Tropical Storm Fay Strengthens Southwest of the Azores; Could Approach Hurricane Intensity

As of 3:00 p.m. GMT Sunday, Sept. 20, the National Hurricane Center’s Public Advisory Number 5 for Tropical Storm Fay (AL062026) placed the center near 34.1°N, 33.0°W — about 430 miles (690 km) southwest of the Azores. Maximum sustained winds increased to near 60 mph (95 km/h) with higher gusts. Fay was moving northeast near 3 mph (6 km/h); NHC expects that motion through the rest of the day, then a turn to the southwest on Monday. Minimum central pressure was 1004 mb (29.65 inches). Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 45 miles (75 km) from the center.

NHC expects additional strengthening during the next day or so, and Fay could approach hurricane intensity tonight. A gradual weakening trend is expected to begin on Monday. There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect. NHC lists no hazards affecting land.

The Atlantic Tropical Weather Outlook issued at 8:00 a.m. EDT Sunday, Sept. 20, notes that NHC is issuing advisories on recently upgraded Tropical Storm Fay, several hundred miles southwest of the Azores, and that tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 7 days. Fay is the sixth named storm of the 2026 Atlantic season (formerly Tropical Depression Six). It remains a distant Atlantic system with no immediate threat to Florida or the U.S. East Coast, per NHC. Florida has no tropical watch or warning from this system.

If indoor flooding or water intrusion occurs from unrelated storms, contact a licensed restoration professional promptly and avoid driving through standing water. Florida Restoration Specialists serves Central Florida water damage calls — water damage restoration and water extraction — or call (863) 588-6617.

Sources: NHC Public Advisory Number 5 — Tropical Storm Fay (3:00 p.m. GMT Sept. 20), NHC Atlantic Tropical Weather Outlook (8:00 a.m. EDT Sept. 20), WESH: NHC Tropical Storm Fay.