Caribbean are expected to strengthen over the next couple of days. Both storms will then arrive in the Gulf of Mexico at nearly the same time.

This could result in a rare phenomenon known as the Fujiwhara effect. When two hurricanes come in close proximity, the weaker hurricane can orbit the stronger.

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If the hurricanes are similar in strength, both hurricanes can orbit each other.

It is possible for hurricanes to collide into one larger, possibly stronger, storm given the right atmospheric conditions.

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