Category Archives: Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico

Atlantic TCs

Tropical Storm Chantal Brings Wind and Rain to the Carolinas

Tropical Storm Chantal brought wind and rain to the Carolinas on Sunday morning.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Chantal was located at latitude 33.6°N and longitude 79.1°W which put the center about 5 miles (10 km) west of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.   Chantal was moving toward the north-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 1004 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from South Santee River, South Carolina to Surf City, North Carolina.

The center of Tropical Storm Chantal made landfall on the coast of South Carolina just to the west of Myrtle Beach early on Sunday.  The distribution of wind and rain in Chantal was asymmetrical.  Heavier rain was occurring in bands in the eastern side of Chantal’s circulation.  Bands in the western part of Tropical Storm Chantal consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The distribution of wind speeds in Tropical Storm Chantal was also asymmetrical.  The strongest winds were occurring in bands of thunderstorms in the northeastern part of Chantal’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Chantal.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 35 miles (55 km) in the western side of Chantal.

Tropical Storm Chantal will move around the western side of a high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Chantal toward the north during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Chantal will move inland over eastern North Carolina.

Tropical Storm Chantal will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to eastern South Carolina and to eastern North Carolina.  Chantal will weaken gradually as it moves farther inland.  The heaviest rain and strongest winds will occur in the northeastern part of Chantal’s circulation.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.  Tropical Storm Chantal could cause a storm surge of up to four feet (one meter).  Chantal will also bring high waves to the coast. The waves could cause beach erosion.

Flood Watches are in effect for portions of eastern South Carolina and Eastern North Carolina.

Tropical Storm Chantal Strengthens a Little

Tropical Storm Chantal strengthened a little as it approached the Carolinas on Saturday evening.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Chantal was located at latitude 32.7°N and longitude 78.8°W which put the center about 65 miles (105 km) east of Charleston, South Carolina.  Chantal was moving toward the north 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 1004 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from South Santee River, South Carolina to Surf City, North Carolina.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Edisto Beach to South Santee River, South Carolina.

Tropical Storm Chantal strengthened a little as it approached the Carolinas on Saturday evening.  Even though Chantal was a little stronger, the distribution of thunderstorms was still asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern side of Chantal’s circulation.  Bands in the western part of Tropical Storm Chantal consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms east of the center of Chantal’s circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the north and east of the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease slowly.

The distribution of wind speeds in Tropical Storm Chantal was also asymmetrical. The strongest winds were occurring in bands of thunderstorms in the northeastern part of Chantal’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Chantal.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 35 miles (55 km) in the western side of Chantal.

Tropical Storm Chantal will move through an environment that will be somewhat favorable for intensification during the next few hours.  Chantal will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the northeastern part of an upper level low over the southeastern U.S.  The upper level low will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Chantal’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear may not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Chantal could intensify a little more during the next few hours.

The upper level low over the southeastern U.S. will steer Tropical Storm Chantal toward the north during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Chantal will make landfall on the coast near the border between South Carolina and North Carolina in a few hours.

Tropical Storm Chantal will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to eastern South Carolina and to eastern North Carolina.  The heaviest rain and strongest winds will occur in the northeastern part of Chantal’s circulation.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.  Tropical Storm Chantal could cause a storm surge of up to four feet (one meter).  Chantal will also bring high waves to the coast. The waves could cause beach erosion.

Flood Watches are in effect for portions of eastern South Carolina and Eastern North Carolina.

Depression Strengthens to Tropical Storm Chantal

Former Tropical Depression Three strengthened to Tropical Storm Chantal on Sunday morning.  At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Chantal was located at latitude 30.9°N and longitude 79.0°W which put the center about 150 miles (240 km) south-southeast of Charleston, South Carolina.  Chantal was moving toward the north at 2 m.p.h. (3 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 1009 mb.

A Tropical Storm is in effect for the portion of the coast from South Santee River, South Carolina to Cape Fear, North Carolina.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Edisto Beach to South Santee River, South Carolina.

Former Tropical Depression Three strengthened to Tropical Storm Chantal on Sunday morning.  Even though it strengthened, the distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Chantal was asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern side of Chantal’s circulation.  Bands in the western part of Tropical Storm Chantal consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms east of the center of Chantal’s circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the north and east of the tropical storm.

The distribution of wind speeds in Tropical Storm Chantal was also asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) in the eastern side of Chantal’s circulation.  The winds in the western side of Tropical Storm Chantal were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

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

The upper level trough over the Southeastern U.S. will steer Tropical Storm Chantal toward the north during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Chantal will move toward the coast of South Carolina.  Chantal is likely to make landfall on Sunday.

Tropical Storm Chantal will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to South Carolina and North Carolina.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.  Chantal will also bring high waves to the coast.  The waves could cause beach erosion.

Tropical Depression Three Forms Off Southeast U.S.

Tropical Depression Three formed off the coast of the Southeast U.S. on Friday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Depression Three was located at latitude 30.8°N and longitude 79.0°W which put the center about 150 miles (240 km) south-southeast of Charleston, South Carolina.  The tropical depression was moving toward the north at 2 m.p.h. (3 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 1012 mb.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Edisto Beach to Little River Inlet, South Carolina.

A low pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean off the Southeast U.S. coast strengthened on Friday afternoon.  Based on satellite images and data collected by a U.S. Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft, the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Depression Three.

More thunderstorms formed near the center of Tropical Depression Three.  Thunderstorms also developed in bands in the northern and eastern parts of the tropical depression.  Storms near the center of circulation began to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the north and east of the tropical depression.

Tropical Depression Three will move through an environment that will be somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Tropical Depression Three will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the eastern side of an upper level trough over the southeastern U.S.  The upper level trough will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of the tropical depression.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Depression Three is likely to intensify to a tropical storm during the next 24 hours.

The upper level trough over the Southeastern U.S. will steer Tropical Depression Three toward the north-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Depression Three will move toward the coast of South Carolina.  It could make landfall early on Sunday.

Tropical Depression Three is likely to strengthen to a tropical storm before it makes landfall.  It will bring winds and locally heavy rain.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Depression Barry Brings Rain to Eastern Mexico

Tropical Depression Barry brought rain to eastern Mexico on Sunday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Depression Barry was located at latitude 22.0°N and longitude 97.8°W which put the center about 15 miles (25 km) south-southeast of Tampico, Mexico.  Barry was moving toward the northwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 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. (55 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1007 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Barry weakened to a tropical depression on Sunday night just before it made landfall on the coast of Mexico south of Tampico.  An upper level ridge over southern Mexico produced strong westerly winds that blew toward the top of Barry’s circulation.  Those winds caused strong vertical wind shear.  The strong vertical wind shear caused Barry to weaken to a tropical depression.

Tropical Depression Barry will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system that extends from the Atlantic Ocean to over the Gulf of Mexico.  The high pressure system will steer Barry toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Depression Barry will move inland over Mexico west of Tampico.

Tropical Depression Barry is likely to weaken quickly as it moves farther inland.  Even though Barry will weaken quickly, it could drop heavy rain on parts of the state of Veracruz.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations, especially in mountainous areas.

Depression Strengthens to Tropical Storm Barry

Former Tropical Depression Two strengthened to Tropical Storm Barry over the western Bay of Campeche on Sunday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Barry was located at latitude 20.4°N and longitude 96.2°W which put the center about 90 miles (145 km) east-southeast of Tuxpan, Mexico.   Barry was moving toward the 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. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1006 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Boca de Catan to Tecolutla, Mexico.

A U.S. Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft found that former Tropical Depression Two had strengthened to Tropical Storm Barry.  The aircraft found a distinct low level center of circulation.  It also found an area where the sustained wind speed was at tropical storm force.  Based on data collected by the reconnaissance flight, the U.S. National Hurricane Center upgraded the system to Tropical Storm Barry.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Barry was exhibiting evidence of strong vertical wind shear.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern side of Barry’s circulation.  Bands in the western side of Tropical Storm Barry consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The distribution of wind speeds in Tropical Storm Barry was also asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 35 miles (55 km) in the northeastern quadrant of Barry’s circulation.  The winds in the other parts of Tropical Storm Barry were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Barry will move through an environment marginally favorable for intensification during the next few hours.  Barry will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the northern part of an upper level ridge over southern Mexico.  The upper level ridge will produce strong westerly winds that will blow toward the top of Barry’s circulation.  Those winds will cause strong vertical wind shear. The vertical wind shear will inhibit further intensification, but the wind shear may not be enough to prevent some additional intensification.  Tropical Storm Barry could intensify a little more during the next few hours.

Tropical Storm Barry will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system that extends from the Atlantic Ocean to over the Gulf of Mexico.  The high pressure system will steer Barry toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Barry will make landfall between Tuxpan and Tampico in a few hours.

Tropical Storm Barry will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to coastal sections of the state of Veracruz.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods, especially in mountainous areas.

Tropical Depression Two Forms Over Bay of Campeche

Tropical Depression Two formed over the Bay of Campeche east of Veracruz on Saturday afternoon.  The government of Mexico issued a Tropical Storm Warning for a portion of the coast.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Depression Two was located at latitude 19.3°N and longitude 94.2°W which put the center about 130 miles (210 km) east of Veracruz, Mexico.  The tropical depression was moving toward the west-northwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 30 m.p.h. (50 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1011 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Boca de Catan to Tecolutla, Mexico.

A U.S. Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter reconnaissance plane investigated a low pressure system over the Bay of Campeche on Saturday afternoon.  Based on data collected by the aircraft and other information, the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Depression Two.

More thunderstorms were forming near the center of Tropical Depression Two on Saturday afternoon.  Thunderstorms were also occurring in bands in the northern side of the depression’s circulation.  Bands in the southern side of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

Tropical Depression Two will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  The tropical depression will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the northwestern part of an upper level ridge over southeastern Mexico.  The upper level ridge will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of the depression’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the wind shear ill not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Depression Two will intensify during the next 24 hours.  The tropical depression is likely to strengthen to a tropical storm on Sunday.

Tropical Depression Two will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system that extends from the Atlantic Ocean to over the Gulf of Mexico.  The high pressure system will steer the tropical depression toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Depression Two will move toward the east coast of Mexico.  The tropical depression is likely to make landfall between Veracruz and Tampico on Sunday night.

Tropical Depression Two is likely to strengthen to a tropical storm before it makes landfall on the coast of Mexico.  It will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to coastal sections of the state of Veracruz.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods, especially in mountainous areas.

Tropical Storm Andrea Forms over the Central Atlantic

Tropical Storm Andrea formed over the Central Atlantic Ocean between Bermuda and the Azores on Tuesday morning.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Andrea was located at latitude 36.6°N and longitude 48.9°W which put the center about 1205 miles (1940 km) west of the Azores.  Andrea was moving toward the east-northeast at 17 m.p.h. (28 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 1014 mb.

Thunderstorms persisted in parts of a low pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean between Bermuda and the Azores and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Andrea on Tuesday morning.

Thunderstorms were occurring mainly in bands in the northern side of Tropical Storm Andrea.  Bands in the southern half of Andrea’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and low clouds.

Tropical storm force winds extended out 45 miles (75 km) in the southeastern quadrant of Tropical Storm Andrea.  The winds in the other parts of Andrea’s circulation were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Andrea will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification of a tropical storm during the next 24 hours.  Andrea will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 23°C.  It will move under the eastern side of an upper level low over the Central Atlantic Ocean.  The upper level low will produce strong westerly winds that will blow toward the top of Andrea’s circulation.  Those winds will cause strong vertical wind shear.  Strong vertical wind shear and cool Sea Surface Temperatures are likely to cause Tropical Storm Andrea to weaken during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Andrea will move around the northern side of a subtropical high pressure system over the Central Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Andrea toward the east-northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Andrea will move toward the Azores.

Tropical Storm Sara Moves Over Belize

Tropical Storm Sara moved over Belize on Sunday morning.  At 10:00 a.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Sara was located at latitude 17.1°N and longitude 88.4°W which put the center about 30 miles (50 km) south-southwest of Belize City, Belize.  Sara 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. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1001 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Caribbean coast of Guatemala.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the coast of Belize.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Puerto Costa Maya to Chetumal, Mexico.

The center of Tropical Storm Sara made landfall on the coast of Belize south of Belize City on Sunday morning.  The circulation around Tropical Storm Sara was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) in the northern side of Sara’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 35 miles (55 km) in the southern side of Tropical Storm Sara.

Tropical Storm Sara will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Sara  toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Storm Sara will move across Belize on Sunday.  Sara will move over the southern part of the Yucatan Peninsula by Sunday night.

Tropical Storm Sara will bring gusty winds and heavy rain to Belize on Sunday.  Heave rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.  Tropical Storm Sara will also drop heavy rain on parts of northern Guatemala and southeastern Mexico.

Tropical Storm Sara Moves Toward Belize

Tropical Storm Sara moved slowly toward Belize on Saturday afternoon.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Sara was located at latitude 16.4°N and longitude 87.0°W which put the center about 110 miles (175 km) southeast of Belize City, Belize.  Sara was moving toward the west at 5 m.p.h. (8 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 1000 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Punta Castilla, Honduras to the border with Guatemala.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Bay Islands of Honduras.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Caribbean coast of Guatemala.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Belize City, Belize to the border with Guatemala.

After moving slowly over the Bay Islands and dropping heavy rain on Honduras, Tropical Storm Sara started to move toward Belize on Saturday.  The center of Sara’s circulation was over the Northwestern Caribbean Sea just north of the coast of Honduras.  A distinct low level center of circulation was evident on visible satellite images.  Bands of shower and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Sara.  Storms near the center of Sara’s circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.

A little less than half of the circulation of Tropical Storm Sara was still over land.  The strongest winds were occurring in the parts of Sara’s circulation that were over the Caribbean Sea.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 105 miles (165 km) in the northern side of Tropical Storm Sara.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 35 miles (55 km) in the southern side of Sara’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Sara will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours.  Sara will move over water where 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 upper level ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  However, the fact that almost half of Sara’s circulation is over land will inhibit intensification.  Tropical Storm Sara could intensify during the next 12 hours if the the center of Sara’s circulation remains over water.

Tropical Storm Sara will move around the southern part of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Sara slowly toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Storm Sara will reach Belize on Saturday night.

Tropical Storm Sara will continue to bring strong winds to the coast of Honduras and to the Bay Islands.  Sara will also continue to drop very heavy rain on Honduras.  The fact that Sara is moving so slowly will result in a prolonged period of heavy rain near the coast of Honduras. Prolonged heavy rain will very likely cause catastrophic floods and mudslides.  Tropical Storm Sara will also drop heavy rain over Belize and eastern Guatemala on Sunday.