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TD 31 Strengthens to Tropical Storm Iota

Former Tropical Depression Thirtyone strengthened to Tropical Storm Iota on Friday afternoon. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Iota was located at latitude 13.8°N and longitude 73.8°W which put it about 335 miles (540 km) south-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica. Iota was moving toward the west-southwest at 3 m.p.h. (5 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 1006 mb.

The low level circulation around former Tropical Depression Thirtyone appeared to reform a little farther to the southeast near a band of showers and thunderstorms on Friday afternoon. Based on data from satellites the National Hurricane Center upgraded the depression to Tropical Storm Iota. The circulation around Iota was still organizing. A band of thunderstorms wrapped about three quarters of the way around the center of circulation on the southern, eastern and northern sides of the center. Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of the Tropical Storm Iota. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence which pumped mass away to the north and east of the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) on the eastern side of Iota. The winds on the western side of Iota were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Iota will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the weekend. Iota will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C. An upper level trough over the western Caribbean Sea will produce southwesterly winds which blow toward the top of Iota during the next 12 hours. Those winds will cause vertical wind shear, but the shear will not be strong enough to prevent Tropical Storm Iota from becoming more organized. The upper level trough will move westward away from the depression and the wind shear will decrease during the weekend. Tropical Storm Iota is likely to strengthen more rapidly after an inner core is formed. Iota could rapidly intensify into a hurricane on Saturday and it could strengthen to a major hurricane by Sunday.

Tropical Storm Iota will move south of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean. The high will steer Iota toward the west during the next several days. On its anticipated track Iota could approach the coast of Nicaragua on Sunday. It will likely be a hurricane at that time and it could be a major hurricane. Nicaragua and Honduras are still trying to cope with floods and other damage caused by Hurricane Eta a few days ago. Another hurricane could have catastrophic consequences for that region.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Storm Theta Passed south of the Azores. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Theta was located at latitude 31.9°N and longitude 22.6°W which put it about 490 miles (785 km) south-southeast of the Azores. Theta was moving toward the east 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 993 mb.

Typhoon Vamco Strengthens to Equivalent of Major Hurricane

Typhoon Vamco strengthened to the equivalent of a major hurricane east of Vietnam on Friday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Friday the center of Typhoon Vamco was located at latitude 15.7°N and longitude 111.9°E which put it about 275 miles (440 km) east of Da Nang, Vietnam. Vamco was moving toward the west at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 160 m.p.h. (260 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 954 mb.

Typhoon Vamco rapidly intensified into the equivalent of a major hurricane over the East China east of Vietnam on Friday. The circulation contracted around a small clear eye. 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 Typhoon Vamco. Storms near the core were generating strong upper level divergence which was pumping mass away fro the typhoon. The removal of mass allowed the pressure to decrease rapidly which contributed to the rabid intensification.

Winds to typhoon force extended out 40 miles (65 km) from the center of Typhoon Vamco. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (320 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Vamco was 25.1. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 16.7 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 41.8. Vamco was capable of causing significant damage.

Typhoon Vamco will move through an environment that will become less favorable for intensification during the next day or so. Vamco will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C. So, there will be enough energy in the upper ocean to support an intense typhoon. However, northeasterly winds will transport drier air over eastern Asia toward the western side of Typhoon Vamco. Vamco is likely to start to weaken when the drier air is pulled into the core of the circulation.

Typhoon Vamco will move south of a high pressure system over the eastern Asia. The high will steer Vamco toward the west during the next several days. On its anticipated track Typhoon Vamco will approach the coast of Vietnam north of Da Nang in about 24 hours. Vamco is likely to still be a typhoon when it reaches Vietnam. Typhoon Vamco will drop heavy rain over Vietnam, Laos and northeastern Thailand. The rain will fall on saturated surfaces and floods will occur in those areas.

Tropical Depression 31 Forms over Caribbean Sea

Tropical Depression Thirtyone formed over the Caribbean Sea on Friday morning. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Depression Thirtyone was located at latitude 14.2°N and longitude 74.3°W which put it about 310 miles (500 km) south-southeast of Kingtson, Jamaica. The depression was moving toward the west-southwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 circulation around an area of low pressure over the Caribbean Sea exhibited much better organization on visible satellite imagery on Friday morning and the National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Depression Thirtyone. A band of thunderstorms wrapped about three quarters of the way around the center of circulation on the southern, eastern and northern sides of the center. Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of the depression. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence which pumped mass away to the north and east of the depression.

Tropical Depression Thirtyone will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the weekend. The depression will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C. An upper level trough over the western Caribbean Sea will produce southwesterly winds which blow toward the top of the depression during the next 12 hours. Those winds will cause vertical wind shear, but the shear may not be strong enough to prevent Tropical Depression Thirtyone from strengthening into a tropical storm. The upper level trough will move westward away from the depression and the wind shear will decrease during the weekend. Tropical Depression Thirtyone is likely to strengthen into a tropical storm during the next 12 hours. It could rapidly intensify into a hurricane on Saturday and it could strengthen to a major hurricane by Sunday.

Tropical Depression Thirtyone will move south of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean. The high will steer the depression toward the west during the next several days. On its anticipated track it could approach the coast of Nicaragua on Sunday. It will likely be a hurricane at that time and it could be a major hurricane. Nicaragua and Honduras are still trying to cope with floods and other damage caused by Hurricane Eta a few days ago. Another hurricane could have catastrophic consequences for that region.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Storm Theta Passed south of the Azores and Tropical Storm Eta completed a transition to an extratropical cyclone. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Theta was located at latitude 31.7°N and longitude 23.8°W which put it about 470 miles (760 km) south-southeast of the Azores. Theta was moving toward the east 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 993 mb.

Typhoon Vamco Moves Toward Vietnam

Typhoon Vamco moved toward Vietnam on Thursday. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of Typhoon Vamco was located at latitude 15.5°N and longitude 115.0°E which put it about 480 miles (775 km) east of Da Nang, Vietnam. Vamco was moving toward the west-northwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 972 mb.

One day after causing widespread damage on Luzon, Typhoon Vamco moved across the South China Sea toward Vietnam. An eye was present at the center of Vamco, but there were clouds in the eye. 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 core of Typhoon Vamco. The size of the circulation around Vamco increased after it crossed Luzon. Winds to typhoon force extended out 75 miles (120 km) from the center of circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 230 miles (370 km) from the center.

Typhoon Vamco will move through an environment that could allow it to maintain its intensity for another 24 to 36 hours. Vamco will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C. It will move under the southern portion of an upper level ridge over eastern Asia. The ridge will produce easterly winds which will blow toward the top of the Typhoon Vamco. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the shear will not be too strong. Northeasterly winds will transport drier air toward the western side of Typhoon Vamco when it moves closer to land in 24 to 36 hours. Vamco could start to weaken if the drier air is pulled into the core of the typhoon.

Typhoon Vamco will move south of a high pressure system over the eastern Asia. The high will steer Vamco toward the west-northwest during the next several days. On its anticipated track Typhoon Vamco will approach the center coast of Vietnam in about 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Eta Brings Wind and Rain to Tampa

Tropical Storm Eta brought wind and rain to the area around Tampa and St. Petersburg on Wednesday night. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Eta was located at latitude 28.3°N and longitude 83.4°W which put it about 60 miles (95 km) west-northwest of Tampa, Florida. Eta was moving toward the north at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 993 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Boca Grande to Suwannee River, Florida. A Tropical Storm Warning was issued for the portion of the coast from the Flagler/Volusia County Line in Florida to St. Andrews Sound, Georgia. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Suwannee River to Aucilla River, Florida.

Bands revolving around the eastern side of Tropical Storm Eta brought wind and rain to the area around Tampa and St. Petersburg on Wednesday night. One band stretched from Sarasota to Tampa and another band was over Clearwater and Tarpon Springs. Heavy rain was dropping over those areas and there were reports of urban flooding. Since the center of Tropical Eta was west-northwest of Tampa, southwesterly winds were blowing water into Tampa Bay. There were reports of storm surges of several feet around the bay.

An upper level trough over the Central U.S. will steer Tropical Storm Eta toward the northeast on Thursday. On its anticipated track Eta will make landfall between Tarpon Springs and Cedar Key in a few hours. The trough will steer Tropical Storm Eta across northeastern Florida and out over the Atlantic Ocean. Eta could still be a tropical storm when it reaches the Atlantic which prompted the issuance of a Tropical Storm Warning for the coast of northeastern Florida. Tropical Storm Eta could pass southeast of Charleston, South Carolina on Thursday night.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Storm Theta was moving south-southwest of the Azores. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Theta was located at latitude 31.1°N and longitude 31.4°W which put it about 540 miles (865 km) south-southwest of the Azores. Theta was moving toward the east-northeast at 12 m.p.h. (19 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.

Typhoon Vamco Makes Landfall Northeast of Manila

Typhoon Vamco made landfall on Luzon northeast of Manila on Wednesday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Typhoon Vamco was located at latitude 15.0°N and longitude 120.6°E which put it about 35 miles (55 km) northeast of Manila, Philippines. Vamco was moving toward the west at 17 m.p.h. (28 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 110 m.p.h. (175 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 956 mb.

Typhoon Vamco was strengthening when it made landfall on Luzon. Vamco was nearly the equivalent of a major hurricane at the time of landfall. The circulation around Typhoon Vamco also increased in size prior to landfall. Winds to typhoon force extended out 100 miles (160 km) on the northern side of Vamco. Winds to force extended out 40 miles (65 km) on the southern side of the typhoon. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 350 miles in the northern half of the circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 150 miles in the southern half of Vamco. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Vamco was 19.2. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 28.4 and the Hurricane Wind intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 47.6. Typhoon Vamco was capable of causing widespread serious damage to Luzon.

The center of Typhoon Vamco passed over the Polillo Islands before it reached Luzon. The center of Vamco will pass just north Manila, but it will be close enough to cause strong winds. The center will pass near San Fernando and Olongapo before it moves over the South China Sea. Typhoon Vamco will drop very heavy rain over Luzon and significant floods could occur. There will also be widespread power outages.

Typhoon Vamco will weaken as it passes over Luzon, but Vamco could still be a typhoon when it reaches the South China Sea. A high pressure system over eastern Asia will steer Typhoon Vamco toward the west. On its anticipated track Vamco could approach Vietnam in two or three days.

Eta Strengthens to a Hurricane, Hurricane Watch for Tampa

A NOAA plane found that former Tropical Storm Eta had strengthened back into a hurricane on Wednesday morning. A Hurricane Watch was issued for a portion of the west coast of Florida that included Tampa and St. Petersburg. At 7:35 a.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Eta was located at latitude 25.8°N and longitude 83.8°W which put it about 170 miles (280 km) south-southwest of Tampa, Florida. Eta was moving toward the north-northeast 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 983 mb.

A Hurricane Watch was issued for the portion of the coast from Anna Maria Island to Yankeetown, Florida. The Hurricane Watch included Tampa and St. Petersburg. A Tropical Storm Warning was issued for the portion of the coast from Bonita Beach to the Suwannee River, Florida. The Warning included Tampa and St. Petersburg. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for the Dry Tortugas. A Tropical Storm Watch was issued for the portion of the coast from the Suwannee River to the Aucilla River, Florida.

Former Storm Eta strengthened back to a hurricane on Wednesday morning, but it appeared to be moving back into a pool of drier air over the Gulf of Mexico. Thunderstorms increased around the center of Eta when it was over the warm water in the Loop Current on Tuesday, but the thunderstorms were weakening on Wednesday morning. Thunderstorms near the center of Hurricane Eta were not as tall as they were on Tuesday. The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands north and east of the center of Eta. Bands south and west of the center consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) on the eastern side of Hurricane Eta. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 50 miles in the western half of the circulation.

Hurricane Eta will move through an environment marginally favorable for intensification on Wednesday. Eta will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 27°C. An upper level trough over the central U.S. will produce southwesterly winds which blow toward the top of Eta’s circulation on Wednesday. Those winds will cause vertical wind shear, but the shear may not be strong enough to prevent Eta from getting stronger. The drier air over the Gulf of Mexico will limit intensification. Hurricane Eta is not likely to intensify much more on Wednesday because of the drier air. The upper level trough will move closer to Eta on Thursday and the wind shear will increase. The shear and drier air will cause Eta to weaken after it makes landfall on the west coast of Florida.

The upper level trough will steer Hurricane Eta toward the north-northeast during the next 24 to 36 hours. On its anticipated track the center of Hurricane Eta could approach Tampa on Wednesday night. The center of Eta is forecast to pass just to the west of Tampa and make landfall north of Tampa. Eta could be near hurricane strength when it passes near Tampa. Southwesterly winds blowing around the east side of Tropical Storm Eta could push water into Tampa Bay. Eta could cause a storm surge of up to 7 feet (2 meters). Hurricane Eta will also drop heavy rain over Central Florida. Floods could occur in that area. Eta could also cause widespread power outages in Central Florida.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Storm Theta churned southwest of the Azores. At 4:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Theta was located at latitude 29.4°N and longitude 34.7°W which put it about 740 miles (1190 km) southwest of the Azores. Theta was moving toward the east-northeast 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 989 mb.

Tropical Storm Eta Turns Back Toward Florida

Tropical Storm Eta tuned back toward Florida on Tuesday evening. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Eta was located at latitude 23.8°N and longitude 84.5°W which put it about 120 miles (195 km) west-northwest of the Dry Tortugas. Eta was moving toward the north- northeast at 9 m.p.h. (15 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 992 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was issued for the portion of the coast from Bonita Beach to the Suwannee River, Florida. The Warning included Tampa and St. Petersburg. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for the Dry Tortugas. A Tropical Storm Watch was issued for the portion of the coast from the Suwannee River to the Aucilla River, Florida.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Eta exhibited more organization on Tuesday evening. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the the eastern and northern side of the the center of circulation. There were occasional indications that an eye could be forming at the center of Eta. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Eta. There were more thunderstorms in the bands in the northeastern half of Eta. Bands in the southwestern half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Eta will move through an environment more favorable for intensification on Wednesday. Eta will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C. An upper level trough over the central U.S. will produce southwesterly winds which blow toward the top of Eta’s circulation on Wednesday. Those winds will cause vertical wind shear, but the shear will not be strong enough to prevent Eta from getting stronger. Tropical Storm Eta could strengthen back into a hurricane on Wednesday. The upper level trough will move closer to Eta on Thursday and the wind shear will increase. The shear could get strong enough to cause Eta to weaken.

The upper level trough will steer Tropical Storm Eta toward the north-northeast during the next 24 to 48 hours. On its anticipated track the center of Eta will pass west of the Florida Keys on Wednesday. The center of Tropical Storm Eta could approach Tampa on Thursday morning. Eta could be near hurricane strength when it passes near Tampa. Southwesterly winds blowing around the east side of Tropical Storm Eta could push water into Tampa Bay. Eta could cause a storm surge of up to 7 feet (2 meters).

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Subtropical Storm Theta nade a transition to a strong tropical storm. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Theta was located at latitude 29.4°N and longitude 35.5°W which put it about 770 miles (1235 km) southwest of the Azores. Theta was moving toward the east-northeast at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 989 mb.

Vamco Rapidly Intensifies to Typhoon East of Luzon

Former Tropical Storm Vamco rapidly intensified into a typhoon east of Luzon on Tuesday. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Typhoon Vamco was located at latitude 14.9°N and longitude 124.0°E which put it about 230 miles (375 km) east of Manila, Philippines. Vamco was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 973 mb.

Typhoon Vamco intensified rapidly on Tuesday. A circular eye was visible on satellite images. 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 Typhoon Vamco. Storms near the center were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the typhoon. Winds to typhoon force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Vamco. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) from the center of circulation.

Typhoon Vamco will move through an environment that will be favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Vamco will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Typhoon Vamco will continue to intensify rapidly and it could strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane.

Typhoon Vamco will move south of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high will steer Vamco toward the west during the next several days. On its anticipated track Typhoon Vamco will make landfall on the east coast of Luzon in about 12 hours. The center of Vamco will pass north of Manila and the core of Typhoon Vamco could come close to San Francisco.

Typhoon Vamco will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Luzon. Vamco will be capable of causing major damage. The heavy rain will cause flash floods in part of Luzon. Typhoon Vamco could cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) on the east coast of Luzon. Vamco will weaken when the center passes over Luzon, but it is likely to still be a typhoon when it passes north of Manila. Typhoon Vamco is also likely to cause widespread power outages on Luzon.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Depression Etau was dropping heavy rain over Cambodia. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Depression Etau was located at latitude 12.5°N and longitude 105.5°E which put it about 100 miles (160 km) northeast of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Etau was moving toward the west at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 25 m.p.h. (40 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 30 m.p.h. (50 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1006 mb.

Tropical Storm Eta Reorganizes Near Western Cuba

Tropical Storm Eta reorganized near western Cuba on Monday night. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Eta was located at latitude 23.2°N and longitude 85.2°W which put it about 90 miles (145 km) north-northwest of the western tip of Cuba. Eta was moving toward the southwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 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 995 mb.

A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the Cuban provinces of La Habana, Artemisa, Mayabeque, Pinar del Rio and the Isle of Youth.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Eta exhibited more organization on Monday night. Thunderstorms redeveloped around the center of circulation. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence which pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Thunderstorms also increased in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Eta. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 120 miles (195 km) on the northern side of Eta. Winds to tropical storm force only extended out 50 miles in the southern half of the circulation.

Tropical Storm Eta will move through an environment more favorable for intensification on Tuesday. Eta will move over the Loop Current which transports warm water from the Caribbean Sea into the southeast Gulf of Mexico. Tropical Storm Eta will be over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C. An upper level low centered over Cuba will produce northerly winds which blow toward the top of Eta’s circulation on Tuesday. Those winds will cause vertical wind shear, but the shear will slowly decrease. Tropical Storm Eta will intensify on Tuesday and it could strengthen back into a hurricane.

The upper low over Cuba has been steering Tropical Storm Eta toward the southwest, but the steering winds are likely to weaken on Tuesday. Eta could stall northwest of Cuba. An upper level trough over the Rocky Mountains will move east during the next several days. The southern end of the trough could start to pull Eta toward the north on Wednesday.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, an extratropical cyclone southwest of the Azores made a transition to Subtropical Storm Theta. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Theta was located at latitude 28.8°N and longitude 40.3°W which put it about 995 miles (1600 km) southwest of the Azores. Theta was moving toward the east at 15 m.p.h. (24 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 1000 mb.