Florence headed for the Carolinas
Hurricane Florence is the first of what looks like could be a trio of storms to hit the US in rapid succession.
Florence is "quickly becoming a powerful hurricane" the NHC says and predicts it will be a Category 4 storm by tomorrow.
The storm won't be a threat to oil production but it could damage the east coast.
"As Florence approaches the southeastern United States, there will likely be fluctuations in intensity from eyewall cycles, but even if this occurs, the hurricane's wind field is expected to grow with time, increasing the storm surge and inland wind threats," the NHC says.
They predict a life-threatening storm surge on the coastlines of South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia along with extremely heavy rains further inland.
The storm is expected to make landfall late on Wednesday.
As for the other developing storms. Hurricane Helen is expected to turn sharply north in the days ahead then dissipate.
Isaac is "a bit ragged-looking" according to the NHC but is significantly uncertain. Most models say it should weaken but they have one that says it will grow into a major hurricane in the Caribbean, which will be something oil traders are watching very closely.
I believe the oil trade is to fade rallies on storms because of rapid increases in US onshore production but, as always, the trick is the timing.
