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Tropical Storm Ophelia Brings Wind and Rain to Eastern North Carolina, Virginia

Tropical Storm Ophelia brought wind and rain to eastern North Carolina and Virginia on Saturday morning. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Ophelia was located at latitude 35.1°N and longitude 77.0°W which put it about 40 miles (65 km) northwest of Cape Lookout, North Carolina. Ophelia was moving toward the north at 13 m.p.h. (21 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 983 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Cape Fear, North Carolina to Fenwick Island, Delaware. The Tropical Storm Warning included Albemarle Sound and Pamlico Sound. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for Chesapeake Bay south of North Beach. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the Tidal Potomac south of Cobb Island.

Tropical Storm Ophelia brought wind and rain as it moved inland over eastern North Carolina on Saturday morning. The circulation around Ophelia was large. Tropical Storm Opehila was interacting with a high pressure system over eastern Canada to produce strong winds northeast of the center of circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 310 miles (500 km) in the northeastern quadrant of Ophelia’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) in the other parts of Tropical Storm Ophelia.

A weather station in Cape Lookout, North Carolina reported a sustained wind speed of 47 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and a wind gust of 71 m.p.h. (115 km/h). A weather station in Morehead City, North Carolina reported a sustained wind speed of 43 m.p.h. (68 km/h) and a wind gust of 53 m.p.h. (85 km/h). NOAA buoy 41037 near Wrightsville Beach reported a sustained wind speed of 54 m.p.h. (87 km/h) and a wind gust of 83 m.p.h. (134 km/h).

Tropical Storm Ophelia will move around the western side of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Ophelia toward the north during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Ophelia will move inland over eastern North Carolina and Virginia. Ophelia will bring strong, gusty winds and locally heavy rain to eastern North Carolina, eastern Virginia, southeastern Maryland and southern Delaware.

The heaviest rain was falling in bands in the northern and western parts of Tropical Storm Ophelia. Bands in the eastern and southern parts of Ophelia’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Locally heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Flood Watches were in effect for eastern North Carolina, eastern Virginia, Maryland and Delaware.

Easterly winds in the northern side of Tropical Storm Ophelia will blow water toward the coast. A storm surge of up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) could occur in some locations. A Storm Surge Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Bogue Inlet, North Carolina to Chincoteague, Virginia. The Storm Surge Warning included Albemarle Sound, Pamlico Sound, the Pamlico River and the Neuse River. A Storm Surge Warning was in effect for Chesapeake Bay south of Colonial Beach, Virginia. Large waves will also cause significant beach erosion.

Tropical Storm Ophelia Develops South of Cape Hatteras

Tropical Storm Ophelia developed south of Cape Hatteras on Friday afternoon. At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Ophelia was located at latitude 32.7°N and longitude 76.0°W which put it about 185 miles (295 km) south of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Ophelia was moving toward the north-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 992 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Cape Fear, North Carolina to Fenwick Island, Delaware. The Tropical Storm Warning included Albemarle Sound and Pamlico Sound. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for Chesapeake Bay south of North Beach. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the Tidal Potomac south of Cobb Island.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center designated a low pressure system south of Cape Hatteras as Tropical Storm Ophelia on Friday afternoon. Drier air was wrapping around the southern and eastern sides of Ophelia’s circulation. The drier air was making the distribution of thunderstorms asymmetrical. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the northern and western parts of Tropical Storm Ophelia. Bands in the southern and eastern parts of Ophelia consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms north and west of the center of Ophelia’s circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. The circulation around Tropical Storm Ophelia was large, Winds to tropical storm force extended out 275 miles (445 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Ophelia will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Ophelia will move over the Gulf Stream where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move under the eastern side of an upper level trough over the eastern U.S. The upper level trough will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Ophelia’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. However, the flow of air in the upper levels will also provide divergence aloft that will pump mass away from the tropical storm. The removal of mass will cause the surface pressure to decrease. The drier air in the southern and eastern parts of Tropical Storm Ophelia will inhibit the formation of thunderstorms in those regions. Tropical Storm Ophelia could intensify during the next 12 hours, while it is over the Gulf Stream.

Tropical Storm Ophelia will move around the western side of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Ophelia toward the north-northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Ophelia will approach the coast of North Carolina on Friday night. Ophelia will bring strong, gusty winds and locally heavy rain to eastern North Carolina, eastern Virginia, southeastern Maryland and southern Delaware. NOAA buoy 41025 at Diamond Shoals, North Carolina reported a sustained wind speed of 47 m.p.h. (76 km/h) and a wind gust of 60 m.p.h. (97 km/h). A NOAA C-MAN station at Cape Lookout, North Carolina reported a sustained wind speed of 45 m.p.h. (72 km/h) and a wind gust of 53 m.p.h. (83 km/h)

Locally heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Flood Watches were in effect for eastern North Carolina, eastern Virginia, Maryland and Delaware.

Easterly winds in the northern side of Tropical Storm Ophelia will blow water toward the coast. A storm surge of up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) could occur in some locations. A Storm Surge Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Beaufort Inlet, North Carolina to Chincoteague, Virginia. The Storm Surge Warning included Albemarle Sound, Pamlico Sound, the Pamlico River and the Neuse River. A Storm Surge Warning was in effect for Chesapeake Bay south of Colonial Beach, Virginia. Large waves will also cause significant beach erosion.

Low Pressure System Prompts Tropical Storm Warnings for Mid-Atlantic Coast

A low pressure system formed over the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of the southeast U.S. on Thursday morning. The U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the low pressure system as Potential Tropical Cyclone Sixteen and issued Tropical Storm Warnings for portions of the Mid-Atlantic coast. At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Potential Tropical Cyclone Sixteen was located at latitude 29.0°N and longitude 75.9°W which put it about 430 miles (690 km) south of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Potential Tropical Cyclone Sixteen was moving toward the north at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1012 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Cape Fear, North Carolina to Fenwick Island, Delaware. The Tropical Storm Warning included Albemarle Sound and Pamlico Sound. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for Chesapeake Bay south of Smith Point.

A low pressure system formed over the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of the southeast U.S. on Thursday morning. The low pressure system formed as an extratropical cyclone. There was a large counterclockwise circulation around the low pressure system. There was not a well formed, distinct low level center of the circulation. Thunderstorms were occurring in a band that wrapped around the eastern and northern side of the low pressure systems. Fragmented bands in other parts of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Sixteen will move through an environment favorable for intensification of an extratropical cyclone during the next 24 hours. The low pressure system will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. It will move under the eastern side of an upper level trough over the eastern U.S. The upper level trough will produce southwesterly winds that will blow across the top of Potential Tropical Cyclone Sixteen. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. However, the flow of air in the upper levels will also provide divergence aloft that will pump mass away from the surface low pressure system. The removal of mass will cause the surface pressure to decrease. Potential Tropical Cyclone Sixteen is likely to intensify during the next 24 hours. The low pressure system could make a transition to a tropical storm later on Friday when it moves over the warmer water in the Gulf Stream.

The upper level trough over the eastern U.S. will steer Potential Tropical Cyclone Sixteen toward the north during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Potential Tropical Cyclone will approach the coast of North Carolina on Friday night. The low pressure system will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to eastern North Carolina, eastern Virginia, southeastern Maryland and southern Delaware. The gusty winds will blow water toward the coast. A storm surge of up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) could occur in some locations. Large waves will cause significant beach erosion. Locally heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Hurricane Nigel was speeding toward the northeast as it passed southeast of Newfoundland. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Hurricane Nigel was located at latitude 42.2°N and longitude 45.0°W which put it about 505 miles (815 km) southeast of Cape Race,, Newfoundland. Nigel was moving toward the northeast at 30 m.p.h. (48 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 977 mb.

Hurricane Lisa Hits Belize

Hurricane Lisa hit the coast of Belize late on Wednesday afternoon. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Lisa was located at latitude 17.4°N and longitude 88.2°W which put it about 5 miles (10 km) south of Belize City, Belize. Lisa was moving toward the west at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 990 mb.

Hurricane Warnings were in effect for Belize, and for the portion of the coast from Chetumal to Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the North Coast of Guatemala and the portion of the coast from Chetumal to Punta Allen, Mexico.

Hurricane Lisa intensified steadily until it made landfall on the coast of Belize late on Wednesday afternoon. Winds to hurricane force extended out 20 miles (30 km) from the center of Lisa in the northern side of Lisa. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of circulation.

Hurricane Lisa will move south of a high pressure system over the Gulf of Mexico. The high pressure system will steer Lisa toward the west-northwest during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track, Hurricane Lisa will move inland over Belize on Wednesday evening. Lisa will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Belize. The strongest winds are north of the center of Hurricane Lisa. Lisa could bring strong winds to Belize City during the next several hours. Hurricane Lisa will also cause a storm surge of up to 8 feet (2.5 meters) along the coast of Belize. Lisa will weaken steadily as it moves farther inland. The center of Lisa will move over northern Guatemala during Wednesday night. Lisa could reach the Bay of Campeche as a tropical depression on Thursday night. Hurricane Lisa will drop heavy rain over Belize, northern Guatemala and southeastern Mexico. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, former Tropical Storm Martin intensified to a hurricane south of Newfoundland. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Martin was located at latitude 37.1°N and longitude 47.6°W which put it about 720 miles (1160 km) south-southeast of Cape Race, Newfoundland. Martin was moving toward the northeast at 31 m.p.h. (50 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 974 mb.

Lisa Intensifies to a Hurricane North of Honduras

Former Tropical Storm Lisa intensified to a hurricane north of Honduras on Wednesday morning. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Lisa was located at latitude 17.2°N and longitude 84.7°W which put it about 100 miles (160 km) east-southeast of Belize City, Belize. Lisa was moving toward the west at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 988 mb.

Hurricane Warnings were in effect for Belize, the Bay Islands, Honduras, and for the portion of the coast from Chetumal to Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the entire North Coast of Honduras, the North Coast of Guatemala, and the portion of the coast from Chetumal to Punta Allen, Mexico.

A U.S. Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter plane found that former Tropical Storm Lisa had strengthened to a hurricane on Wednesday morning. The inner end of a rainband wrapped most of the way around the center of Hurricane Lisa. Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Lisa’s circulation. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane. The circulation around Hurricane Lisa was small. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles from the center of Lisa.

Hurricane Lisa will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next few hours. Lisa will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Caribbean Sea. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Hurricane Lisa is likely to strengthen during the next few hours.

Hurricane Lisa will move south of a high pressure system over the Gulf of Mexico. The high pressure system will steer Lisa toward the west during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Hurricane Lisa will make landfall on the coast of Belize in a few hours. Lisa will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Belize. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Hurricane Lisa will also cause a storm surge of up to 8 feet (2.5 meters) along the coast of Belize.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Storm Martin intensified developed east-northeast of Bermuda. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Martin was located at latitude 35.3°N and longitude 52.1°W which put it about 755 miles (1220 km) east-northeast of Bermuda. Martin was moving toward the east-northeast at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 989 mb.

Tropical Storm Lisa Strengthens, Hurricane Warning Issued for Belize

Tropical Storm Lisa strengthened over the Northwest Caribbean Sea northeast of Honduras on Tuesday afternoon and a Hurricane Warning was issued for the entire coast of Belize. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Lisa was located at latitude 16.7°N and longitude 83.3°W which put it about 330 miles (530 km) east of Belize City, Belize. Lisa was moving toward the west at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1000 mb.

Hurricane Warnings were in effect for Belize and the Bay Islands, Honduras. A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Chetumal to Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the entire North Coast of Honduras, the coast of Guatemala, and the portion of the coast from Chetumal to Punta Herrero, Mexico.

Tropical Storm Lisa strengthened on Tuesday. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Lisa’s circulation. Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Tropical Storm Lisa. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. The circulation around Tropical Storm Lisa was small. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Lisa will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Lisa will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Caribbean Sea. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Lisa is likely to strengthen to a hurricane during the next 12 hours. Lisa could intensify more rapidly after an inner core with an eye and an eyewall forms.

Tropical Storm Lisa will move south of a high pressure system over the Gulf of Mexico. The high pressure system will steer Lisa toward the west during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Storm Lisa will be north of Honduras on Tuesday night. Lisa will approach Belize on Wednesday afternoon. Tropical Storm Lisa will be a hurricane when it approaches Belize. Tropical Storm Lisa could bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the north coast of Honduras. Lisa will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Belize. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Lisa will also cause a storm surge along the coast of Belize.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Storm Martin developed east-northeast of Bermuda. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Martin was located at latitude 35.4°N and longitude 54.5°W which put it about 630 miles (1010 km) east-northeast of Bermuda. Martin was moving toward the east at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 991 mb.

Tropical Storm Peter Passes Northeast of Leeward Islands

Tropical Storm Peter passed northeast of the Leeward Islands on Monday. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Peter was located at latitude 19.5°N and longitude 60.9°W which put it about 170 miles (275 km) northeast of the Leeward Islands. Peter was moving toward the west-northwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1007 mb.

An upper level trough north of Puerto Rico and an upper level ridge east of the Leeward Islands were interacting to produce strong southwesterly winds that were blowing across the circulation around Tropical Storm Peter. Those winds were causing strong vertical wind shear. The low level center of circulation was clearly evident on visible satellite images and it was surrounded by showers and lower clouds. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands on the eastern and northern periphery of the circulation around Tropical Storm Peter. Bands in the western and southern parts of Peter consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 125 miles (200 km) in the northeastern quadrant of Peter’s circulation. The winds in the other parts of the circulation were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Peter will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Peter will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. However, the upper level trough and the upper level ridge will continue to produce strong vertical wind shear. The strong wind shear will inhibit intensification. Tropical Storm Peter could weaken gradually during the next 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Peter will move around the southern side of a subtropical high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Peter toward the west-northwest during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Peter will pass north of the Northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Storm Rose moved away from the Cabo Verde Islands. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Rose was located at latitude 17.3°N and longitude 33.4°W which put it about 620 miles (1000 km) west-northwest of the Cabo Verde Islands. Rose was moving toward the northwest at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1007 mb.

Tropical Depression 16 Strengthens to Tropical Storm Peter

Former Tropical Depression Sixteen strengthened to Tropical Storm Peter on Sunday morning. At 9:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Peter was located at latitude 17.6°N and longitude 56.0°W which put it about 470 miles (755 km) east of the Northern Leeward Islands. Peter was moving toward the west-northwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1008 mb.

Infrared satellite images and satellite derived scatterometer estimates of surface winds indicated that former Tropical Depression Sixteen had strengthened on Sunday morning and the National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Peter. Early morning visible satellite images revealed that strong vertical wind shear was affecting Tropical Storm Peter. An upper level trough north-northeast of Puerto Rico and an upper level ridge east of the Leeward Islands were interacting to produce strong southwesterly winds that were blowing across Peter’s circulation. The low level center of circulation was clearly visible on those images and it was surrounded by showers and lower clouds. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands on the eastern and northern periphery of the circulation around Tropical Storm Peter. Bands in the western and southern parts of Peter consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

Tropical Storm Peter will move through an environment marginally favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Peter will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. However, the upper level trough and the upper level ridge will continue to produce strong vertical wind shear. The strong wind shear will inhibit intensification. Tropical Storm Peter could strengthen a little during the next 24 hours. The upper level winds are forecast to get stronger on Monday. Increased vertical wind shear could cause Peter to weaken back to a tropical depression.

Tropical Storm Peter will move around the southern side of a subtropical high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system will steer the depression toward the west-northwest during the next 48 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Peter could be northeast of the Northern Leeward Islands by Monday morning.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Depression Seventeen formed southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Depression Seventeen was located at latitude 11.8°N and longitude 28.21°W which put it about 330 miles (530 km) southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands. The tropical depression was moving toward the north-northwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were’ wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1007 mb. The tropical depression is forecast to move away from the Cabo Verde Islands and to strengthen to a tropical storm.

Tropical Storm Nana Moves Over Guatemala

Tropical Storm Nana moved over Guatemala on Thursday.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Nana was located at latitude 16.3°N and longitude 90.6°W which put it about 120 miles (195 km) north of Guatemala City, Guatemala.  Nana was moving toward the west t 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1005 mb.

After making landfall in southern Belize as a hurricane on Wednesday night, Tropical Storm Nana moved westward over northern Guatemala.  The small circulation around Nana weakened steadily on Thursday.  Tropical Storm Nana was dropping locally heavy rain over Guatemala on Thursday afternoon.  The heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Nana will weaken to a tropical depression within a few hours.  Nana will continue to move toward the west.  It could emerge over the Gulf of Tehuantepec on Friday.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Depression Omar moved away from Bermuda.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Depression Omar was located at latitude 35.9°N and longitude 61.1°W which put it about 335 miles (540 km) northeast of Bermuda.  Omar was moving toward the east at 13 m.p.h. (20 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1005 mb.

Nana Strengthens to a Hurricane Near Belize

Former Tropical Storm Nana strengthened into a hurricane as it neared a landfall in Belize.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Nana was located at latitude 17.0°N and longitude 87.5°W which put it about 60 miles (95 km) southeast of Belize City, Belize.  Nana was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 994 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Belize City to the Belize/Guatemala border.  A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Belize City to the Belize/Mexico border.  A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Belize City to Belize/Mexico border.  A Hurricane Warning was also in effect for the portion of the coast from Puerto Costa Maya to Chetumal, Mexico.  Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the Caribbean Sea coast of Guatemala, Isla Roatan and the Bay Islands.  A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the north coast of Honduras from Punta Patuca to the border with Guatemala.

Former Tropical Storm Nana moved into a more favorable environment on Wednesday night and strengthened to a hurricane.  More thunderstorms formed near the center of circulation and those thunderstorms helped to spin up the circulation.  Since the circulation around Hurricane Nana was relatively small, it was able to spin up into a hurricane in a few hours.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 15 miles (25 km) on the northern side of Nana.  Winds to tropical storm force only extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of circulation.

Hurricane Nana has a few more hours when it could strengthen before it makes landfall in southern Belize.  Nana will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be less vertical wind shear.  Hurricane Nana could get a little stronger.

Hurricane Nana will move south of a subtropical high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean.  The high will steer Nana a little to the south of due west.  On its anticipated track Hurricane Nana will make landfall on the coast of Belize south of Belize City early on Wednesday morning.  Nana will be capable of causing localized wind damage.  It could cause a storm surge of up to eight feet (2.6 meters) along the south coast of Belize.  Hurricane Nana will drop heavy rain over parts of southern Belize and northern Guatemala.  Flash floods could occur in some locations.

Elsewhere over the North Atlantic Ocean, former Tropical Storm Omar weakened to a tropical depression north of Bermuda.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Depression Omar was located at latitude 36.1°N and longitude 64.1°W which put it about 265 miles (425 km) north of Bermuda.  Omar was moving toward the east at 13 m.p.h. (20 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1005 mb.