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Ophelia Becomes a Tropical Storm ... Again

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When NASA's Aqua satellite flew over Ophelia's remnants on Sept. 27 at 0523 UTC (1:23 a.m. EDT) AIRS took an infrared snapshot of the storm. Infrared data showed the coldest temperatures and strongest thunderstorms (and heaviest rainfall) were located west and south of the center of the low pressure area's circulation. (Image credit: NASA/JPL, Ed Olsen)

After weakening this past Sunday (Sept. 25), Tropical Storm Ophelia has made a comeback.

Ophelia became a tropical storm again early this morning and currently has winds of 50 mph (85 kph). It is situated about 215 miles (340 kilometers) east of the Northern Leeward Islands.

NASA satellites saw signs that the storm was re-strengthening yesterday (Sept. 27) and forecasters predicted it would be reborn as a tropical storm.

Ophelia is currently not a threat to land but could impact Bermuda by late Saturday or early Sunday as it moves northward and potentially strengthens into a hurricane.

The projected 5-day path of Tropical Storm Ophelia. (Image credit: NHC/NOAA)

Ophelia was the 15th named storm of the 2011 season, followed by number 16, Tropical Storm Phillipe, which is still swirling over the open Atlantic basin. The 2011 season was predicted to be a doozy, with 14 to 19 named storms (which include tropical storms and hurricanes), seven to 10 hurricanes and three to five major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). So far there have been 16 named storms, three hurricanes (Irene, Katia and Maria) and two major hurricanes (Irene and Katia).

Live Science Staff
Live Science Staff
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