Monthly Archives: September 2022

Hurricane Ian Rapidly Intensifies to Cat. 2

Hurricane Ian rapidly intensified to Category 2 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale south of Cuba on Monday afternoon. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Hurricane Ian was located at latitude 20.3°N and longitude 83.2°W which put it about 155 miles (250 km) southeast of the western tip of Cuba. Ian was moving toward the north-northwest at 13 m.p.h. (20 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.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Englewood to Anclote River, Florida. The Hurricane Warning included Tampa Bay. Hurricane Warnings were in effect for the Cuban provinces of Isla Juventud, Pinar del Rio and Artemisa. Hurricane Watches were in effect for the portion of the coast from Anclote River to Suwannee River, Florida and from Englewood to Bonita Beach, Florida. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the Lower Florida Keys from Seven Mile Bridge to Key West including the Dry Tortugas. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Flamingo to Englewood, Florida. Tropical Storm Warnings were also in effect for the Cuban provinces of La Habana, Mayabeque and Matanzas. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the Florida Keys from Seven Mile Bridge to Channel 5 Bridge. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Suwannee River to Indian Pass, Florida. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Jupiter Inlet, Florida to Altamaha Sound, Georgia. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for Lake Okeechobee.

Hurricane Ian rapidly intensified to Category 2 over the northwestern Caribbean Sea south of Cuba on Monday afternoon. A circular eye with a diameter of 13 miles (20 km) formed at the center of Ian’s circulation. The eye was surrounded by a nearly complete 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 Ian. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away form the hurricane in all directions. The removal of large quantities of mass was allowing the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.

The circulation around Hurricane Ian got bigger on Monday afternoon as Ian got stronger. Winds to hurricane force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Ian’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) was 16.5 The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 9.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 26.1. Hurricane Ian was capable of causing regional serious damage.

Hurricane Ian will move through an environment very favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Ian 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. Hurricane Ian is likely to intensify rapidly during the next 24 hours. Ian is likely to intensify to a major hurricane during the next 18 hours. Hurricane Ian could intensify to Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale by Wednesday.

Hurricane Ian will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Ian toward the north-northwest during the next 12 hours. Ian will move toward the north when it reaches the western end of the high pressure system. On its anticipated track the center of Hurricane Ian will be near western Cuba on Tuesday morning. Hurricane Ian could be a major hurricane when it approaches western Cuba. Ian will be southwest of Tampa, Florida on Wednesday afternoon.

Hurricane Ian will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to western Cuba. Ian will be capable of causing regional major damage in western Cuba. Widespread outages of electricity are likely. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

The steering currents could weaken on Wednesday. If the steering currents weaken, the center of Hurricane Ian could stall just west or northwest of the area around Tampa and St. Petersburg. The strongest winds will be in the eastern side of Ian’s circulation. The area around Tampa and St. Petersburg could experience a prolonged period of strong winds. When the center of Ian is west of Tampa, the winds will blow from the south in the area around Tampa. Southerly winds will push water into Tampa Bay and a storm surge of 5 to 10 feet (1.5 to 3.0 meters) is possible. If Hurricane Ian stalls, some locations in west central Florida could receive 10 to 20 inches (250 to 500 mm) of rain. Heavy rain is likely to cause fresh water flooding.

Typhoon Noru Moves Toward Vietnam

Typhoon Noru moved over the South China Sea toward Vietnam on Monday afternoon. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Typhoon Noru was located at latitude 15.9°N and longitude 113.3E which put it about 380 miles (615 km) east of Da Nang, Vietnam. Noru was moving toward the west at 20 m.p.h. (32 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 964 mb.

Typhoon Noru strengthened on Monday afternoon as it moved toward central Vietnam. A small circular eye was present at the center of Noru’s circulation. The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Noru. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.

The circulation around Typhoon Noru increased in size on Monday. Winds to typhoon force extended out 50 miles (80 km) from the center of Noru’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 180 miles (290 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Norw was 17.8. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 16.9 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 34.7. Typhoon Nora was capable of causing regional serious damage.

Typhoon Noru will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Noru will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30˚C. It will move under the southern side of an upper level ridge over eastern China. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Noru’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be strong enough to prevent intensification. Typhoon Noru is likely to intensify during the next 24 hours. Noru could strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane.

Typhoon Noru will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over China. The high pressure system will steer Noru toward the west during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Typhoon Noru will hit the coast of Vietnam near Da Nang in 24 hours. Typhoon Noru will be capable of causing major damage when it hits central Vietnam. Noru will bring strong, gusty winds and locally heavy rain to central Vietnam. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Kulap passed near Iwo To. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Kulap was located at latitude 27.4°N and longitude 141.8°E which put it about 140 miles (225 km) north-northeast of Iwo To. Kulap was moving toward the north at 20 m.p.h. (32 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.

Ian Intensifies to a Hurricane, Watch Issued for Tampa

Former Tropical Storm Ian intensified to a hurricane during Sunday night and a Hurricane Watch was issued for the area around Tampa, Florida. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Hurricane Ian was located at latitude 18.7°N and longitude 82.4°W which put it about 90 miles (145 km) west-southwest of Grand Cayman. Ian was moving toward the northwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 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 981 mb.

Hurricane Warnings were in effect for Grand Cayman and for the Cuban provinces of Isla Juventud, Pinar del Rio and Artemisa. A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Anclote River to Englewood, Florida. The Hurricane Watch included Tampa Bay. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the Lower Florida Keys from Seven Mile Bridge to Key West including the Dry Tortugas. Tropical Storm Warnings were also in effect for the Cuban provinces of La Habana, Mayabeque and Matanzas. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Englewood to Chokoloskee, Florida. Tropical Storm Watches were also in effect for Little Cayman and Cayman Brac.

Former Tropical Storm Ian rapidly intensified to a hurricane during Sunday night. An eye was forming at the center of Ian’s circulation. The developing eye was surrounded by ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Hurricane Ian. Storms near the center of circulation generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the tropical storm. The removal of mass was allowing the surface pressure to decrease rapidly. Winds to hurricane force extended out 20 miles (30 km) in the northeastern quadrant of Hurricane Ian. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of Ian’ circulation.

Hurricane Ian will move through an environment very favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Ian 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. Hurricane Ian is likely to intensify rapidly during the next 36 hours. Ian is likely to intensify to a major hurricane during the next 24 hours. Hurricane Ian could intensify to Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale by Wednesday.

Hurricane Ian will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Ian toward the northwest during the next 12 hours. Ian will move toward the north when it reaches the western end of the high pressure system. On its anticipated track the center of Hurricane Ian will pass west of Grand Cayman on Monday afternoon. Ian could be near western Cuba on Tuesday morning. Hurricane Ian could be a major hurricane when it approaches western Cuba. Ian could be southwest of Tampa, Florida on Wednesday afternoon.

Hurricane Ian will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to western Cuba. Ian will be capable of causing regional major damage in western Cuba. Widespread outages of electricity are likely. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

The steering currents could weaken on Wednesday. If the steering currents weaken, the the area around Tampa and St. Petersburg could experience a prolonged period of strong winds even if the center of Hurricane Ian moves west of Tampa. When the center of Ian is west of Tampa, the winds will blow from the south in the area around Tampa. Southerly winds will push water into Tampa Bay and a storm surge of 5 to 8 feet (1.5 to 2.5 meters) is possible.

Tropical Storm Ian Strengthens South of Grand Cayman

Tropical Storm Ian strengthened south of Grand Cayman on Sunday evening. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Ian was located at latitude 17.3°N and longitude 81.4°W which put it about 140 miles (225 km) south of Grand Cayman. Ian was moving toward the northwest at 13 m.p.h. (20 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 989 mb.

Hurricane Warnings were in effect for Grand Cayman and for the Cuban provinces of Isla Juventud, Pinar del Rio and Artemisa. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the Lower Florida Keys from Seven Mile Bridge to Key West including the Dry Tortugas. Tropical Storm Warnings were also in effect for the Cuban provinces of La Habana, Mayabeque and Matanzas. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Englewood to Chokoloskee, Florida. Tropical Storm Watches were also in effect for Little Cayman and Cayman Brac.

Tropical Storm Ian began to intensify quickly on Sunday evening. Microwave satellite images indicated that an eye was forming at the center of Ian’s circulation. The developing eye was surrounded by broken ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Ian. Storms near the center of circulation generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the tropical storm. The removal of mass was allowing the surface pressure to decrease rapidly. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of Ian’ circulation.

Tropical Storm Ian will move through an environment very favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Ian 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 Ian is likely to intensify rapidly during the next 36 hours. Ian is likely to strengthen to a hurricane during the next 12 hours. Ian is likely to intensify to a major hurricane during the next 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Ian will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Ian toward the northwest during the next 24 hours. Ian will move toward the north when it reaches the western end of the high pressure system. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Ian will pass west of Grand Cayman on Monday. Ian could be near western Cuba on Tuesday morning. Ian could be a major hurricane when it approaches western Cuba. Ian could be southwest of Tampa, Florida on Wednesday afternoon.

Typhoon Noru Hits Luzon

Typhoon Noru hit Luzon on Sunday morning. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Typhoon Noru was located at latitude 15.1°N and longitude 121.9°E which put it about 105 miles (165 km) east-northeast of Manila, Philippines. Noru was moving toward the west at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 185 m.p.h. (295 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 926 mb.

Small, but powerful Typhoon Noru hit the coast of Luzon east-northeast of Manila on Sunday morning. Winds to typhoon force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Typhoon Noru. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Noru was 31.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 11.1 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 42.7. Typhoon Noru was capable of causing regional severe damage.

Typhoon Noru will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Noru toward the west during the next 72 hours. On its anticipated track, Typhoon Noru will move across central Luzon. The center of Noru could pass just north of Manila in a few hours. Typhoon Noru will bring strong, gusty winds to central Luzon. Severe damage could occur near the small core of Noru’s circulation. Widespread electrical outages are likely. Heavy rain will also fall over near the core of Typhoon Noru. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Since the circulation around Typhoon Noru is small, it is likely to weaken quickly while it passes over Luzon. There is a chance that Noru could still be a typhoon when it reaches the South China Sea. Noru will move into an environment favorable for intensification when it moves over the South China Sea. Noru will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30˚C. It will move under the southern side of an upper level ridge over eastern China. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Noru’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be strong enough to prevent intensification.

Typhoon Noru could approach the coast of Vietnam in less than 72 hours. Noru could be a typhoon when it approaches the coast of Vietnam.

Tropical Storm Ian Passes South of Jamaica

Tropical Storm Ian passed south of Jamaica on Saturday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Ian was located at latitude 14.7°N and longitude 77.7°W which put it about 395 miles (630 km) southeast of Grand Cayman. Ian was moving toward the west at 13 m.p.h. (20 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1002 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for Grand Cayman. Hurricane Watches were in effect for the Cuban provinces of Isla de Juventud, Pinar del Rio and Artemisa. Tropical Storm Watches were in effect for Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. Tropical Storm Watches were also in effect for the Cuban provinces of La Habana, Mayabeque and Matanzas.

Tropical Storm Ian gradually got better organized on Saturday. More thunderstorms developed near the center of circulation. Bands of showers and thunderstorms formed and began to revolve around the center of Ian’s circulation. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) in the northern side of Ian. The winds in the southern half of Tropical Storm Ian were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Ian will move through an environment very favorable for intensification during the next 48 hours. Ian 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 Ian is likely to intensify more quickly on Sunday. Tropical Storm Ian is likely to intensify to a hurricane during the next 24 hours. Ian could intensify rapidly after an inner core with an eye and an eyewall form. Ian could intensify to a major hurricane within 48 hours.

Tropical Storm Ian will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Ian toward the northwest during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Ian could be near Grand Cayman on Monday morning. Ian could be near western Cuba on Tuesday morning. Ian could be a major hurricane when it approaches western Cuba. Ian will move over the eastern Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Storm Gaston brought wind and rain to the western Azores and Tropical Depression Hermine was weakening north-northeast of the Cabo Verde Islands.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Gaston was located at latitude 38.6°N and longitude 33.4°W which put it about 255 miles (410 km) west of the Faial, Azores. Gaston was moving toward the west at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 9979 mb.

Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for Corvo, and Flores.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Depression Hermine was located at latitude 22.9°N and longitude 20.3°W which put it about 535 miles (860 km) north-northeast of the Cabo Verde Islands. Hermine was moving toward the north at 10 m.p.h. (16 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.

Typhoon Noru Rapidly Intensifies to Equivalent of Cat. 4 Hurricane East of Luzon

Typhoon Noru very rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Saturday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Typhoon Noru was located at latitude 15.1°N and longitude 124.1°E which put it about 250 miles (400 km) east of Manila, Philippines. Noru was moving toward the west-southwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 155 m.p.h. (250 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 190 m.p.h. (305 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 920 mb.

Typhoon Noru intensified very rapidly from a tropical storm to the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane in 24 hours. A small, pinhole eye with a diameter of 7 miles (11 km) formed at the center of Noru’s circulation. The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Noru. Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the typhoon. The removal of so much mass allowed the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.

The circulation around Typhoon Noru was relatively small. Winds to typhoon force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Noru. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) was 33.3. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 9.4 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 42.7. Typhoon Noru was capable of causing regional severe damage.

Typhoon Noru will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Noru 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. Typhoon Noru could intensify to the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane during the next 12 hours.

Typhoon Noru will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Noru toward the west during the next 48 hours. On its anticipated track Typhoon Noru will make landfall on the coast of Luzon east-northeast of Manila. Typhoon Noru be the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane when it makes landfall. Noru will produce severe wind damage. Heavy rain could cause flash floods. Typhoon Noru could produce a storm surge up to 15 feet (5 meters) along the east coast of Luzon. Widespread electricity outages are likely.

Hurricane Fiona Nears Canadian Maritimes

Hurricane Fiona neared the Canadian Maritimes on Friday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Hurricane Fiona was located at latitude 44.5°N and longitude 60.8°W which put it about 140 miles (220 km) east of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Fiona was moving toward the north at 46 m.p.h. (74 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 933 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Hubbards to Brule, Nova Scotia. Hurricane Warnings were in effect for Prince Edward Islands and Isle de la Madeline. A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Parson’s Pond to Francois, Newfoundland. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for St. Andrews, New Brunswick to Hubbards, Nova Scotia. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Brule, Nova Scotia to Cap Madeline, Quebec. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for Anticosti Island and for the portion of the coast from Sheldrake, Quebec to Parson’s Pond, Newfoundland. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Boat Harbor to Hare Bay, Newfoundland. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Francois to St. Lawrence, Newfoundland. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Boat Harbor, Newfoundland to West Bay, Labrador.

Hurricane Fiona was making a rapid transition to a large, powerful extratropical cyclone on Friday night. The former eye and eyewall were no longer present at the center of Fiona. Most of the remaining thunderstorms were in bands northeast of the center of Fiona’s circulation. Cooler drier air was wrapping around the western and southern sides of the circulation. Upper level divergence above Hurricane Fiona was still pumping mass away and the surface pressure remained around 933 mb.

Hurricane Fiona grew much larger during the transition to an extratropical cyclone. Winds to hurricane force extended out 185 miles (295 km) from the center of Fiona’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 345 miles (555 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Fiona was 17.8. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 48.4 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 66.2. Hurricane Fiona was capable of causing extensive serious damage.

An upper level trough over eastern Canada will steer Hurricane Fiona quickly toward the north during the weekend. The strongest winds will occur over eastern Nova Scotia and western Newfoundland. Strong winds will also affect the rest of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, parts of New Brunswick, Quebec and Labrador. The large circulation around Hurricane Fiona could cause widespread electrical outages. Locally heavy rain could cause floods in some places. Large waves and a storm surge could cause damage along the coast.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Storm Gaston brought wind and rain to the Azores, Tropical Storm Hermine moved northeast of the Cabo Verde Islands and Tropical Storm Ian formed over the Caribbean Sea.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Gaston was located at latitude 38.9°N and longitude 29.5°W which put it about 50 miles (80 km) west-northwest of the Faial, Azores. Gaston was moving toward the southwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 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 999 mb.

Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for Corvo, Flores, Faial, Pico, Sao Jorge, Graciosa, and Terceira.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Hermine was located at latitude 19.4°N and longitude 20.8°W which put it about 315 miles (505 km) northeast of the Cabo Verde Islands. Hermine was moving toward the north at 10 m.p.h. (16 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 1002 mb.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Ian was located at latitude 14.8°N and longitude 72.0°W which put it about 385 miles (625 km) southeast of Kingston, Jamaica. Ian was moving toward the west-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 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.

Hurricane Watches were in effect for the Cayman Islands including Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for Jamaica.

Hurricane Fiona Blows Past Bermuda

Hurricane Fiona blew past Bermuda on Thursday night. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Hurricane Fiona was located at latitude 34.1°N and longitude 64.9°W which put it about 125 miles (200 km) north of Bermuda. Fiona was moving toward the north-northeast at 25 m.p.h. (40 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 936 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for Bermuda. A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Hubbards to Brule, Nova Scotia. Hurricane Warnings were in effect for Prince Edward Islands and Isle de la Madeline. A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Parson’s Pond to Francois, Newfoundland. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for St. Andrews, New Brunswick to Hubbards, Nova Scotia. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Brule, Nova Scotia to Cap Madeline, Quebec. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for Anticosti Island and for the portion of the coast from Sheldrake, Quebec to Parson’s Pond, Newfoundland. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Boat Harbor to Hare Bay, Newfoundland. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Francois to St. Lawrence, Newfoundland. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Boat Harbor, Newfoundland to West Bay, Labrador.

The center of Hurricane Fiona passed west of Bermuda on Thursday night. The L. F. Wade International Airport in Bermuda reported a sustained wind speed of 64 m.p.h. (103 km/h) and a wind gust of 83 m.p.h. (134 km/h). There were reports of stronger wind speeds measured by automated stations in higher locations in Bermuda.

Hurricane Fiona continued to be a large, well organized hurricane. A circular eye with a diameter of 35 miles (55 km) was at the center of Fiona’s circulation. The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms revolved around the core of Hurricane Fiona. Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane.

Hurricane Fiona grew into a large hurricane as it moved farther north on Thursday night. Winds to hurricane force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of Fiona. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 345 miles (555 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) was 23.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 32.70 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 56.3. Hurricane Fiona was larger than Hurricane Jeanne was in 2004.

Hurricane Fiona will move through an environment that will become less favorable for a major hurricane during the next 24 hours. Fiona will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures colder than 26˚C. An upper level trough near the East Coast of the U.S. will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Fiona’s circulation. Those winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase. Hurricane Fiona will start to weaken gradually when the wind shear increase. A combination of colder Sea Surface Temperatures and moderate vertical wind shear will cause Hurricane Fiona to make a transition to a very strong extratropical cyclone.

The upper level trough near the East Coast of the U.S. will steer Fiona toward the north-northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Hurricane Fiona will move away from Bermuda on Friday. Hurricane Fiona will approach the Canadian Maritimes on Friday night. Fiona will bring strong, destructive winds to the Canadian Maritimes. Heavy rain could cause floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Storm Gaston was bringing wind and rain to the Azores and Tropical Depression Nine formed over the southeastern Caribbean Sea. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for Corvo, Flores, Faial, Pico, Sao Jorge, Graciosa, and Terceira. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Gaston was located at latitude 40.5°N and longitude 29.2°W which put it about 135 miles (215 km) north-northwest of the Faial. Gaston was moving toward the east-southeast at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 999 mb.

At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Depression Nine was located at latitude 13.9°N and longitude 68.6°W which put it about 615 miles (985 km) east-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica. The tropical depression was moving toward the west-northwest at 13 m.p.h. (20 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. Tropical Depression Nine is forecast to intensify to a hurricane over the northwestern Caribbean Sea during the weekend. It could move over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico early next week.

Tropical Storm Talas Nears Japan

Tropical Storm Talas moved near Japan on Thursday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Talas was located at latitude 31.4°N and longitude 135.1°E which put it about 415 miles (670 km) southwest of Tokyo, Japan. Talas was moving toward the north at 15 m.p.h. (24 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 1000 mb.

The circulation around a small low pressure system just south of Honshu strengthened on Thursday night and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Talas. The distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Talas was asymmetrical. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the northern and eastern parts of Talas’ circulation. Bands in the rest of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 45 miles (75 km) in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Talas. The winds in the western side of Talas were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Talas will move through an environment only marginally favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Talas will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 26˚C. It will move under the eastern side of an upper level trough over eastern Asia. The upper level trough will produce strong southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Talas’ circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will be strong enough to prevent significant intensification.

The upper level trough over eastern Asia will steer Tropical Storm Talas quickly toward the northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Talas will be near Tokyo in 18 hours. Talas will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to eastern Honshu. The small size of Talas’ circulation will limit the impact of the storm.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm 18W developed east of Luzon. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm 18W was located at latitude 18.1°N and longitude 132.1°E which put it about 640 miles (1030 km) east of Luzon. Tropical Storm 18W was moving toward the west 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. Tropical Storm 18W is forecast to move toward northern Luzon and to strengthen to a typhoon.