Category Archives: Tropical Cyclones

Information about tropical cyclones

Rafael Intensifies to a Hurricane Near Cayman Islands

Former Tropical Storm Rafael intensified to a hurricane near the Cayman Islands on Tuesday evening.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Hurricane Rafael was located at latitude 19.7°N and longitude 80.4°W which put the center about 60 miles (95 km) east-northeast of Grand Cayman.  Rafael was moving toward the northwest at 13 m.p.h. (20 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 95 m.p.h. (150 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 985 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac.  A  Hurricane Warning was in effect for the Cuban provinces of Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, La Habana, Mayabeque, Matanzas, and the Isle of Youth.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the Cuban provinces of Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Sancti Spiritis, and Ciego de Avila.

A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the Florida Keys from Key West to Channel 5 Bridge.  A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the Dry Tortugas.  A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the Cuban provinces of Camaguey and Las Tunas.

Former Tropical Storm Rafael intensified to a hurricane on Tuesday evening.  A circular eye with a diameter of 15 miles (17 km) formed at the center of Rafael’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 core of Hurricane Rafael.  Storms near the core of Rafael generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

Winds to hurricane force extended out 20 miles (30 km) in the northeastern quadrant of Hurricane Rafael.  Wind to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) in the eastern side of Rafael’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) in the western side of Hurricane Rafael.

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

Hurricane Rafael will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Rafael toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Hurricane Rafael will move away from the Cayman Islands.  Rafael is likely to reach western Cuba by Wednesday afternoon.

Hurricane Rafael will continue to bring strong winds and heavy rain to the Cayman Islands for the next few hours.  Heavy rain could cause floods in some locations. Rafael could also cause a storm surge of up to 7 feet (2 meters) in the Cayman Islands.  Hurricane Rafael will bring strong winds and heavy rain to western Cuba.  Strong winds could cause widespread electricity outages in Cuba.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.  Rafael could cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) along the south coast of western Cuba.

Tropical Storm Rafael Brings Wind and Rain to Jamaica

Tropical Storm Rafael was bringing wind and rain to Jamaica on Tuesday morning.  The center of Rafael was just southwest of Jamaica.  At 7:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Rafael was located at latitude 17.4°N and longitude 78.4°W which put the center about 80 miles (130 km) south-southwest of Montego Bay, Jamaica.  Rafael was moving toward the northwest at 13 m.p.h. (20 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.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac.  A  Hurricane Warning was in effect for the Cuban provinces of Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, La Habana, Mayabeque, Matanzas, and the Isle of Youth.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for Jamaica. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the Cuban provinces of Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Sancti Spiritis, and Ciego de Avila.

A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the Florida Keys from Key West to Channel 5 Bridge.  A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the Dry Tortugas.  A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the Cuban provinces of Camaguey and Las Tunas.

Tropical Storm Rafael was strengthening on Tuesday morning as it passed near Jamaica.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the western and southern sides of the center of Rafael’s circulation.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Rafael.  Storms near the center of Rafael 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 around Tropical Storm Rafael was asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 105 miles (165 km) in the eastern side of Rafael’s circulation.  The winds in the western side of Tropical Storm Rafael were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Rafael will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Rafael will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge over the Caribbean Sea.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Rafael will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Rafael could intensify rapidly at times.  Tropical Storm Rafael is likely to strengthen to a hurricane by Tuesday night.

Tropical Storm Rafael will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Rafael toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Rafael will reach the Cayman Islands by Tuesday night.  Rafael is likely to reach western Cuba by Wednesday afternoon.

Tropical Storm Rafael will continue to bring strong winds and heavy rain Jamaica for the rest of Tuesday.  Heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.  Rafael is likely to be a hurricane when it moves over the Cayman Islands.  Rafael will bring strong winds and heavy rain to the Cayman Islands.  It could also cause a storm surge of up to 7 feet (2 meters) in the Cayman Islands.  Rafael will be a hurricane when it reaches western Cuba.  Strong winds could cause widespread electricity outages in Cuba.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Depression Strengthens to Tropical Storm Rafael

Former Tropical Depression Eighteen strengthened to Tropical Storm Rafael south of Jamaica on Monday afternoon.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Rafael was located at latitude 15.5°N and longitude 76.7°W which put the center about 175 miles (280 km) south of Kingston, Jamaica.  Rafael was moving toward the north at 9 m.p.h. (15 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 997 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac,

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for Jamaica.

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

A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the Florida Keys from Key West to Channel 5 Bridge.  A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the Dry Tortugas.  A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the Cuban provinces of Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Sancti Spiritis, Ciego de Avila, Camaguey and Las Tunas.

Former Tropical Depression Eighteen strengthened on Monday afternoon and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Rafael.  The circulation around Tropical Storm Rafael was organizing rapidly.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Rafael’s circulation.  More thunderstorms formed near the center of circulation.  More thunderstorms also developed in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Rafael.  Storms near the center of Rafael generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away fro the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

Tropical Storm Rafael will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Rafael will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge over the Caribbean Sea.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Rafael will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Rafael could intensify rapidly at times.  Tropical Storm Rafael is likely to strengthen to a hurricane on Tuesday.

Tropical Storm Rafael will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Rafael toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Rafael will pass near Jamaica on Monday night.  Rafael  will reach the Cayman Islands by Tuesday night.  Rafael is likely to reach western Cuba by Wednesday afternoon.

Tropical Storm Rafael will bring strong winds and heavy rain Jamaica. Heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.  Rafael is likely to be a hurricane when it moves over the Cayman Islands.  Rafael will bring strong winds and heavy rain to the Cayman Islands.  It could also cause a storm surge of up to 7 feet (2 meters) in the Cayman Islands.

Yinxing Strengthens to a Typhoon

Former Tropical Storm Yinxing strengthened to a typhoon over the Western North Pacific Ocean east of the Philippines.  At 10:00 a.m. EST on Monday the center of Typhoon Yinxing was located at latitude 14.8°N and longitude 129.5°W which put the center about 610 miles (980 km) east of Manila, Philippines.  Yinxing was moving toward the northwest at 21 m.p.h. (33 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 987 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Yinxing strengthened to a typhoon east of the Philippines on Monday.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Yinxing’s circulation.  An eye appeared to be forming at the center of Typhoon Yinxing.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of circulation.  Storms near the center of Yinxing generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.

Winds to typhoon force extended out 35 miles in the eastern side of Typhoon Yinxing.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 165 miles (265 km) from the center of Yinxing’s circulation.

Typhoon Yinxing will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Yinxing will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the southwestern part of an upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The upper level ridge will produce southeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Yinxing’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Typhoon Yinxing will intensify during the next 24 hours.

Typhoon Yinxing will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Yinxing toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Yinxing will move toward the northern Philippines.  Yinxing could approach northern Luzon in three days.

Tropical Storm Warning Issued for Jamaica, Hurricane Watch for Cayman Islands

The threat posed by a low pressure system over the Southwestern Caribbean Sea prompted the issuance of a Tropical Storm Warning for Jamaica and a Hurricane Watch for the Cayman Islands on Sunday afternoon.  The low pressure system was designated as Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteen by the U.S. National Hurricane Center.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Sunday the center of Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteen was located at latitude 13.0°N and longitude 77.1°W which put the center about 345 miles (555 km) south of Kingston, Jamaica.  The low pressure system was moving toward the northeast 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 1004 mb.

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Jamaica.

A U.S. Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft investigated a low pressure system over the Southwestern Caribbean Sea on Sunday afternoon.  The aircraft found that there was a distinct low low level center of circulation in the low pressure system.  More thunderstorms were forming near the center of the low pressure system.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were starting to revolve around the center of Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteen.  Storms near the center of the low pressure system began to generate upper level divergence.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteen will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  The low pressure system will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the western end of an upper level ridge over the Caribbean Sea.  The upper level ridge will produce southeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of the low pressure system.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteen will intensify during the next 24 hours.  It is likely to become a tropical storm on Monday.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteen will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteen toward the north-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteen will reach Jamaica on Monday night.  It could reach the Cayman Islands on Tuesday afternoon.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteen will bring strong winds and heavy rain Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.  Heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.

Elsewhere, Subtropical Storm Patty moved east of the Azores.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Sunday the center of Subtropical Storm Patty was located at latitude 37.3°N and longitude 22.3°W which put the center about 280 miles (450 km) east-southeast of Lajes, Azores.  Patty was moving toward the east at 17 m.p.h. (28 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 990 mb.

Tropical Storm Yinxing Forms East of the Philippines

Tropical Storm Yinxing formed east of the Philippines on Sunday.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Yinxing was located at latitude 11.5°N and longitude 134.0°W which put the center about 955 miles (1540 km) east-southeast of Manila, Philippines.  Yinxing was moving toward the west at 15 m.p.h. (24 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. (105 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 997 mb.

A low pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean east of the Philippines strengthened on Sunday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Yinxing.  The circulation around Yinxing was organizing rapidly.  More thunderstorms were forming near the center of Tropical Storm Yinxing.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Yinxing’s circulation.  Storms near the center of Yinxing generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

Tropical Storm Yinxing will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Yinxing will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Yinxing will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Yingxing is likely to strengthen to a typhoon on Monday.

Tropical Storm Yinxing will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Yinxing toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Yinxing will move toward the northern Philippines.

Subtropical Storm Patty Moves Across the Azores

Subtropical Storm Patty was moving across the Azores on Saturday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Subtropical Storm Patty was located at latitude 37.9°N and longitude 27.8°W which put the center about 75 miles (120 km) south-southwest of Lajes, Azores.  Patty was moving toward the east at 20 m.p.h. (32 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 985 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Azores.

Subtropical Storm Patty strengthened a little as it approached the Azores on Saturday.  However, Patty appeared to be starting to weaken on Saturday night.  The distribution of thunderstorms started to look a little more asymmetrical.  The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the northeastern part of Patty’s circulation.  Bands in the southern and western parts of Subtropical Storm Patty consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The circulation around Subtropical Storm Patty remained large.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 205 miles (325 km) in the southern side of Patty’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 105 miles (165 km) in the northern side of Subtropical Storm Patty.

Subtropical Storm Patty will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Patty will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 21°C.  It will move under the southern part of an upper level low.  The upper level low will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Patty’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear and the wind shear will inhibit intensification.  Subtropical Storm Patty is likely to weaken during the next 24 hours.

The upper level trough will steer Subtropical Storm Patty toward the east during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Subtropical Storm Patty will continue to move across the Azores during the next 12 hours,  Patty will move east of the Azores later on Sunday.

Subtropical Storm Patty will bring strong winds and heavy rain to the Azores during Saturday night and Sunday.  Strong winds could cause localized damage and electricity outages.

 

Tropical Depression Thirteen-E Strengthens to Tropical Storm Lane

Former Tropical Depression Thirteen-E strengthened to Tropical Storm Lane during Friday night.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Lane was located at latitude 11.1°N and longitude 129.5°W which put the center about 1525 miles (2455 km) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.  Lane was moving toward the west at 7 m.p.h. (11 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.

The circulation around formed Tropical Depression Thirteen-E strengthened during Friday night and the U.S. National Hurricane center designated the system as Tropical Storm Lane.  The distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Lane was asymmetrical.  The inner end of a band of thunderstorms wrapped around the northern side of the center of Lane’s circulation.  Bands in the southern side of Tropical Storm Lane consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Lane generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the east of the tropical storm.

The strongest winds in Tropical Storm Lane were occurring in the band of thunderstorms north of the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force were occurring out to 45 miles (75 km) in the northern side of Lane’s circulation.  The winds in the southern side of Tropical Storm Lane were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Lane will move through an environment that will be only marginally favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Lane will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the southeastern part of an upper trough east of Hawaii.  The upper level ridge will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Lane’s circulation.  Those winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but Tropical Storm Lane could intensify a little more during the next 12 hours.  The upper level trough will cause the vertical wind shear to increase even more on Sunday, which will cause Lane to weaken

Tropical Storm Lane will move south of a high pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer the Lane toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Lane will move remain far from any land areas.

Subtropical Storm Patty Forms, Tropical Storm Warning Issued for Azores

Subtropical Storm Patty formed over the North Atlantic Ocean on Saturday morning and a Tropical Storm Warning was issued for the Azores. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Subtropical Storm Patty was located at latitude 39.9°N and longitude 34.4°W which put the center about 426 miles (675 km) west-northwest of the Azores.  Patty was moving toward the east-southeast at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 998 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Azores.

A low pressure system at the center of an old occluded extratratropical cyclone over the North Atlantic Ocean was designated as Subtropical Storm Patty by the U.S. National Hurricane Center on Saturday morning.  The circulation around Subtropical Storm Patty was symmetrical.  A clear area like an eye was at the center of Patty’s circulation.  The clear area was surrounded by a ring of showers and low topped thunderstorms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Subtropical Storm Patty.

The circulation around Subtropical Storm Patty was large, since Patty formed at the center of an old occluded extratropical cyclone.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 205 miles (330 km) in the southern side of Patty’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 105 miles (165 km) in the northern side of Subtropical Storm Patty.

Subtropical Storm Patty will move through an environment only marginally favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Patty will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 21°C.  It will move under the southern part of an upper level low that was part of the old occluded extratropical cyclone.  The upper level low will produce westerly winds that will blow toward the top of Patty’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear and the wind shear will inhibit intensification.  Subtropical Storm Patty could intensify a little during the next 24 hours, but it is likely to start to weaken on Sunday.

The upper level trough will steer Subtropical Storm Patty toward the east-southeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Subtropical Storm Patty will reach the western Azores on Saturday night.  Patty will move across the Azores on Sunday.

Subtropical Storm Patty will bring strong winds and heavy rain to the Azores during Saturday night and Sunday.  Strong winds could cause localized damage and electricity outages.

Tropical Depression Thirteen-E Forms Southwest of Baja California

Tropical Depression Thirteen-E formed over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean southwest of Baja California on Friday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Depression Thirteen-E was located at latitude 11.2°N and longitude 128.4°W which put the center about 1460 miles (2350 km) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.  The tropical depression was moving toward the west 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 1006 mb.

A low pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean southwest of Baja California strengthened on Saturday afternoon and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Depression Thirteen-E.  More thunderstorms formed near the center of Tropical Depression Thirteen-E on Friday afternoon.  Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of the tropical depression.  Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical depression.

Tropical Depression Thirteen-E will move through an environment that will be somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  The tropical depression will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the western 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 the depression’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear may not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Depression Thirteen-E could intensify to a tropical storm during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Depression Thirteen-E will move south of a high pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer the tropical depression toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Depression Thirteen-E will move farther away from Baja California.