Satellite: NOAA-16
July 29, 2004; flyover beginning 2:40pm EDT
This picture shows a non-threatening storm as it was heading towards the southeastern coast; the reason this storm was not considered threatening is explained in the Satellite Image of the Day for July 29, 2004.
Note in this image how far the storm is from the coast. You can see the trailing clouds showing the direction in which the storm is moving. This initial northwest motion is typical of Atlantic tropical depressions.
 

Satellite: NOAA-16
July 30, 2004; flyover beginning 2:29pm EDT
The picture below was taken in the afternoon ~24 hours after the picture at the left.
Note how the storm has moved closer to our coast, has dissipated, and will bring only clouds and rain to the southeast when it makes landfall.
This storm, however weak, shows the typical type path that Atlantic hurricanes may follow: They start out heading to the northwest, turn to the north, and then return to sea by turning to the northeast.
When these storms and hurricanes make their turns determines whether they build in intensity (by staying above warm, heat-energy-losing water) or lose intensity, and whether or not they reach our shores.
Stay tuned for more images as hurricane season comes upon us.