Category Archives: Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico

Atlantic TCs

Tropical Depression Edouard Drops Heavy Rain on Southeast Texas

Tropical Depression Edouard was dropping heavy rain on parts of southeast Texas on Wednesday morning.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Depression Edouard was located at latitude 30.8°N and longitude 95.0°W which put the center about 30 miles (50 km) south-southwest of Lufkin, Texas.  Edouard was moving toward the north-northwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 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.

Tropical Depression Edouard was dropping heavy rain on parts of southeast Texas on Wednesday morning.  A radar image from the U.S. National Weather Service Office in Houston showed that the circulation around Edouard was still very well organized.

Flash Flood Warnings are in effect for East Central San Jacinto County, Southeastern Polk County, and Northeastern Liberty County.

A well defined center of circulation was evident in Tropical Depression Edouard.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Edouard’s circulation.  The heaviest rain was falling in a band that was south of the center of Tropical Depression Edouard.  Moderate to heavy rain falling near the center of Edouard’s circulation.  Moderate to heavy rain was also falling south and east of the center of Tropical Depression Edouard.

Tropical Depression Edouard will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system that is over the Southeast U.S.  The high pressure system will steer Edouard slowly toward the north-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Depression Edouard will continue to move farther inland over southeast Texas.

Tropical Storm Edouard will continue to drop heavy rain to parts of southeast Texas.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

A Flood Watch is in effect for parts of southeast Texas.

Tropical Storm Edouard Moves over Southeast Texas

Tropical Storm Edouard moved over southeast Texas near Port Arthur on Tuesday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Edouard was located at latitude 29.9°N and longitude 94.0°W which put the center about 5 miles (10 km) west of Port Arthur, Texas.  Edouard was moving toward the northwest 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 portion of the coast from Port Bolivar, Texas to the Vermilion/Cameron Parish Line in Louisiana.

The center of Tropical Storm Edouard moved inland near Port Arthur, Texas on Tuesday afternoon.  The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) at the time of landfall.

Winds to tropical storm force extend out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Tropical Storm Arthur.

Tropical Storm Edouard will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system that is over the Southeast U.S.  The high pressure system will steer Edouard toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Edouard will move inland over southeast Texas.

Tropical Storm Edouard will bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of southeast Texas.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

A Flood Watch is in effect for parts of southeast Texas.

Tropical Storm Edouard Strengthens

Tropical Storm Edouard was strengthening on Tuesday morning as it near the northwest Gulf Coast.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Edouard was located at latitude 29.4°N and longitude 93.3°W which put the center about 30 miles (50 km) south of Cameron, Louisiana.  Edouard was moving toward the northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1000 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Port Bolivar, Texas to the Vermilion/Iberia Parish Line in Louisiana.

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from High Island, Texas to Cameron, Louisiana.

An U.S. Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter reconnaissance plane found that Tropical Storm Edouard was strengthening on Tuesday morning.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the southern and eastern sides of the center of Edouard’s circulation.  Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Edouard.  Storms near the center of Edouard generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Edouard was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Edouard’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Edouard will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next few hours.  Edouard 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 Edouard is likely to continue to intensify until it makes landfall in a few hours.

Tropical Storm Edouard will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system that is over the Southeast U.S.  The high pressure system will steer Edouard toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Edouard will make landfall on the northwest Gulf Coast near the border between Texas and Louisiana in a few hours.

Tropical Storm Edouard will make landfall on the coast near the border between Texas and Louisiana in a few hours.   Edouard bring strong winds and locally heavy rain.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

A Flood Watch is in effect for southeast Texas including the area around Houston.

Tropical Storm Edouard could also cause a storm surge of up to 6 feet (2 meters) along a portion of the coast near the border between Texas and Louisiana.

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from High Island, Texas to the Vermilion/Cameron Parish Line in Louisiana.

Tropical Storm Edouard Develops South of Louisiana

Tropical Storm Edouard developed over the northern Gulf of Mexico south of Louisiana on Monday evening.  At 8:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Edouard was located at latitude 28.4°N and longitude 91.6°W which put the center about 140 miles (225 km) southeast of Cameron, Louisiana.  Edouard was moving toward the west-northwest at 6 m.p.h. (10 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. (65 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1010 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Port Bolivar, Texas to the Vermilion/Iberia Parish Line in Louisiana.

Former Tropical Depression Five strengthened on Monday evening and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Edouard.

Tropical Storm Edouard was gradually strengthening on Monday evening.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Edouard’s circulation.  Storms near the center of Edouard generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease slowly.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Edouard was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Edouard’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Edouard will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 18 hours.  Edouard 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 will intensify during the next 18 hours.

Tropical Storm Edouard will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system that is over the Southeast U.S.  The high pressure system will steer Edouard toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Edouard will move toward the northwest Gulf Coast.

Tropical Storm Edouard will make landfall on the coast near the border between Texas and Louisiana on Tuesday.   Edouard bring strong winds and locally heavy rain.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

A Flood Watch is in effect for southeast Texas including the area around Houston.

Tropical Storm Edouard could also cause a storm surge of up to 6 feet (2 meters) along a portion of the coast near the border between Texas and Louisiana.

A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from High Island, Texas to the Vermilion/Cameron Parish Line in Louisiana.

Tropical Storm Warning Issued for Texas and Louisiana

A Tropical Storm Warning was issued for a portion of the coast of Texas and Louisiana on Monday morning.  The U.S. National Hurricane Center designated a low pressure system south of Louisiana as Potential Tropical Cyclone Five.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Potential Tropical Cyclone Five was located at latitude 27.8°N and longitude 91.0°W which put the center about 130 miles (210 km) south of Morgan City, Louisiana.  The low pressure system was moving toward the west-northwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 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 1013 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Port Bolivar, Texas to the Vermilion/Cameron Parish Line in Louisiana.

More thunderstorms developed in a low pressure system south of Louisiana on Monday morning and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Potential Tropical Cyclone Five.  More thunderstorms formed near the center of the low pressure system.  Additional thunderstorms also developed in bands in the southern half of the low pressure system.  Storms near the center of circulation began to generate upper level divergence that started to pumped mass away from the low pressure system.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Five 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 30°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Potential Tropical Cyclone Fiver is likely to intensify during the next 24 hours.  The low pressure system is likely to strengthen to Tropical Storm Edouard.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Five will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system that is over the Southeast U.S.  The high pressure system will steer the low pressure system toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Potential Tropical Cyclone Five will move toward the northwest Gulf Coast.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Five is likely to make landfall on the coast near the border between Texas and Louisiana on Tuesday.  The low pressure system will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

A Flood Watch is in effect for southeast Texas including the area around Houston.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Five could also cause a storm surge of up to 6 feet (2 meters) along a portion of the coast near the border between Texas and Louisiana.

Tropical Storm Dolly Forms over Atlantic

Tropical Storm Dolly formed over the Atlantic Ocean midway between Africa and the Lesser Antilles on Thursday morning.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Dolly was located at latitude 13.6°N and longitude 38.7°W which put the center about 1555 miles (2505 km) east of the Lesser Antilles.  Dolly was moving toward the west at 24 m.p.h. (39 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 Atlantic Ocean midway between Africa and the Lesser Antilles strengthened on Thursday morning and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Dolly.

The distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Dolly was asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern half of Dolly’s circulation.  Bands in the northern side of Tropical Storm Dolly consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Dolly generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The strongest winds were occurring in the northeastern part of Tropical Storm Dolly.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) in the northeastern quadrant of Dolly’s circulation.  The winds in the other parts of Tropical Storm Dolly were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Dolly will move through an environment that will be marginally favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Dolly will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the eastern side of a small upper level ridge.  The upper level ridge will produce northerly winds that will blow toward the top of Dolly’s circulation.  Since the winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere are blowing from the east, there will moderate to strong vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Dolly could intensify a little during the next 24 hours in spite of the moderate to strong vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear is expected to increase during the weekend.

Tropical Storm Dolly will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Dolly quickly toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Dolly will move toward the Leeward Islands.  Dolly could approach the Northern Leeward Islands by Saturday night.

 

Cristobal Weakens to a Tropical Depression

Former Tropical Storm Cristobal weakened to a tropical depression early on Thursday.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Depression Cristobal was located at latitude 38.6°N and longitude 38.2°W which put the center about 610 miles (980 km) west of the Azores. Cristobal was moving toward the northeast at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1014 mb.

A combination of cooler Sea Surface Temperatures and strong vertical wind shear caused former Tropical Storm Cristobal to weaken to a tropical depression early on Thursday.  Cristobal was moving over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 24°C.  An upper level trough that is northwest of the Azores was producing strong westerly winds that were blowing across the top of Cristobal’s circulation.  Those winds were causing strong vertical wind shear.

The combination of cooler Sea Surface Temperatures and strong vertical wind shear caused most of the thunderstorms in former Tropical Storm Cristobal to dissipate.  A few thunderstorms were still occurring in a band in the far eastern edge of Tropical Depression Cristobal.  The bands in the rest of Cristobal’s circulation consisted of showers and lower clouds.

Tropical Depression Cristobal will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Cristobal will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 23°C.  The upper level trough northwest of the Azores will continue to cause strong vertical wind shear.  Tropical Depression Cristobal will continue to weaken during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Depression Cristobal will move around the northern part of a high pressure system that is over the eastern Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Cristobal toward the northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Depression Cristobal will pass northwest of the western Azores.

Tropical Storm Cristobal Forms West of the Azores

Tropical Storm Cristobal formed over the Atlantic Ocean west of the Azores on Wednesday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Cristobal was located at latitude 36.7°N and longitude 43.0°W which put the center about 880 miles (1420 km) west of the Azores.  Cristobal was moving toward the east at 25 m.p.h. (41 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 1008 mb.

A low pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean strengthened on Wednesday morning and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Cristobal.

A distinct low level center of circulation was visible at the center of Tropical Storm Cristobal.  However, the distribution of thunderstorms was asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southeastern part of Cristobal’s circulation.  Bands in the other parts of Tropical Storm Cristobal consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The strongest winds were occurring in the bands of thunderstorms in the southeastern quadrant of Tropical Storm Cristobal.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) in the southeastern quadrant of Cristobal’s circulation.  The winds in the other parts of Tropical Storm Cristobal were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Cristobal will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Cristobal will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 25°C. It will move under the southern part of a trough that is west of the Azores.  The trough will produce westerly winds that will blow toward the top of Cristobal’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate to strong vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Cristobal is likely to weaken during the next 24 hours because of the cool water and vertical wind shear.

Tropical Storm Cristobal will move around the northern part of a high pressure system that is over the eastern Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Cristobal toward the east-northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Cristobal will move closer to the western Azores.

Tropical Storm Bertha Near Texas/Louisiana Border

The center of Tropical Storm Bertha moved back inland near the border between Texas and Louisiana on Thursday afternoon.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Bertha was located at latitude 29.9°N and longitude 93.8°W which put the center about 20 miles (30 km) east of Port Arthur, Texas.  Bertha was moving toward the west at 10 m.p.h. (16 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.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Morgan City, Louisiana to Sargent, Texas.

Tropical Storm Bertha was bringing gusty winds to southern Louisiana and eastern Texas on Thursday afternoon.  However, the strongest winds were in the southeastern part of Bertha’s circulation.  Those winds were occurring over the Gulf of Mexico.

The distribution of wind speeds around Tropical Storm Bertha was very asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) in the southern part of Bertha’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force only extended out 25 miles (40 km) in the northern side of Tropical Storm Bertha.

The heaviest rain was falling in thunderstorms located in bands in the southwestern periphery of Tropical Storm Bertha.  Those thunderstorms were over the Gulf of Mexico east of Texas.  Light to moderate rain was falling over southern Louisiana and eastern Texas from showers and a few thunderstorms in bands closer to the low level center of Bertha’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Bertha will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is over the Southern Plains.  The high pressure system will steer Bertha toward the west-southwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Storm Bertha will move inland over eastern and south central Texas.

Tropical Storm Bertha will produce gusty winds over eastern and south central Texas as it moves inland.  Thunderstorms, primarily south of the center of Bertha’s circulation, could produce heavy rain in some locations.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some places.

Tropical Storm Bertha Moves Across Southeast Louisiana

Tropical Storm Bertha moved across southeastern Louisiana on Wednesday evening.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Bertha’ was located at latitude 29.4°N and longitude 91.1°W which put the center about 75 miles (120 km) southwest of New Orleans, Louisiana.  Bertha was moving toward the west-southwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 1002 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Mississippi/Alabama border to Sargent, Texas.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for New Orleans.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Lake Pontchartrain.

Strong northeasterly winds in the upper levels of the atmosphere appeared to be blowing the middle and upper parts of Tropical Storm Bertha to the southwest of the surface circulation.  The center of the surface circulation was south-southeast of Morgan City, Louisiana.  Thunderstorms were still occurring in bands in the southwestern part of the surface circulation around Tropical Storm Bertha.  Bands in the other parts of Bertha’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  It is possible that a new center of circulation could develop closer to the area of showers and thunderstorms.

The strongest winds were occurring in the southeastern part of Tropical Storm Bertha.  Those winds were occurring over the Gulf of Mexico.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) in the southern side of Bertha’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force only extended out 60 miles (95 km) in the northern side of Tropical Storm Bertha.

Tropical Storm Bertha will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification during the next 18 hours.  Bertha will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under southeastern part of an upper level ridge that is centered over the South Central U.S.  The upper level ridge will produce strong northeasterly winds that will blow across the top of Bertha’s circulation.  Those upper level winds will continue to cause strong vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Bertha is likely to continue to weaken during the next 18 hours unless a new center of circulation forms near the thunderstorms over the Gulf of Mexico.

Tropical Storm Bertha will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is over the southern Mississippi River Valley.  The high pressure system will steer Bertha toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Storm Bertha will move over eastern Texas south of Galveston on Thursday evening.

Tropical Storm Bertha will bring gusty winds to the northwestern Gulf Coast.  Bertha could drop locally heavy rain over parts of southern Louisiana and eastern Texas.