Category Archives: Tropical Cyclones

Information about tropical cyclones

Hurricane Lorena Moves Toward Baja California

Hurricane Lorena was moving toward Baja California on Wednesday evening.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Lorena was located at latitude 23.4°N and longitude 113.2°W which put the center about 110 miles (175 km) south-southwest of Cabo San Lazaro, Mexico.  Lorena was moving toward the northwest 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 981 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Santa Fe to Punta Eugenia, Mexico.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Todos Santos to Sante Fe, Mexico.  A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Santa Rosalia to Bahia de Los Angeles, Mexico.

Hurricane Lorena strengthened a little more on Wednesday.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Lorena’s circulation.  However, an eye was not visible on satellite images.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Hurricane Lorena.  Storms near the center of Lorena generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the northeast of the hurricane.

The circulation around Hurricane Lorena was small.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 20 miles (30 km) in the northeastern quadrant of Lorena’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center of Hurricane Lorena.

Hurricane Lorena will move through an environment that will become unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Lorena will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 25°C.  It will move under the southeastern part of an upper level trough that is west of Baja California.  The upper level trough will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Lorena’s circulation.  Those winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase.  The combination of cooler Sea Surface Temperatures and more vertical wind shear will cause Hurricane Lorena to weaken on Thursday.

Hurricane Lorena will move around the western end of a high pressure system that is over Mexico.  The high pressure system will steer Lorena toward the north during the next 24 hours.  The upper level trough that is west of Baja California will steer Lorena toward the northeast later on Thursday.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Lorena will approach the coast of Baja California between Cabo San Lazaro and Punta Eugenia on Friday.

Hurricane Lorena will weaken to a tropical storm before it reaches the coast of Baja California.  Lorena will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to parts of Baja California.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere, Hurricane Kiko strengthened to a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale far to the east-southeast of Hawaii.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Kiko was located at latitude 13.8°N and longitude 132.3°W which put the center about 1560 miles (2510 km) east-southeast of Hilo Hawaii.  Kiko was moving toward the west at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 145 m.p.h. (235 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 170 m.p.h. (275 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 944 mb.

Tropical Storm Peipah Forms Near Kyushu

Tropical Storm Peipah formed over the Western North Pacific Ocean just to the south of Kyushu on Wednesday evening.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Peipah was located at latitude 30.3°N and longitude 131.4°E which put the center about 110 miles (175 km) south of Miyazaki, Japan.  Peipah was moving toward the north at 18 m.p.h. (30 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 999 mb.

A low pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean just to the south of Kyushu strengthened on Wednesday evening and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Peipah.

The distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Peipah was asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the northern and eastern parts of Peipah’s circulation.  Bands in the southern and western parts of Tropical Storm Peipah consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Peipah generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the northeast of the tropical storm.

The distribution of wind speeds in Tropical Storm Peipah was also asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 85 miles (135 km) in the eastern side of Peipah’s circulation.  The winds in the western side of Tropical Storm Peipah were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Peipah will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Peipah will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the northern part of an upper level ridge that is south of Japan.  The upper level ridge will produce westerly winds that will blow toward the top of Peipah’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification but the wind shear may not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Peipah could intensify a little during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Peipah will move around the northern side of a high pressure system that is south of Japan.  The high pressure system will steer Peipah toward the northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Storm Peipah will pass just to the east of Kyushu during the next 12 hours.  Peipah could move near the southern coast of Shikoku later on Thursday.  The center of Tropical Storm Peipah could be south of Osaka in 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Peipah will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to parts of Kyushu, Shikoku and Honshu.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Lorena Intensifies to a Hurricane

Former Tropical Storm Lorena intensified to a hurricane over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean south of Baja California on Tuesday night.  The government of Mexico issued a Tropical Storm Warning for a portion of the coast of Baja California.  At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Lorena was located at latitude 21.9°N and longitude 111.1°W which put the center about 105 miles (165 km) southwest of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.  Lorena was moving toward the northwest 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 990 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for a portion of the coast from Santa Fe to Cabo San Lazaro, Mexico.

A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Cabo San Lucas to Santa Fe, Mexico.  A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Cabo San Lazaro to Punta Abreojos, Mexico.

Former Tropical Storm Lorena intensified to a hurricane on Tuesday night.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped part of the way around the center of Lorena’s circulation.  A small eye appeared to be forming at the center of Hurricane Lorena.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Lorena’s circulation.  Storms near the center of Lorena generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Hurricane Lorena was small.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 15 miles (25 km) in the northeastern quadrant of Lorena’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Hurricane Lorena.

Hurricane Lorena will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Lorena will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the western part of the axis of an upper level ridge over Mexico.  The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Hurricane Lorena will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Lorena could intensify rapidly at times on Wednesday.

Hurricane Lorena will move around the western end of a high pressure system over Mexico.  The high pressure system will steer Lorena toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  Lorena is expected to move toward the north on Thursday.  On it anticipated track, Hurricane Lorena could approach the coast of Baja California between Cabo San Lazaro and Punta Eugenia on Friday.

Elsewhere over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean, Hurricane Kiko continued to churn toward the west.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Kiko was located at latitude 13.8°N and longitude 130.1°W which put the center about 1700 miles (2735 km) east Hilo Hawaii.  Kiko was moving toward the west at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 973 mb.

 

Lorena Prompts Tropical Storm Watch for Baja California

The risk posed by Tropical Storm Lorena prompted the government of Mexico to issue a Tropical Storm Watch for a portion of the coast of southern Baja California.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Lorena was located at latitude 19.4°N and longitude 109.0°W which put the center about 250 miles (400 km) south-southeast of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.  Lorena was moving toward the northwest 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 1002 mb.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Cabo San Lucas to Cabo San Lazaro, Mexico.

Tropical Storm Lorena strengthened gradually on Tuesday afternoon.  Thunderstorms continued to develop near the center of Lorena’s circulation.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Lorena.  Storms near the center of Lorena generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the south and west of the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease slowly.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Lorena was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Lorena’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Lorena will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Lorena will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over Mexico.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Lorena’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 prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Lorena will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Lorena could strengthen to a hurricane on Wednesday.

Tropical Storm Lorena will move around the western end of a high pressure system over Mexico.  The high pressure system will steer Lorena toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Lorena will move south of Baja California during Tuesday night.  Lorena is expected to move toward the northeast later this week.  Tropical Storm Lorena could approach the coast of Baja California between Cabo San Lazaro and Punta Eugenia on Friday.

Elsewhere over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean, Hurricane Kiko strengthened to a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale far to the east of Hawaii.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Hurricane Kiko was located at latitude 13.9°N and longitude 128.9°W which put the center about 1775 miles (2855 km) east Hilo Hawaii.  Kiko was moving toward the west at 6 m.p.h. (10 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 980 mb.

Depression Strengthens to Tropical Storm Lorena

Former Tropical Depression Twelve-E strengthened to Tropical Storm Lorena over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean south-southeast of Baja California on Tuesday morning.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Lorena was located at latitude 18.3°N and longitude 107.9°W which put the center about 345 miles (550 km) south-southeast of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.  Lorena was moving toward the northwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1004 mb.

Former Tropical Depression Twelve-E strengthened to Tropical Storm Lorena on Tuesday morning.  New thunderstorms continued to develop near the center of Lorena’s circulation.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Lorena.  Storms near the center of Lorena generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the south and west of the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Lorena was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Lorena’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Lorena will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Lorena will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over Mexico. The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Lorena’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 prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Lorena will intensify during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Lorena will move around the western end of a high pressure system over Mexico.  The high pressure system will steer Lorena toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Lorena will move south of Baja California during Tuesday night.

Elsewhere over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean, former Tropical Storm Kiko intensified to a hurricane far to the east of Hawaii.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Hurricane Kiko was located at latitude 13.8°N and longitude 128.3°W which put the center about 1815 miles (2920 km) east Hilo Hawaii.  Kiko was moving toward the west at 6 m.p.h. (10 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 987 mb.

Tropical Depression 12E Forms Near Mexico’s West Coast

Tropical Depression Twelve-E formed over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean near the west coast of Mexico on Monday evening.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Depression Twelve-E was located at latitude 17.2°N and longitude 105.4°W which put the center about 145 miles (230 km) south-southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico.  Tropical Depression Twelve-E was moving toward the west-northwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1007 mb.

A low pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean strengthened on Monday evening and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Depression Twelve-E.

The circulation around Tropical Depression Twelve-E exhibited more organization on Monday evening.  More thunderstorms formed near the center of the tropical depression.  More thunderstorms also developed in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Depression Twelve-E.  Storms near the center of circulation began to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical depression.

Tropical Depression Twelve-E will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  The tropical depression will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over Mexico.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of the tropical depression.  The winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere will also blow from the east.  So, there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Depression Twelve-E will intensify to a tropical storm on Tuesday.

Tropical Depression Twelve-E will move around the western end of a high pressure system over Mexico.  The high pressure system will steer the tropical depression toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Depression Twelve-E will move toward Baja California.

Elsewhere over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Kiko intensified on Monday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Kiko was located at latitude 13.8°N and longitude 127.3°W which put the center about 1880 miles (3025 km) east Hilo Hawaii.  Kiko was moving toward the west at 7 m.p.h. (11 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.

Tropical Storm Kiko Forms Over the Eastern North Pacific

Tropical Storm Kiko formed over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean between Mexico and Hawaii on Sunday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Kiko was located at latitude 14.4°N and longitude 123.1°W which put the center about 1045 miles (1680 km) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.  Kiko was moving toward the west at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1007 mb.

A low pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean between Mexico and Hawaii strengthened on Sunday morning and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Kiko.

Tropical Storm Kiko exhibited more organization on Sunday morning.  More thunderstorms formed near the center of Kiko’s circulation.  More thunderstorms also developed in bands in the western side of Tropical Storm Kiko.  Bands in the eastern side of Kiko’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Kiko began to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the tropical storm.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Kiko was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 35 miles in the northern side of Kiko’s circulation.  The winds in the southern side of Tropical Storm Kiko were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Kiko will move through an environment favorable for intensification.  Kiko will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C.  It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Kiko’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Kiko will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Kiko could strengthen to a hurricane in a couple of days.

Tropical Storm Kiko will move around the southern side of a subtropical high pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Kiko toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Kiko will move toward the Central Pacific Ocean.

Tropical Storm Juliette Weakens

Tropical Storm Juliette weakened as it moved west of Baja California on Wednesday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Juliette was located at latitude 23.9°N and longitude 120.2°W which put the center about 655 miles (1055 km) west of the southern tip of Baja California.  Juliette was moving toward the north-northwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1006 mb.

A combination of cooler water and stronger vertical wind shear caused Tropical Storm Juliette to weaken on Wednesday.  Thunderstorms were still occurring in bands in the northeastern part of Juliette’s circulation.  Bands in the other parts of Tropical Storm Juliette consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Juliette was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Juliette’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Juliette will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Juliette will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 22°C.  It will move under the eastern part of an upper level trough that is west of Baja California.  The upper level trough will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Juliette’s circulation.  Those winds will cause strong vertical wind shear.  The combination of cool Sea Surface Temperatures and strong vertical wind shear will cause Tropical Storm Juliette to continue to weaken during the next 24 hours.

The upper level trough west of Baja California will steer Tropical Storm Juliette toward the north during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Juliette will remain far to the west of Baja California.

Tropical Storm Fernand Moves East

Tropical Storm Fernand moved east over the North Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Fernand was located at latitude 39.3°N and longitude 47.4°W which put the center about 585 miles (945 km) south-southeast of Cape Race, Newfoundland.  Fernand was moving toward the east-northeast 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 1006 mb.

Many of the thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Fernand dissipated on Wednesday as Fernand moved over cooler water.  The circulation around Fernand consisted primarily of bands of showers and lower clouds.

Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of Tropical Storm Fernand.

Tropical Storm Fernand will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification of a tropical storm during the next 24 hours.  Fernand will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 22°C.  An upper level wind trough east of Canada will produce southwesterly winds that will blow across the top of Fernand’s circulation.  Those winds will cause strong vertical wind shear.  The combination of cool water and strong vertical wind shear will cause Tropical Storm Fernand to weaken during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Fernand will move around the northern side of a high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Fernand toward the east-northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Fernand will move southeast of Newfoundland on Thursday.

Tropical Storm Juliette Moves Southwest of Baja California

Tropical Storm Juliette moved southwest of Baja California on Tuesday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Juliette was located at latitude 19.9°N and longitude 117.2°W which put the center about 515 miles (825 km) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.  Juliette was moving toward the northwest at 10 m.p.h. (16 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 996 mb.

Tropical Storm Juliette intensified on Tuesday as it moved over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean southwest of Baja California.  More thunderstorms formed near the center of Juliette’s circulation.  Thunderstorms were also occurring in bands in the southern half of Tropical Storm Juliette.  Bands in the northern side of Juliette’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Juliette generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the south and west of the tropical storm.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Juliette was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of Juliette’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Juliette will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Juliette will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 24°C.  It will move under the southeastern part of an upper level ridge over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean.  The upper level ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Juliette’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The combination of cooler Sea Surface Temperatures and moderate vertical wind shear will cause Tropical Storm Juliette to weaken during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Juliette will move around the western end of a high pressure system over northwestern Mexico.  The high pressure system will steer Juliette toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Juliette will remain far to the west of Baja California.