Category Archives: Tropical Cyclones

Information about tropical cyclones

Tropical Storm Bualoi Brings Wind and Rain to Central Philippines

Tropical Storm Bualoi brought wind and rain to the central Philippines on Thursday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Bualoi was located at latitude 12.4°N and longitude 124.6°E which put the center about 5 miles (10 km) west of Catarman, Philippines.  Bualoi was moving toward the west-northwest at 13 m.p.h. (21 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (13 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 993 mb.

Tropical Storm Bualoi brought wind and rain to the central Philippines on Thursday.  The strongest winds and heaviest rain were occurring in Samar.  Bualoi was also bringing wind and rain to southeastern Luzon and Masbate.

Tropical Storm Bualoi strengthened as it approached the central Philippines.  More thunderstorms formed near the center of Bualoi’s circulation.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Bualoi.  Storms near the center of Bualoi generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The distribution of wind speeds in Tropical Storm Bualoi became more symmetrical on Thursday.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 105 miles (165 km) from the center of Bualoi’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Bualoi will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Bualoi will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Bualoi’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification.  Even though Tropical Storm Bualoi will move through a somewhat favorable environment, the center of Bualoi will be over land at times as it moves across the central Philippines.  The times when the center of Tropical Storm Bualoi is over land will also inhibit intensification.

Tropical Storm Bualoi will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Bualoi toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Storm Bualoi will move across the Sibuyan Sea.  Bualoi will move over the South China Sea during the weekend.

Tropical Storm Bualoi will bring strong winds and heavy rain to the central Philippines.  The strongest winds and heaviest rain will occur in southern Luzon, Masbate, Sibuyan Island, Tablas Island, Burias Island, Marinduque, and Mindoro.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.  Bualoi could also cause a storm surge of up to 7 feet (2 meters) along the coasts where the wind blows the water toward the shore.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Neoguri continued to meander far to the east of Japan.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Neoguri was located at latitude 32.0°N and longitude 154.1°E which put the center about 855 miles (1380 km) east of Tokyo, Japan.  Neoguri was moving toward the west-southwest at 6 m.p.h. (10 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 982 mb.

Hurricane Narda Moves South of Baja California

Hurricane Narda moved south of Baja California on Wednesday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Narda was located at latitude 15.1°N and longitude 112.3°W which put the center about 560 miles (905 km) south-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.  Narda was moving toward the west at 10 m.p.h. (16 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 976 mb.

The distribution of thunderstorms in Hurricane Narda became more asymmetrical on Wednesday.  Most of the thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western side of Narda’s circulation.  Bands in the eastern side of Hurricane Narda consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Narda still generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the hurricane.

An upper level ridge over northwestern Mexico was producing easterly winds that blew toward the top of Hurricane Narda.  Those winds caused moderate vertical wind shear.  The moderate vertical wind shear caused the distribution of thunderstorms to become asymmetrical.

The size of the circulation around Hurricane Narda increased on Wednesday.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Narda’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) from the center of Hurricane Narda.

Hurricane Narda will move through an environment that will become more favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Narda will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  The upper level ridge that is over northwestern Mexico will continue to produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Narda’s circulation.  However, those winds are forecast to weaken on Thursday, which would mean there will be less vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will still inhibit intensification, but the wind shear may not be enough to stop intensification.  Hurricane Narda could intensify during the next 24 hours if the upper level winds weaken.

Hurricane Narda will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is over Mexico and the Eastern North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Narda toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Narda will move southwest of Baja California.

Typhoon Ragasa Makes Landfall in Southern China

Typhoon Ragasa made landfall on the coast of southern China east of Yangjiang on Wednesday morning.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Typhoon Ragasa was located at latitude 21.9°N and longitude 110.5°E which put the center about 30 miles (50 km) northeast of Yangjiang, China.  Ragasa was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 96 mb.

The center of Typhoon Ragasa made landfall on the coast of southern China east of Yangjiang on Wednesday morning.  Ragasa was a large and powerful typhoon at the time of landfall.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Ragasa’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 190 miles (305 km) from the center of Typhoon Ragasa.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Ragasa was 13.9.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 20.8 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 34.7.

Typhoon Ragasa will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over China.  The high pressure system will steer Ragasa toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Typhoon Ragasa will move westward near the coast of southern China.  Ragasa will move over northern Vietnam on Thursday.

Typhoon Ragasa will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Guangxi, western Guangdong, and northern Hainan.  Heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.  Typhoon Ragasa could cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) along portions of the coast.  Ragasa could also drop heavy rain on parts of northern Vietnam and northern Laos.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Bualoi was strengthening east of the Philippines and Tropical Storm Neoguri was spinning far to the east of Japan.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Bualoi was located at latitude 10.6°N and longitude 130.5°E which put the center about 375 miles (605 km) east-southeast of Tacloban, Philippines.  Bualoi was moving toward the west-northwest at 11 m.p.h. (17 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 994 mb.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Neoguri was located at latitude 31.2°N and longitude 156.8°E which put the center about 1060 miles (1710 km) east-southeast of Tokyo, Japan.  Neoguri was moving toward the east-northeast 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 980 mb.

Hurricane Warning for Azores for Gabrielle

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for all of the Azores for Hurricane Gabrielle.  At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Gabrielle was located at latitude 35.8°N and longitude 50.2°W which put the center about 1285 miles (2070 km) west of the Azores.  Gabrielle was moving toward the east-northeast at 25 m.p.h. (40 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 115 m.p.h. (1850 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 135 m.p.h. (220 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 960 mb.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for all of the Azores.

Hurricane Gabrielle was speeding toward the Azores on Wednesday morning.  Gabrielle was still a major hurricane.  An eye was still present at the center of Gabrielle’s circulation, but there were some clouds in the eye.  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 center of Gabrielle’s circulation.  Storms near the center of Gabrielle generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane.  The removal of mass in the upper level was slightly less than the inflow of mass in the lower levels of the atmosphere.  The stronger inflow of mass in the lower levels caused the surface pressure to increase gradually.

The size of the circulation around Hurricane Gabrielle did not change much during the past 24 hours.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Gabrielle’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) from the center of Hurricane Gabrielle.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Gabrielle is 20.6.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 15.5 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 36.1. Hurricane Gabrielle is similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Delta when Delta hit Louisiana in 2020.

Hurricane Gabrielle will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification of a hurricane during the next 24 hours.  Gabrielle will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 26°C.  It will move under the southern extent of the upper level westerly winds in the middle latitudes.  Those upper level westerly winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  Hurricane Gabrielle will continue to weaken gradually during the next 24 hours.

The upper level westerly winds in the middle latitudes will steer Hurricane Gabrielle toward the east during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Gabrielle will reach the Azores on Thursday.

Hurricane Gabrielle will bring strong winds and heavy rain to the Azores on Thursday night and Friday.

Typhoon Ragasa Brings Wind and Rain to Hong Kong

Typhoon Ragasa brought wind and rain to Hong Kong on Tuesday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Typhoon Ragasa was located at latitude 21.3°N and longitude 113.2°E which put the center about 80 miles (130 km) south-southwest of Hong Kong.  Ragasa was moving toward the west at 11 m.p.h. (17 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 944 mb.

The center of Typhoon Ragasa passed south of Hong Kong on Tuesday night.  A weather station at the airport in Hong Kong (VHHH) reported a sustained wind speed of 47 kt (54 m.p.h. or 87 km/h) and a wind gust of 66 kt (76 m.p.h. or 122 km/h).

The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the existing eye and eyewall in Typhoon Ragasa as it was passing south of Hong Kong.  A second outer eyewall appeared to be developing.  The formation of concentric eyewalls could start another eyewall replacement cycle.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Ragasa.  Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.

The circulation around Typhoon Ragasa was large.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Ragasa’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 190 miles (305 km) from the center of Typhoon Ragasa.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Ragasa is 25.1.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 20.8 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 45.9.  Typhoon Ragasa is similar in intensity to Hurricane Harvey when Harvey hit Texas in 2017.  Ragasa is larger than Harvey was.

Typhoon Ragasa will move through an environment that will be favorable for a powerful typhoon during the next few hours.  Ragasa will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Even though Typhoon Ragasa will move through a favorable environment, another eyewall replacement cycle would cause Ragasa to weaken.

Typhoon Ragasa will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over China.  The high pressure system will steer Ragasa toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Typhoon Ragasa will make landfall on the coast of southern China west of Macau in 12 hours.

Typhoon Ragasa will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Guangxi and to western Guangdong.  Heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.  Typhoon Ragasa could cause a storm surge of up to 13 feet (4 meters) along portions of the coast.  Ragasa could also drop heavy rain over northern parts of Vietnam and Laos.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Bualoi formed east of the Philippines and former Typhoon Neoguri weakened to a tropical storm far to the east of Japan.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Bualoi was located at latitude 9.5°N and longitude 133.4°E which put the center about 535 miles (865 km) east of Surigao, Philippines.  Bualoi was moving toward the west-southwest at 11 m.p.h. (17 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 Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Neoguri was located at latitude 30.6°N and longitude 154.6°E which put the center about 910 miles (1465 km) east-southeast of Tokyo, Japan.  Neoguri was moving toward the east at 6 m.p.h. (10 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 978 mb.

Narda Intensifies to a Hurricane

Former Tropical Storm Narda intensified to a hurricane over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean southwest of Mexico on Tuesday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Hurricane Narda was located at latitude 15.8°N and longitude 107.3°W which put the center about 295 miles (475 km) southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico.  Narda was moving toward the west at 13 m.p.h. (21 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 981 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Narda intensified to a hurricane on Tuesday.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the western side of Narda’s circulation.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Hurricane Narda.  Storms near the center of Narda generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The strongest winds were blowing in the northern side of Hurricane Narda.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 20 miles (30 km) in the northern half of Narda’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of Hurricane Narda.

Hurricane Narda will move through an environment that will be favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Narda will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge that is over northwestern Mexico.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Narda’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the wind shear will not be enough to stop intensification.  Hurricane Narda will intensify during the next 24 hours.

Hurricane Narda will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is over Mexico and the Eastern North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Narda toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Narda will move south of Baja California on Wednesday.

Gabrielle Prompts Hurricane Watch for the Azores

The risk posed by Hurricane Gabrielle prompted the issuance of a Hurricane Watch for the Azores on Tuesday.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Hurricane Gabrielle was located at latitude 34.3°N and longitude 57.5°W which put the center about 1710 miles (2755 km) west of the Azores.  Gabrielle was moving toward the east-northeast at 20 m.p.h. (32 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 952 mb.

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for all of the Azores.

A circular eye with a diameter of 20 miles (32 km) was at the center of Gabrielle’s circulation.  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 center of Gabrielle’s circulation.  Storms near the center of Gabrielle generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane.  The removal of mass in the upper level was slightly less than the inflow of mass in the lower levels of the atmosphere.  The strong inflow of mass in the lower levels caused the surface pressure to increase gradually.

The size of the circulation around Hurricane Gabrielle did not change much during the past 24 hours.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 40 miles (65 km) from the center of Gabrielle’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) in the western side of Hurricane Gabrielle.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) in the eastern side of Gabrielle’s circulation.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Gabrielle was 25.1.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 12.9 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 38.0.  Hurricane Gabrielle was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Harvey when Harvey hit Texas in 2017.

Hurricane Gabrielle will move through an environment that will become more unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Gabrielle will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C.  It will move under the southern extent of the upper level westerly winds in the middle latitudes.  Those upper level westerly winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase.  Hurricane Gabrielle will continue to weaken gradually during the next 24 hours.

The upper level westerly winds in the middle latitudes will steer Hurricane Gabrielle toward the east during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Gabrielle will reach the Azores on Thursday.

Hurricane Gabrielle will bring strong winds and heavy rain to the Azores on Thursday night and Friday.

Typhoon Ragasa Moves over South China Sea

Typhoon Ragasa moved over the South China Sea on Monday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Typhoon Ragasa was located at latitude 20.2°N and longitude 117.7°E which put the center about 300 miles (485 km) east-southeast of Hong Kong.  Ragasa was moving toward the west at 13 m.p.h. (21 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 145 m.p.h. (235 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 175 m.p.h. (280 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 930 mb.

Typhoon Ragasa went through an eyewall replacement cycle, but the eyewall replacement only weakened Ragasa slightly.  A new eye with a diameter of 30 miles (50 km) was at the center of Ragasa’s circulation.  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 center of Typhoon Ragasa.  Storms near the center of Ragasa generated strong upper level divergence that pumped mass away in all directions from the typhoon.  The removal of large quantities of mass in the upper levels was slightly less than the inflow of mass in the lower levels of the atmosphere.  The inflow of mass in the lower levels caused the surface pressure to increase slowly.

The circulation around Typhoon Ragasa was large.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center of Ragasa’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 240 miles (390 km) from the center of Typhoon Ragasa.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Ragasa was 29.9.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 28.7 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 58.6.  Typhoon Ragasa was larger and stronger than Hurricane Helene was when Helene hit Florida in 2024.

Typhoon Ragasa will move through an environment that will be favorable for a powerful typhoon during the next 24 hours.  Ragasa will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over China.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Ragasa’s circulation.  Those winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase.  Typhoon Ragasa could weaken slowly during the next 24 hours because of more vertical wind shear.

Typhoon Ragasa will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over China.  The high pressure system will steer Ragasa toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Typhoon Ragasa will be just south of Hong Kong in less than 24 hours.

Typhoon Ragasa will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to coastal regions in southern China including Hong Kong.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.  Typhoon Ragasa could also cause a storm surge of up to 13 feet (4 meters) along parts of the coast.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Typhoon Neoguri moved farther east of Japan.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Typhoon Neoguri was located at latitude 30.6°N and longitude 153.3°E which put the center about 910 miles (1470 km) east of Tokyo, Japan.  Neoguri was moving toward the east-northeast at 11 m.p.h. (17 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 963 mb.

Hurricane Gabrielle Strengthens to Cat. 4

Hurricane Gabrielle strengthened to Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale east of Bermuda on Monday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Hurricane Gabrielle was located at latitude 31.7°N and longitude 61.8°W which put the center about 180 miles (290 km) east-southeast of Bermuda.  Gabrielle was moving toward the north-northeast at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 140 m.p.h. (225 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 165 m.p.h. (265 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 948 mb.

Hurricane Gabrielle strengthened to Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale east of Bermuda on Monday afternoon.  A circular eye with a diameter of 20 miles (32 km was at the center of Gabrielle’s circulation.  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 center of Gabrielle’s circulation.  Storms near the center of Gabrielle generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The size of the circulation around Hurricane Gabrielle increased on Monday.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 40 miles (65 km) from the center of Gabrielle’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) in the western side of Hurricane Gabrielle.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) in the eastern side of Gabrielle’s circulation.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Gabrielle was 28.6.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 13.1 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 41.7.

Hurricane Gabrielle will move through an environment that will become unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Gabrielle will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the southern extent of the upper level westerly winds in the middle latitudes.  Those upper level westerly winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase.  Hurricane Gabrielle will start to weaken when the wind shear increases.

The upper level westerly winds in the middle latitudes will steer Hurricane Gabrielle toward the east during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Gabrielle will move away from Bermuda on Tuesday.  Gabrielle will approach the Azores on Thursday.

 

Gabrielle Rapidly Intensifies to Major Hurricane

Hurricane Gabrielle rapidly intensified to a major hurricane southeast of Bermuda on Monday morning.  At 9:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Hurricane Gabrielle was located at latitude 30.6°N and longitude 62.2°W which put the center about 195 miles (310 km) southeast of Bermuda.  Gabrielle was moving toward the north at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 145 m.p.h. (235 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 957 mb.

Hurricane Gabrielle rapidly intensified to a major hurricane southeast of Bermuda on Monday morning.  A small circular eye formed at the center of Gabrielle’s circulation.  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 center of Gabrielle’s circulation.  Storms near the center of Gabrielle generated strong upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane.  The removal of large quantities of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.

The circulation around Hurricane Gabrielle became more symmetrical on Monday morning.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Gabrielle’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) from the center of Hurricane Gabrielle.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Gabrielle was 22.1.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 9.9 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 32.0.  Hurricane Gabrielle was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Dennis when Dennie hit Northwest Florida in 2005.

Hurricane Gabrielle will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Gabrielle will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move in the region between an upper level low south of Bermuda and an upper level trough near the east coast of the U.S.  The upper level winds are weak between the upper level low and the upper level trough.  So, there will be little vertical wind shear. Hurricane Gabrielle will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Gabrielle could continue to intensify rapidly during the next few hours .

Hurricane Gabrielle will move around the western end of a subtropical high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Gabrielle toward the north during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Gabrielle will pass east of Bermuda later on Monday.  Gabrielle could approach the Azores by Thursday evening.