As of August 18 we've seen three tropical systems become named storms.  The tropical Atlantic has continued to warm over the past few weeks and now stronger tropical waves are moving off the African coast.  These stronger waves have a good chance to develop over the next 7 to 10 days.  None of these systems will impact our weather in eastern North Carolina over the weekend but they will need to be watched beyond this week.  Ocean temperatures are running well above normal this year and that could provide additional energy for a developing storm.  The middle of August through October is the most likely time for these storms to impact our area.  Some familiar storms that have hit eastern North Carolina during the late summer and fall include Isabel, Dennis, Floyd, Fran, Bertha and Hazel.