Tropical Storm Nigel has formed over the central North Atlantic near 25.1 N, 49.5 W, and was moving northwest at 11 knots with max winds to 55 knots. Max significant wave heights currently estimated near 6 meters (19-20 feet).
Nigel is forecast to continue moving northwest during the next few days in a very favorable environment and rapid intensification is likely. Nigel will likely reach hurricane strength within the next 12 hours, reaching near 100 knot max winds in about 36 hours with max significant wave heights increasing to near 10 meters (30-35 feet). After about 72 hours, Nigel will turn north then northeast and accelerate and weaken while transitioning into an extratropical system.