Tag Archives: Newfoundland

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 Nigel Moves North

Hurricane Nigel moved toward the north of the central Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Nigel was located at latitude 37.4°N and longitude 53.0°W which put it about 755 miles (1215 km) east-northeast of Bermuda. Nigel was moving toward the north-northeast at 18 m.p.h. (30 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 973 mb.

A large, circular eye with a diameter of 70 miles (110 km) was at the center of Hurricane Nigel on Wednesday afternoon. The eye was surrounded by a broken ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the large core of Nigel’s circulation. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the north of the hurricane. Winds to hurricane force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Nigel’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) from the center of circulation.

Hurricane Nigel will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Nigel will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are cooler than 26°C. An upper level trough over the East Coast of the U.S. will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Nigel’s circulation. Those winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase. More wind shear and cooler water will cause Hurricane Nigel to weaken on Thursday. The vertical wind shear and cooler water will also cause Hurricane Nigel to start a transition to a strong extratropical cyclone.

The upper level trough over the East Coast of the U.S. will steer Hurricane Nigel toward the northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, NIgel will pass far to the southeast of Newfoundland.

Former Hurricane Lee Brings Strong Winds to Nova Scotia

Former Hurricane Lee brought strong winds to Nova Scotia on Saturday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of former Hurricane Lee was located at latitude 44.5°N and longitude 66.1°W which put it about 50 miles (80 km) south of Saint John, New Brunswick. Lee was moving toward the north at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 70 m.p.h. (110 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 970 mb.

Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Cape Elizabeth, Maine to the U.S. Canada border. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from the U.S./Canada border to Belledune, New Brunswick. That Tropical Storm Warning included Grand Manan Island. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for all of Nova Scotia. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the Magdalen Islands and for Prince Edward Island.

Former Hurricane Lee completed a transition of a strong extratropical cyclone on Saturday. The center of former Hurricane Lee was over the Bay of Fundy on Saturday afternoon. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 320 miles (520 km) from the center of former Hurricane Lee.

Former Hurricane Lee was causing strong gusty winds in Maine, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia on Saturday afternoon. Almost 90,000 electricity outages were reported in Maine.

A weather station in Grand Manan Island reported a sustained wind speed of 51 m.p.h. (82 km/h) and a wind gust of 93 m.p.h. (150 km/h). A weather station in Halifax, Nova Scotia reported a sustained wind speed of 52 m.p.h. (83 km/h) and a wind gust of 60 m.p.h. (96 km/h). A weather station in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia reported a sustained wind speed of 50 m.p.h. (81 km/h) and a wind gust of 66 m.p.h. (106 km/h).

A weather station in Nantucket, Massachusetts (KACK) reported a sustained wind speed of 36 m.p.h. (58 km/h) and a wind gust of 58 m.p.h. (93 km/h). A weather station in Vinal Haven, Maine reported a sustained wind speed of 44 m.p.h. (71 km/h).

Former Hurricane Lee will move toward the east-northeast on Sunday. The strong extratropical cyclone will produce strong winds over Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Storm Margot meandered west of the Azores and Tropical Depression Fifteen was spinning over the Central Atlantic. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Margot was located at latitude 34.3°N and longitude 39.6°W which put it about 745 miles (1200 km) west-southwest of the Azores. Margot was moving toward the west at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 996 mb.

At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Depression Fifteen was located at latitude 20.8°N and longitude 47.1°W which put it about 1005 miles (1745 km) east-northeast of the Lesser Antilles. The tropical depression was moving toward the north-northwest at 16 m.p.h. (26 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.

Don Strengthens to a Hurricane over the Gulf Stream

Former Tropical Storm Don strengthened to a hurricane over the Gulf Stream on Saturday afternoon. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Hurricane Don was located at latitude 40.1°N and longitude 50.0°W which put it about 480 miles (775 km) south-southeast of Cape Race, Newfoundland. Don was moving toward the north at 12 m.p.h. (19 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.

Former Tropical Storm Don intensified to a hurricane as it moved over the warm water in the Gulf Stream on Saturday afternoon. A small circular eye formed at the center of Hurricane Don. 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 Hurricane Don. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane. The removal of mass allowed the surface pressure to decrease to 988 mb at the center of Hurricane Don.

The circulation around Hurricane Don was small. Winds to hurricane force extended out 15 miles (25 km) from the center of Don’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of circulation.

Hurricane Don will move into an environment that will be very unfavorable for a hurricane during the next 24 hours. Don will move north of the Gulf Stream where the Sea Surface Temperatures are colder than 26˚C. An upper level trough over eastern Canada will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Don’s circulation. Those winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase on Sunday. The combination of much colder water and more vertical wind shear will cause Hurricane Don to weaken during the next 24 hours.

Hurricane Don will move around the northwestern part of a hurricane pressure system over the eastern Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system and the upper level trough over eastern Canada will steer Don toward the northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Hurricane Don will stay southeast of Newfoundland.

Tropical Storm Don Spins South-southeast of Newfoundland

Tropical Storm Don was spinning over the Atlantic Ocean south-southeast of Newfoundland on Friday morning. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Don was located at latitude 35.8°N and longitude 46.5°W which put it about 825 miles (1330 km) south-southeast of Cape Race, Newfoundland. Don was moving toward the west-northwest at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1002 mb.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Don was well organized on Friday morning. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Don’s circulation. A clear area was visible on satellite images at the center of Tropical Storm Don. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of circulation. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. The circulation around Tropical Storm Don was small. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Don will move through an environment that will be marginally favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Don will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 25˚C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Don could intensify during the next 24 hours. Don will move over the warmer water of the Gulf Stream for a brief time on Saturday. Tropical Storm Don could strengthen while it is over the Gulf Stream, but Don will then move over much colder water when it gets north of the Gulf Stream.

Tropical Storm Don will move around the western part of a high pressure system over the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Don toward the northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Don will continue to make a big clockwise loop over the Central Atlantic south of Newfoundland.

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.

Hurricane Fiona Nears Canadian Maritimes

Hurricane Fiona neared the Canadian Maritimes on Friday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Hurricane Fiona was located at latitude 44.5°N and longitude 60.8°W which put it about 140 miles (220 km) east of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Fiona was moving toward the north at 46 m.p.h. (74 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 933 mb.

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.

Hurricane Fiona was making a rapid transition to a large, powerful extratropical cyclone on Friday night. The former eye and eyewall were no longer present at the center of Fiona. Most of the remaining thunderstorms were in bands northeast of the center of Fiona’s circulation. Cooler drier air was wrapping around the western and southern sides of the circulation. Upper level divergence above Hurricane Fiona was still pumping mass away and the surface pressure remained around 933 mb.

Hurricane Fiona grew much larger during the transition to an extratropical cyclone. Winds to hurricane force extended out 185 miles (295 km) from the center of Fiona’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 345 miles (555 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Fiona was 17.8. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 48.4 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 66.2. Hurricane Fiona was capable of causing extensive serious damage.

An upper level trough over eastern Canada will steer Hurricane Fiona quickly toward the north during the weekend. The strongest winds will occur over eastern Nova Scotia and western Newfoundland. Strong winds will also affect the rest of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, parts of New Brunswick, Quebec and Labrador. The large circulation around Hurricane Fiona could cause widespread electrical outages. Locally heavy rain could cause floods in some places. Large waves and a storm surge could cause damage along the coast.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Storm Gaston brought wind and rain to the Azores, Tropical Storm Hermine moved northeast of the Cabo Verde Islands and Tropical Storm Ian formed over the Caribbean Sea.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Gaston was located at latitude 38.9°N and longitude 29.5°W which put it about 50 miles (80 km) west-northwest of the Faial, Azores. Gaston was moving toward the southwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 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.

Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for Corvo, Flores, Faial, Pico, Sao Jorge, Graciosa, and Terceira.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Hermine was located at latitude 19.4°N and longitude 20.8°W which put it about 315 miles (505 km) northeast of the Cabo Verde Islands. Hermine was moving toward the north at 10 m.p.h. (16 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 1002 mb.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Ian was located at latitude 14.8°N and longitude 72.0°W which put it about 385 miles (625 km) southeast of Kingston, Jamaica. Ian was moving toward the west-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 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.

Hurricane Watches were in effect for the Cayman Islands including Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for Jamaica.

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 Earl Speeds Northeast

Hurricane Earl sped toward the east over the North Atlantic Ocean south of Newfoundland on Saturday morning. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Hurricane Earl was located at latitude 41.2°N and longitude 53.5°W which put it about 380 miles (610 km) south of Cape Race, Newfoundland. Earl was moving toward the northeast at 35 m.p.h. (56 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 955 mb.

Hurricane Earl was making a transition to an extratropical cyclone on Saturday morning. An upper level trough over eastern Canada was producing strong southwesterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Earl’s circulation. Those winds were causing strong vertical wind shear. The wind shear was causing the eyewall around the eye at the center of Hurricane Earl to become fragmented. The eyewall was broken on the southwestern side of the eye. There were still thunderstorms in the northeastern remnant of the eyewall. Bands of showers and thunderstorms in the northeastern part of Earl’s circulation revolved around the center of Earl. Bands in the southwestern part of Hurricane Earl consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

Hurricane Earl was almost as large as Hurricane Sandy was in 2012. Winds to hurricane force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of Earl’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 415 miles (675 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) was 17.8. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 32.4 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 50.2.

Hurricane Earl will complete the transition to a strong extratropical cyclone during the next 24 hours. Earl will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are colder than 26˚C. The trough over eastern Canada will continue to cause strong vertical wind shear. The colder water and strong vertical wind shear will cause Earl’s structure to compete the transition to an extratropical cyclone.

The westerly winds in the middle latitudes will steer the extratropical cyclone toward the east during the next few days. The extratropical cyclone will weaken gradually over the North Atlantic Ocean south of Greenland during the next week.

Hurricane Sam Passes East of Bermuda

Hurricane Sam passed east of Bermuda on Saturday morning. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Hurricane Sam was located at latitude 33.9°N and longitude 59.3°W which put it about 335 miles (540 km) east-northeast of Bermuda. Sam was moving toward the northeast at 17 m.p.h. (28 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 155 m.p.h. (250 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 945 mb.

Hurricane Sam was still a powerful hurricane when it passed east of Bermuda on Saturday morning. Sam was rated at Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale. A circular eye with a diameter of 30 miles (50 km) was present at the center of Hurricane Sam. 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 round the core of Sam’s circulation. Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the north of the hurricane.

The size of the circulation around Hurricane Sam continued to increase in size as it moved farther to the north. Winds to hurricane force extended out 65 miles (10 km) from the center of Sam. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 240 miles (390 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Sam was 25.1. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 20.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 45.7.

Hurricane Sam will move through an environment capable of maintaining a major hurricane during the next 12 hours. Sam will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27˚C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak during the next 12 hours. An upper level trough east of the U.S. will produce southwesterly winds that will start to affect Hurricane Sam on Sunday. Those winds will blow toward the top of Sam’s circulation and they will cause more vertical wind shear. Hurricane Sam will also move over cooler water on Sunday. The wind shear and cooler water will cause Hurricane Sam to weaken as it begins a transition to a strong extratropical cyclone.

The upper level trough east of the U.S. will steer Hurricane Sam toward the northeast later during the next several days. On its anticipated track Hurricane Sam will pass southeast of Newfoundland on Monday. Sam could be a powerful extratropical cyclone southeast of Greenland by early next week.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Storm Victor weakened west of the Cabo Verde Islands. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Victor was located at latitude 13.1°N and longitude 37.2°W which put it about 905 miles (1455 km) west of the Cabo Verde Islands. Victor was moving toward the northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 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.