Category Archives: Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico

Atlantic TCs

Tropical Storm Lorenzo Forms Over Central Atlantic

Tropical Storm Lorenzo formed over the central tropical Atlantic Ocean on Monday morning,  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Lorenzo was located at latitude 14.2°N and longitude 40.3°W which put the center about 1095 miles (1760 km) west of the Cabo Verde Islands.  Lorenzo was moving toward the northwest 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 1006 mb.

A low pressure system over the central tropical Atlantic Ocean west of the Cabo Verde Islands strengthened on Monday morning and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Lorenzo.

More thunderstorms were forming near the center of Tropical Storm Lorenzo on Monday morning.  Thunderstorms were also occurring in bands in the northern and eastern parts of Lorenzo’s circulation.  Bands in the southern and western parts of Lorenzo consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Lorenzo began to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the north and east of the tropical storm.

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

Tropical Storm Lorenzo will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Lorenzo will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C.  It will move under the eastern side of an upper level low that is northeast of South America.  The upper level low will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Lorenzo’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 Lorenzo could intensify during the next 24 hours if the upper level winds do not get any stronger.

Tropical Storm Lorenzo will move around the eastern side of a high pressure system that is over the eastern Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Lorenzo toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Lorenzo could approach the Azores at the end of the week.

Tropical Storm Jerry Drops Heavy Rain on Northern Leeward Islands

Although it was not very well organized, bands in the southeastern part of Tropical Storm Jerry dropped heavy rain on some of the Northern Leeward Islands on Friday morning.  At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Jerry was located at latitude 19.8°N and longitude 63.3°W which put the center about 110 miles (175 km) north of the Northern Leeward Islands.  Jerry was moving toward the northwest at 17 m.p.h. (28 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.

Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect for St. Barthelemy, St. Martin, and Sint Maarten.

Tropical Storm Jerry weakened on Thursday night.  The circulation around Jerry was not very well organized on Friday morning.  Strong easterly winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere continued to push the bottom part of Tropical Storm Jerry to the northwest of the middle and upper level circulations.  Bands near the center of the low level circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  The bands in the western and northern sides of Jerry’s circulation also consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southeastern part of Tropical Storm Jerry.  Some of those thunderstorms were dropping heavy rain on the Northern Leeward Islands.

The strongest winds were occurring in the bands of thunderstorms in the southeastern part of Tropical Storm Jerry.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 185 miles (295 km) in the eastern side of Jerry’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) in the northwestern quadrant of Tropical Storm Jerry.  The winds in the southwestern quadrant of Jerry were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Jerry will move through an environment that will be mostly unfavorable for development during the next 24 hours.  Jerry will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the southeastern part of an upper level low that is north of Puerto Rico.  The upper level low will produce westerly winds that will blow toward the top of Jerry’s circulation.  Since strong easterly winds are blowing in the lower levels of the atmosphere, there will continue to be strong vertical wind shear.  The strong vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification.  Tropical Storm Jerry could weaken during the next 24 hours because of the strong vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear could decrease during the weekend, when Jerry moves into a region where the winds in the lower level will blow from the south.

Tropical Storm Jerry will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Jerry toward the north during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Jerry will move away from the Northern Leeward Islands on Friday.

Tropical Storm Jerry will continue to drop heavy rain on some of the Northern Leeward Islands on Friday.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Subtropical Storm Karen formed at the center of an occluded extratropical cyclone north of the Azores.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Karen was located at latitude 45.3°N and longitude 32.1°W which put the center about 570 miles (915 km) north-northwest of the Azores.  Karen was moving toward the northeast 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 998 mb.

Tropical Storm Jerry Nears Northern Leeward Islands

Tropical Storm Jerry neared the Northern Leeward Islands on Thursday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Jerry was located at latitude 17.3°N and longitude 60.6°W which put the center about 175 miles (285 km) east-southeast of the Northern Leeward Islands.  Jerry was moving toward the west-northwest at 18 m.p.h. (30 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 1001 mb.

Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect for Anguilla, Barbuda, St. Barthelemy, St. Martin, Sint Maarten, and Guadeloupe.

Tropical Storm Watches are in effect for Antigua, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, Saba, and St. Eustatius.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Jerry was still not well organized on Thursday afternoon.  Strong easterly winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere continued to push the bottom part of Tropical Storm Jerry to the northwest of the middle and upper level circulations.  Bands near the center of the low level circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. The bands in the western and northern sides of Jerry’s circulation also consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southeastern part of Tropical Storm Jerry.

The strongest winds were occurring in the bands of thunderstorms in the southeastern part of Tropical Storm Jerry.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) in the eastern side of Jerry’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) in the northwestern quadrant of Tropical Storm Jerry.  The winds in the southwestern quadrant of Jerry were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Jerry will move through an environment that will be mostly unfavorable for development during the next 24 hours.  Jerry will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the southeastern part of an upper level low that is north of Puerto Rico.  The upper level low will produce westerly winds that will blow toward the top of Jerry’s circulation.  Since strong easterly winds are blowing in the lower levels of the atmosphere, there will continue to be strong vertical wind shear.  The strong vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification.  Tropical Storm Jerry could even weaken during the next 24 hours because of the strong vertical wind shear.

Tropical Storm Jerry will move around the southwestern side of a high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Jerry toward the north-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Jerry will pass near the Northern Leeward Islands on Thursday night.

Tropical Storm Jerry will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the Northern Leeward Islands.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.  Since the strongest winds are in the eastern part of Tropical Storm Jerry, the strongest winds may not hit the Northern Leeward Islands.

Tropical Storm Jerry Speeds Toward Northern Leeward Islands

Tropical Storm Jerry was speeding toward the Northern Leeward Islands on Wednesday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Jerry was located at latitude 14.8°N and longitude 54.7°W which put the center about 605 miles (970 km) east-southeast of the Northern Leeward Islands.  Jerry was moving toward the west-northwest at 23 m.p.h. (37 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 1000 mb.

Tropical Storm Watches are in effect for Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla, Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Barthelemy, St, Kitts, Nevis, St. Martin, Sint Maarten, Montserrat, and Guadeloupe.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Jerry was not well organized on Wednesday afternoon.  Strong easterly winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere pushed the bottom part of Tropical Storm Jerry to the west of the middle and upper level circulations.  Bands near the center of the low level circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  The bands in the western side of Jerry’s circulation also consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Thunderstorms were still developing in bands in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Jerry.

The strongest winds were occurring in the bands of thunderstorms in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Jerry.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) in the eastern side of Jerry’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) in the northwestern quadrant of Tropical Storm Jerry.  The winds in the southwestern quadrant of Jerry were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Jerry will move through an environment that will be marginally favorable for development during the next 24 hours.  Jerry will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the southern side of an upper level ridge over the tropical Atlantic Ocean.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Jerry’s circulation.  However, the stronger easterly winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere will continue to cause vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification.  Tropical Storm Jerry could intensify during the next 24 hours if the winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere weaken.

Tropical Storm Jerry will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Jerry quickly toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Jerry will approach the Northern Leeward Islands on Thursday afternoon.

Tropical Storm Jerry is likely to bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the Northern Leeward Islands on Thursday night and Friday.

Tropical Storm Jerry Forms East of Leeward Islands

Tropical Storm Jerry formed east of the Leeward Islands on Tuesday morning.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Jerry was located at latitude 11.5°N and longitude 44.6°W which put the center about 1315 miles (2120 km) east-southeast of the Northern Leeward Islands.  Jerry was moving toward the west at 24 m.p.h. (39 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 low pressure system over the tropical Atlantic Ocean east of the Leeward Islands strengthened on Tuesday morning and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system at Tropical Storm Jerry.

Tropical Storm Jerry was strengthening on Tuesday morning.  More thunderstorms developed near the center of Jerry’s circulation.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Jerry.  Storms near the center of Jerry started to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.

The strongest winds were occurring in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Jerry.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) from the center of Jerry’s circulation.   The winds in the western side of Tropical Storm Jerry were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Jerry will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Jerry will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the southern side of an upper level ridge over the tropical Atlantic Ocean.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Jerry’s circulation.  However, the winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere will also blow from the east.  So, there will be less vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Jerry will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Jerry is likely to strengthen to a hurricane later this week.

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

Hurricane Imelda Brings Wind and Rain to Bermuda

Hurricane Imelda brought wind and rain to Bermuda on Wednesday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Imelda was located at latitude 32.1°N and longitude 65.0°W which put the center about 20 miles (30 km) southwest of Bermuda.  Imelda was moving toward the east-northeast at 29 m.p.h. (46 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 971 mb.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Bermuda.

Hurricane Imelda was in the middle of a transition to an extratropical cyclone when it reached Bermuda on Wednesday night.  The transition to an extratropical cyclone affected the structure of Hurricane Imelda.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the northern side of Imelda’s circulation.  The bands in the southern half of Hurricane Imelda consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The size of the circulation around Hurricane Imelda increased during the transition to an extratropical cyclone.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Imelda’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 250 miles (400 km) from the center of Hurricane Imelda.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Imelda was 16.5. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 15.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 32.1.

Hurricane Imelda will continue to bring strong winds and heavy rain to Bermuda during the next few hours. The strong winds could cause electricity outages.  Heavy rain could cause flooding.

Hurricane Imelda will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification of a hurricane during the next 24 hours.  Imelda will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C.  It will move under the southern side of an upper level trough that is east of the U.S.  The upper level trough will produce strong southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Imelda’s circulation.  Those winds will cause strong vertical wind shear.  The strong vertical wind shear will cause Hurricane Imelda to complete a transition to a strong extratropical cyclone on Thursday.

The upper level trough east of the U.S. will steer Hurricane Imelda toward the east-northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Imelda will move quickly away from Bermuda on Thursday.

Hurricane Imelda Strengthens to Cat. 2

Hurricane Imelda strengthened to Category 2 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Wednesday morning.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Imelda was located at latitude 31.0°N and longitude 70.4°W which put the center about 340 miles (550 km) west-southwest of Bermuda.  Imelda was moving toward the east-northeast at 20 m.p.h. (32 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 966 mb.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Bermuda.

Hurricane Imelda strengthened to Category 2 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Wednesday morning.  A circular eye with a diameter of 15 miles (24 km) was at the center of Imelda’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 Imelda.  Storms near the core of Imelda generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the north and east of the hurricane.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The size of the circulation around Hurricane Imelda increased when Imelda strengthened.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Imelda’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 230 miles (370 km) from the center of Hurricane Imelda.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Imelda was 16.5.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 19.4 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 34.9.

Hurricane Imelda will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Imelda will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the eastern side of an upper level trough that is over the eastern U.S.  The upper level trough will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Imelda’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The moderate vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Hurricane Imelda is likely to intensify during the next 24 hours. Imelda could intensify to a major hurricane.

The upper level trough over the eastern U.S. will steer Hurricane Imelda toward the east-northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Imelda will hit Bermuda on Wednesday night.

Hurricane Imelda will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Bermuda.  The strong winds could cause electricity outages.  Heavy rain could cause flooding.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, former Hurricane Humberto merged with a front and made a transition to an extratropical cyclone.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of former Hurricane Humberto was located at latitude 37.0°N and longitude 63.0°W which put the center about 340 miles (550 km) north-northeast of Bermuda.  Humberto was moving toward the east-northeast at 23 m.p.h. (37 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.

Imelda Intensifies to a Hurricane

Former Tropical Storm Imelda intensified to a hurricane over the Atlantic Ocean east of Florida on Tuesday morning.  At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Hurricane Imelda was located at latitude 29.0°N and longitude 76.9°W which put the center about 755 miles (1255 km) west-southwest of Bermuda.  Imelda was moving toward the northeast at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 980 mb.

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Bermuda.

A U.S. Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter plane found that former Tropical Storm Imelda had intensified to a hurricane on Tuesday morning.

The circulation around Hurricane Imelda became more symmetrical on Tuesday morning.  Thunderstorms near the center of Imelda’s circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the north and east of the hurricane.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Hurricane Imelda.

Winds to hurricane force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of Hurricane Imelda.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 185 miles (295 km) from the center of Imelda’s circulation.

Hurricane Storm Imelda will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Imelda will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the eastern side of an upper level trough that is over the southeast U.S.  The upper level trough will produce southerly winds that will blow toward the top of Imelda’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The moderate vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Hurricane Imelda will intensify during the next 24 hours.

The upper level trough over the southeast U.S. will steer Hurricane Imelda toward the east-northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Hurricane Imelda will affect Bermuda on Wednesday night.

Hurricane Imelda will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Bermuda.  The strong winds could cause electricity outages.  Heavy rain could cause flooding.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Hurricane Humberto was weakening west of Bermuda.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Hurricane Humberto was located at latitude 31.6°N and longitude 69.4°W which put the center about 275 miles (440 km) west of Bermuda.  Humberto was moving toward the north-northwest at 17 m.p.h. (28 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 972 mb.

Tropical Storm Imelda Strengthens

Tropical Storm Imelda strengthened on Monday morning as it moved north of the Bahamas.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Imelda was located at latitude 26.9°N and longitude 77.1°W which put the center about 35 miles (55 km) north of Great Abaco Island, Bahamas.  Imelda was moving toward the north at 9 m.p.h. (15 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 988 mb.

Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the Northwestern Bahamas including Eleuthera, the Abacos, and Grand Bahama Island.

Tropical Storm Imelda strengthened on Monday morning.  More thunderstorms developed near the center of Imelda’s circulation. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Imelda.  Storms near the center of Imelda generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from 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 Imelda.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) in the eastern side of Imelda’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) in the western side of Tropical Storm Imelda.

Tropical Storm Imelda will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Imelda will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the eastern side of an upper level trough that is over the Southeast U.S.  The upper level trough will produce southerly winds that will blow toward the top of Imelda”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 Imelda will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Imelda could intensify rapidly at times.  Tropical Storm Imelda will intensify to a hurricane by Tuesday.

The upper level trough west of Florida will steer Tropical Storm Imelda toward the north during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Imelda will remain east of South Florida.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Hurricane Humberto was completing an eyewall replacement cycle.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Hurricane Humberto was located at latitude 28.0°N and longitude 67.6°W which put the center about 340 miles (550 km) south-southwest of Bermuda.  Humberto was moving toward the west-northwest 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 940 mb.

A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for Bermuda.

 

Depression Strengthens to Tropical Storm Imelda

Former Tropical Depression Nine strengthened to Tropical Storm Imelda over the Bahamas on Sunday afternoon.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Imelda was located at latitude 23.9°N and longitude 77.3°W which put the center about 105 miles (165 km) south of Nassau, Bahamas.   Imelda was moving toward the north 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 998 mb.

Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the Central Bahamas including Cat Island, the Exumas, Long Island, Rum Cay, and San Salvador.

Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the Northwestern Bahamas including Eleuthera, New Providence, the Abacos, the Berry Islands, Andros Island, and Grand Bahama Island.

A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from the Palm Beach/Martin County Line to the Flagler/Volusia County Line, Florida.

A U.S. Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter reconnaissance plane found on Sunday afternoon that former Tropical Depression Nine had strengthened.  Based on data collected by the reconnaissance plane, the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Imelda.

More thunderstorms were forming near the center of Tropical Storm Imelda on Sunday afternoon.  However, the distribution of thunderstorms in Imelda was asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring mainly in bands in the eastern side of Imelda’s circulation.  Bands in the western side of Tropical Storm Imelda consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

Winds to tropical storm force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Tropical Storm Imelda.

Tropical Storm Imelda will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Imelda will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.   It will move under the eastern side of an upper level trough that is west of Florida.  The upper level trough will produce southerly winds that will blow toward the top of Imelda”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 Imelda will intensify during the next 24 hours.

The upper level trough west of Florida will steer Tropical Storm Imelda toward the north during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Imelda will move across the Central and Northwestern Bahamas.

Tropical Storm Imelda will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to the Central and Northwestern Bahamas.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, powerful Hurricane Humberto was passing south of Bermuda.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Hurricane Humberto was located at latitude 24.6°N and longitude 64.3°W which put the center about 535 miles (855 km) south of Bermuda.  Humberto was moving toward the west-northwest at 13 m.p.h. (21 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 180 m.p.h. (290 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 934 mb.