Tag Archives: Bermuda

Idalia Strengthens to a Hurricane

Former Tropical Storm Idalia strengthened to a hurricane over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday morning. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Hurricane Idalia was located at latitude 23.8°N and longitude 84.8°W which put it about 320 miles (515 km) south-southwest of Tampa, Florida. Idalia was moving toward the north at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 95 m.p.h. (145 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 977 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Indian Pass to the middle of Longboat Key, Florida. The Hurricane Warning included Tampa Bay. A Hurricane Warning was also in effect for the Cuban Province of Pinar del Rio. A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Englewood to the middle of Longboat Key, Florida. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Chokoloskee to the middle of Longboat Key, Florida. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for the portion of the coast from Indian Pass to Mexico Beach, Florida. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the Dry Tortugas. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Sebastian Inlet, Florida to Altamaha Sound, Georgia. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for the Cuban Province. of Isle of Youth. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the Lower Florida Keys west of Seven Mile Bridge. A Tropical Storm Watch was also in effect for the portion of the coast from Altamaha Sound, Georgia to South Santee River, South Carolina.

Former Tropical Storm Idalia strengthened to a hurricane after the center of Idalia moved north of the western end of Cuba. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Idalia’s circulation. A weather radar at La Bajada, Cuba showed a small eye developed at the center of Hurricane Idalia. The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Idalia’s circulation. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane.

The circulation around Hurricane Idalia grew larger when Idalia intensified. Winds to hurricane force extended out 20 miles (30 km) from the center of Idalia’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) from the center of circulation.

Hurricane Idalia will move into an environment that will be favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Idalia will be over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move into a region between an upper level ridge over the Yucatan Peninsula and an upper level trough over the central U.S. The upper level winds are weaker between the ridge and the trough and there will be little vertical wind shear during the next 12 to 18 hours. The upper level winds will be stronger when Idalia moves closer to the upper level trough on Wednesday morning. Hurricane Idalia will intensify during the next 24 hours. Idalia could intensify rapidly now that an inner core with an eye and an eyewall have developed. Hurricane Idalia could strengthen to a major hurricane.

Tropical Storm Idalia will move around the western end of high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system and the upper level trough over the central U.S. will steer Idalia toward the north-northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Hurricane Idalia is likely to make landfall on the coast of the northeast Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday morning. Idalia could make landfall as a major hurricane.

Hurricane Idalia is forecast to be a major hurricane when it reaches the coast of Florida. Idalia could be similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Dennis when Dennis hit Northwest Florida in 2005. Hurricane Idalia is likely to make landfall in an area where high storm surges can occur. Idalia could cause a storm surge of up to 12 feet (3.5 meters) near where the center makes landfall. A Storm Surge Warning has been issued for the portion of the coast from Englewood to Indian Pass, Florida. The Storm Surge Warning includes Tampa Bay. Hurricane Idalia will bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of central and northern Florida. Widespread outages of electricity are likely. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere, Hurricane Franklin was a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale over the Atlantic Ocean west-southwest of Bermuda. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Hurricane Franklin was located at latitude 30.4°N and longitude 70.7°W which put it about 370 miles (600 km) west-southwest of Bermuda. Franklin was moving toward the north-northeast at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 140 m.p.h. (220 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 165 m.p.h. (270 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 941 mb. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for Bermuda.

Tropical Storm Idalia Causes Hurricane Warning for West Coast of Florida

The imminent threat posed by Tropical Storm Idalia caused the issuance of a Hurricane Warning for the west coast of Florida on Monday morning. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Idalia was located at latitude 20.8°N and longitude 85.2°W which put it about 80 miles (130 km) south-southwest of the western end of Cuba. Idalia was moving toward the north at 8 m.p.h. (13 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 990 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from the Ochlockonee River to the middle of Longboat Key, Florida. The Hurricane Warning included Tampa Bay. A Hurricane Warning was also in effect for the Cuban Province of Pinar del Rio. A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portions of the coast from Englewood to the middle of Longboat Key, Florida and from the Ochlockonee River to Indian Pass, Florida. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Chokoloskee to the middle of Longboat Key, Florida. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for the portion of the coast from the Ochlockonee River to Indian Pass, Florida. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the Dry Tortugas. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Tulum to Rio Lagartos, Mexico. The Tropical Storm Warning included Cozumel. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for the Cuban Province. of Isle of Youth. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the Lower Florida Keys west of Seven Mile Bridge. A Tropical Storm Watch was also in effect for the portion of the coast from Sebastian Inlet, Florida to Altamaha Sound, Georgia.

Tropical Storm Idalai strengthened gradually on Monday morning. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of Idalia’s circulation. Even though Tropical Storm Idalia was stronger, the distribution of thunderstorms was asymmetrical. Most of the thunderstorms in Idalia were in bands in the southern and eastern parts of the circulation. Bands north and west of the center of circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Tropical Storm Idalia was under the eastern part of an upper level ridge over the Yucatan Peninsula. The ridge was producing northeasterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Idalia’s circulation. Those winds were causing vertical wind shear and the wind shear was causing the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms.

Tropical Storm Idalia will move into an environment that will become more favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Idalia will be over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move into a region between the upper level ridge over the Yucatan Peninsula and an upper level low over the northern Gulf of Mexico. The upper level winds are weaker between the ridge and the low and there will be less vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Idalia will intensify to a hurricane during the next 24 hours. Idalia could intensify rapidly when the upper level winds weaken. Idalia could strengthen to a major hurricane on Tuesday.

Tropical Storm Idalia will move around the western end of high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Idalia toward the north during the next 24 hours. The center of Idalia will pass near the western end of Cuba in a few hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Idalia will move over the eastern Gulf of Mexico on Monday night. An upper level trough over the eastern U.S. will turn Idalia toward the northeast later on Tuesday. Idalia is likely to make landfall on the west coast of Florida on Wednesday morning. Idalia could make landfall as a major hurricane.

Tropical Storm Idalia will drop heavy rain over parts of the northeastern Yucatan Peninsula and western Cuba. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Idalia could be be a major hurricane when it reaches the west coast of Florida. Idalia is likely to make landfall in an area where high storm surges can occur. Idalia could cause a storm surge of up to 12 feet (3.5 meters) near where the center makes landfall. A Storm Surge Warning has been issued for the portion of the coast from Englewood to Ocholockonee River, Florida. The Storm Surge Warning includes Tampa Bay. Idalia will bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of central and northern Florida. Widespread outages of electricity are likely. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere, Hurricane Franklin rapidly intensified to Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale was over the Atlantic Ocean southwest of Bermuda. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Hurricane Franklin was located at latitude 27.8°N and longitude 71.0°W which put it about 480 miles (770 km) southwest of Bermuda. Franklin was moving toward the north at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 145 m.p.h. (230 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 170 m.p.h. (280 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 937 mb. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for Bermuda.

Tropical Storm Idalia Prompts Hurricane Watch for West Coast of Florida

A risk posed by Tropical Storm Idalia prompted the issuance of a Hurricane Watch for part of the west coast of Florida. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Idalia was located at latitude 20.1°N and longitude 85.5°W which put it about 95 miles (155 km) east-southeast of Cozumel. Idalia was moving toward the northeast at 3 m.p.h. (5 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (60 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 995 mb.

A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Englewood to Indian Pass, Florida. The Hurricane Watch included Tampa Bay. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Tulum to Rio Lagartos, Mexico. The Tropical Storm Warning included Cozumel. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for the Cuban Province. of Pinar del Rio. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Englewood to Chokoloskee, Florida. A Tropical Storm Watch was also in effect for the Dry Tortugas. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the Isle of Youth.

Tropical Storm Idalia did not change a lot on Sunday afternoon. A few more thunderstorms developed near the low level center of circulation. The low level center of circulation was meandering around inside of a larger counterclockwise rotation over the Northwestern Caribbean Sea. There were bands of showers and thunderstorms in the larger counterclockwise circulation. The thunderstorms in the larger circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the low level center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Idalia will be in an environment mostly favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Idalia will be over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will be under an upper level ridge over the Yucatan Channel. The winds are weak in the upper level ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. However, much of the air moving around the western side of Tropical Storm Idalia will pass over the northeastern Yucatan Peninsula. Some of the air in the eastern side of the Idalia will pass over western Cuba. The flow of air over land will inhibit intensification, but it probably will not prevent intensification. Tropical Storm Idalia could intensify slowly during the next 12 hours. Idalia could intensify more quickly on Monday when it moves over the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Tropical Storm Idalia is forecast to strengthen to a hurricane by Monday night

.Tropical Storm Idalia will be in a region where the steering currents are weak during the next 12 hours. Idalia may not move much during that time period. A high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean will start to steer Idalia toward the north on Monday. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Idalia will move over the eastern Gulf of Mexico on Monday. An upper level trough over the eastern U.S. could start to turn Idalia toward the northeast later on Tuesday.

Tropical Storm Idalia will drop heavy rain over parts of the northeastern Yucatan Peninsula and western Cuba. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Idalia is forecast to be a hurricane when it reaches the west coast of Florida. Idalia is likely to make landfall in an area where high storm surges can occur. Idalia could cause a storm surge of up to 11 feet (3.3 meters) near where the center makes landfall. A Storm Surge Watch has been issued for the portion of the coast from Chokoloskee to Indian Pass, Florida. The Storm Surge Watch includes Tampa Bay.

Elsewhere, Hurricane Franklin was over the Atlantic Ocean southwest of Bermuda. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Hurricane Franklin was located at latitude 25.9°N and longitude 70.0°W which put it about 535 miles (855 km) southwest of Bermuda. Franklin was moving toward the north-northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 970 mb.

TD 10 Strengthens to Tropical Storm Idalia

Former Tropical Depression Ten strengthened to Tropical Storm Idalia over the Northwestern Caribbean Sea east of the Yucatan Peninsula on Sunday morning. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Idalia was located at latitude 19.9°N and longitude 85.8°W which put it about 80 miles (130 km) east-southeast of Cozumel. Idalia was moving toward the east at 2 m.p.h. (3 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (60 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1001 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Tulum to Rio Lagartos, Mexico. The Tropical Storm Warning included Cozumel. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for the Cuban Province. of Pinar del Rio. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the Isle of Youth.

A NOAA research aircraft found sustained tropical storm force winds in former Tropical Depression Ten on Sunday morning and the U.S. National Hurricane Center upgraded the system to Tropical Storm Idalia. There was a low level center of circulation meandering around inside of a larger counterclockwise rotation over the Northwestern Caribbean Sea. Thunderstorm activity fluctuated near the low level center of circulation. There were few thunderstorms currently near the low level center. There were bands of showers and thunderstorms in the larger counterclockwise circulation. The thunderstorms in the larger circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 35 miles (50 km) from the low level center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Idalia will be in an environment mostly favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. The tropical depression will be over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will be under an upper level ridge over the Yucatan Channel. The winds are weak in the upper level ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. However, much of the air moving around the western side of Tropical Storm Idalia will pass over the northeastern Yucatan Peninsula. Some of the air in the eastern side of the Idalia will pass over western Cuba. The flow of air over land will inhibit intensification, but it probably will not prevent intensification. Tropical Storm Idalia could intensify slowly on Sunday. Idalia could intensify to a hurricane early next week when it moves over the eastern Gulf of Mexico.

Tropical Storm Idalia will be in a region where the steering currents are weak during the next 12 hours. Idalia may not move much during the rest of Sunday. A high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean will start to steer Idalia toward the north on Monday. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Idalia Ten will move over the eastern Gulf of Mexico on Monday.

Tropical Storm Idalia will drop heavy rain over parts of the northeastern Yucatan Peninsula and western Cuba. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere, Hurricane Franklin continued to strengthen over the Atlantic Ocean south-southwest of Bermuda. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Hurricane Franklin was located at latitude 25.1°N and longitude 69.3°W which put it about 565 miles (905 km) south-southwest of Bermuda. Franklin was moving toward the north-northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 971 mb.

Tropical Depression Ten Forms over the Yucatan Channel

Tropical Depression Ten formed over the Yucatan Channel on Saturday afternoon. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Depression Ten was located at latitude 21.1°N and longitude 86.1°W which put it about 65 miles (105 km) northeast of Cozumel. The tropical depression was stationary. The maximum sustained wind speed was 30 m.p.h. (50 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1006 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Tulum to Rio Lagartos, Mexico. The Tropical Storm Warning included Cozumel. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for the Cuban Provinces of Pinar del Rio and Isle of Youth.

A low pressure system over the Yucatan Peninsula exhibited more organization on Saturday afternoon and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated it as Tropical Depression Ten. The circulation around Tropical Depression Ten was still organizing. There was a weak center of circulation at the surface. Radar images from western Cuba indicated that there was a stronger circulation in the middle troposphere. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of circulation. Storms near the center started to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical depression.

Tropical Depression Ten will be in an environment mostly favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. The tropical depression will be over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will be under an upper level ridge over the Yucatan Channel. The winds are weak in the upper level ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. However, much of the air moving around the western side of Tropical Depression Ten will pass over the northeastern Yucatan Peninsula. Some of the air in the western side of the tropical depression will pass over western Cuba. The flow of air over land will inhibit intensification, but it probably will not prevent intensification. Tropical Depression Ten could intensify slowly on Sunday.

Tropical Depression Ten will be in a region where the steering currents are weak during the next 24 hours. Tropical Depression Ten may not move much on Sunday. A high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean will start to steer the tropical depression toward the north early next week. Tropical Depression Ten is likely to strengthen when it moves over the eastern Gulf of Mexico.

Tropical Depression Ten will drop heavy rain over parts of the northeastern Yucatan Peninsula and western Cuba. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere, Hurricane Franklin strengthened over the Atlantic Ocean south-southwest of Bermuda. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Hurricane Franklin was located at latitude 23.8°N and longitude 67.5°W which put it about 610 miles (980 km) south-southwest of Bermuda. Franklin was moving toward the north-northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 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 982 mb.

Franklin Intensifies to a Hurricane

Former Tropical Storm Franklin intensified to a hurricane over the Atlantic Ocean south-southeast of Bermuda on Saturday morning. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Hurricane Franklin was located at latitude 23.5°N and longitude 66.7°W which put it about 620 miles (995 km) south-southwest of Bermuda. Franklin was moving toward the north-northwest at 7 m.p.h. (11km/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 989 mb.

Tropical Storm Franklin moved under the northeastern part of an upper level low centered near the southeastern Bahamas. When Franklin moved under the northeastern part of the upper level low, it moved into a region where there was less vertical wind shear. Less wind shear allowed the inner end of a rainband to wrap around the center of Franklin’s circulation. A small eye appeared to be forming at the center of Hurricane Franklin. Storms near the center of Franklin’s circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the northeast of the hurricane. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Hurricane Franklin.

The strongest winds were occurring just to the northeast of the developing eye of Hurricane Franklin. Winds to hurricane force extended out 15 miles (25 km) to the northeast of the center of Franklin’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) from the center of Hurricane Franklin.

Hurricane Franklin will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Franklin will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. Ir will move under an upper level ridge south of Bermuda. The ridge will enhance upper level divergence that will pump mass away from Franklin. The removal of mass will cause the surface pressure to decrease. Hurricane Franklin is likely to intensify during the next 24 hours.

Hurricane Franklin will move around the western part of a subtropical high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Franklin toward the north-northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Hurricane Franklin will move southwest of Bermuda.

Cindy Weakens to a Tropical Wave

Former Tropical Storm Cindy weakened to a tropical wave over the Atlantic Ocean south-southeast of Bermuda on Sunday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Wave Cindy was located at latitude 22.8°N and longitude 60.0°W which put it about 375 miles (605 km) north-northeast of the northern Leeward Islands. Former Tropical Storm Cindy was moving toward the northwest at 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 1011 mb.

An upper level trough over the western Atlantic Ocean produced southwesterly winds that blew toward the top of former Tropical Storm Cindy’s circulation. Those winds caused strong vertical wind shear. The wind shear blew the tops off of new thunderstorms that started to form near the center of circulation. Thunderstorms were still occurring in bands in the eastern half of the circulation around former Tropical Storm Cindy. Bands in the western half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force were occurring about 70 miles (110 km) northeast of the center of circulation. Winds in the other parts of former Tropical Storm Cindy were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Former Tropical Storm Cindy will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next 48 hours. Cindy will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. However, the upper level trough over the western Atlantic will cause strong vertical wind shear to continue for several more days. Former Tropical Storm Cindy could move into an area where there is less vertical wind shear in a couple of days. There is a slight chance that former Tropical Storm Cindy could strengthen when the wind shear decreases during the middle of the week.

Possible Subtropical Development Southeast of Bermuda

A low pressure system southeast of Bermuda could develop into a subtropical storm during the next few days. At 9:00 a.m. EST on Monday the center of the low pressure system was located at latitude 24.0°N and longitude 55.0°W which put it about 855 miles (1380 km) southeast of Bermuda. The low pressure system was moving toward the north at 5 m.p.h. (8 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.

A low pressure system southeast of Bermuda has the potential to develop into a subtropical storm this week. There is already a strong surface circulation around the low pressure system. The surface low pressure system is located northeast of an upper level low. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were occurring in the northern and eastern parts of the surface low pressure system. Bands in the southern and western parts of the surface low consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The low pressure system southeast of Bermuda will move through an environment somewhat favorable for the development of a subtropical storm during the next 48 hours. The low pressure system will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 26˚C. It will move under the northeastern part of an upper level low. The upper level low will produce southeasterly winds that will blow across the top of the surface low. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear. The vertical wind shear will likely make the environment unfavorable for the development of a tropical storm. However, the wind shear may be weak enough to allow for the surface low to make a transition to a subtropical storm. The National Hurricane Center is indicating there is a probability of 40% that the surface low pressure system develops into a subtropical storm during the next five days.

The upper low will steer the surface low pressure system slowly toward the northwest during the next 48 hours. On its anticipated track the surface low pressure system will remain far to the southeast of Bermuda.

Hurricane Fiona Blows Past Bermuda

Hurricane Fiona blew past Bermuda on Thursday night. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Hurricane Fiona was located at latitude 34.1°N and longitude 64.9°W which put it about 125 miles (200 km) north of Bermuda. Fiona was moving toward the north-northeast at 25 m.p.h. (40 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 936 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for Bermuda. A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Hubbards to Brule, Nova Scotia. Hurricane Warnings were in effect for Prince Edward Islands and Isle de la Madeline. A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Parson’s Pond to Francois, Newfoundland. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for St. Andrews, New Brunswick to Hubbards, Nova Scotia. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Brule, Nova Scotia to Cap Madeline, Quebec. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for Anticosti Island and for the portion of the coast from Sheldrake, Quebec to Parson’s Pond, Newfoundland. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Boat Harbor to Hare Bay, Newfoundland. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Francois to St. Lawrence, Newfoundland. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Boat Harbor, Newfoundland to West Bay, Labrador.

The center of Hurricane Fiona passed west of Bermuda on Thursday night. The L. F. Wade International Airport in Bermuda reported a sustained wind speed of 64 m.p.h. (103 km/h) and a wind gust of 83 m.p.h. (134 km/h). There were reports of stronger wind speeds measured by automated stations in higher locations in Bermuda.

Hurricane Fiona continued to be a large, well organized hurricane. A circular eye with a diameter of 35 miles (55 km) was at the center of Fiona’s circulation. The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms revolved around the core of Hurricane Fiona. Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane.

Hurricane Fiona grew into a large hurricane as it moved farther north on Thursday night. Winds to hurricane force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of Fiona. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 345 miles (555 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) was 23.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 32.70 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 56.3. Hurricane Fiona was larger than Hurricane Jeanne was in 2004.

Hurricane Fiona will move through an environment that will become less favorable for a major hurricane during the next 24 hours. Fiona will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures colder than 26˚C. An upper level trough near the East Coast of the U.S. will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Fiona’s circulation. Those winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase. Hurricane Fiona will start to weaken gradually when the wind shear increase. A combination of colder Sea Surface Temperatures and moderate vertical wind shear will cause Hurricane Fiona to make a transition to a very strong extratropical cyclone.

The upper level trough near the East Coast of the U.S. will steer Fiona toward the north-northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Hurricane Fiona will move away from Bermuda on Friday. Hurricane Fiona will approach the Canadian Maritimes on Friday night. Fiona will bring strong, destructive winds to the Canadian Maritimes. Heavy rain could cause floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Storm Gaston was bringing wind and rain to the Azores and Tropical Depression Nine formed over the southeastern Caribbean Sea. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for Corvo, Flores, Faial, Pico, Sao Jorge, Graciosa, and Terceira. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Gaston was located at latitude 40.5°N and longitude 29.2°W which put it about 135 miles (215 km) north-northwest of the Faial. Gaston was moving toward the east-southeast at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 999 mb.

At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Depression Nine was located at latitude 13.9°N and longitude 68.6°W which put it about 615 miles (985 km) east-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica. The tropical depression was moving toward the west-northwest 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 1006 mb. Tropical Depression Nine is forecast to intensify to a hurricane over the northwestern Caribbean Sea during the weekend. It could move over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico early next week.

Hurricane Fiona Moves Toward Bermuda

Hurricane Fiona moved toward Bermuda on Thursday morning. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Hurricane Fiona was located at latitude 28.0°N and longitude 70.6°W which put it about 455 miles (735 km) southwest of Bermuda. Fiona was moving toward the north-northeast at 13 m.p.h. (20 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 130 m.p.h. (200 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 934 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for Bermuda.

Hurricane Fiona moved closer to Bermuda on Thursday morning. A circular eye was at the center of Fiona’s circulation. The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Hurricane Fiona. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane. The removal of large quantities of mass was allowing the surface pressure to remain low.

Hurricane Fiona increased in size as it moved farther north. Winds to hurricane force extended out 65 miles (105 km) from the center of Fiona. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (325 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) was 25.1. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 24.0 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 49.1. Hurricane Fiona was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Jeanne from 2004.

Hurricane Fiona will move through an environment that will become less favorable for a major hurricane during the next 24 hours. Fiona will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. An upper level trough near the East Coast of the U.S. will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Fiona’s circulation. Those winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase. Hurricane Fiona will start to weaken gradually when the wind shear increase.

The upper level trough near the East Coast of the U.S. will steer Fiona toward the northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Hurricane Fiona will be a little to the west of Bermuda on Thursday night. Fiona is likely to be a major hurricane when it gets to Bermuda. Hurricane Fiona will bring strong, gusty winds and heavy rain to Bermuda. Fiona could approach the Canadian Maritimes on Saturday.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Storm Gaston prompted Tropical Storm Warnings for the Azores. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for Corvo, Flores, Faial, Pico, Sao Jorge, Graciosa, and Terceira. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Gaston was located at latitude 40.7°N and longitude 34.5°W which put it about 340 miles (550 km) west-northwest of the Azores. Gaston was moving toward the east-northeast at 17 m.p.h. (28 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.