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Video Shows Birth of Tropical Storm Isaac

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Tropical Storm Isaac and Depression 10.
On Aug. 22 a satellite captured Tropical Strom Isaac and a neighboring burgeoning storm side-by-side. (Image credit: NASA.)

Tropical Storm Isaac, the ninth named storm of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season, was christened only yesterday (Aug. 21), but already the storm is a movie star.

An animation made from satellite images captured Aug. 19 through Aug. 21 shows the storm's birth — a rough patch of clouds moves into frame, organizes itself into a rotating mass and begins to head toward land. 

After a weeks-long lull, storm activity has dramatically ramped up in the Atlantic basin during the month of August, which has seen five named storms so far.

And there may be another named storm on the way.

Out of frame in the video, but nipping at Tropical Storm Isaac's heels, is a storm system known as Tropical Depression 10. That storm system is packing winds of 35 mph (55 kph) and is expected to become a tropical storm later today (Aug. 22).

If that happens, the gale will be named Tropical Storm Joyce. 

A static satellite image captured the two storm systems — both Isaac and Depression 10 — side-by-side as they swirled over the Atlantic Ocean early today.

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Live Science Staff
Live Science Staff
For the science geek in everyone, Live Science offers a fascinating window into the natural and technological world, delivering comprehensive and compelling news and analysis on everything from dinosaur discoveries, archaeological finds and amazing animals to health, innovation and wearable technology. We aim to empower and inspire our readers with the tools needed to understand the world and appreciate its everyday awe.