Subtropical Storm Teresa Develops North of Bermuda

Subtropical Storm Teresa developed north of Bermuda on Friday afternoon. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Subtropical Storm Teresa was located at latitude 34.5°N and longitude 64.5°W which put it about 155 miles (245 km) north of Bermuda. Teresa moving toward the northwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 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 distinct low level of circulation was evident under an upper level low pressure system north of Bermuda and the National Hurricane Center designated the system as Subtropical Storm Teresa. The structure of Subtropical Storm Teresa was complex. There was a distinct low level center of circulation under the western side of the upper level low. A long band of showers and thunderstorms arced around the eastern and northern side of the larger circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) in the northeastern quadrant of Subtropical Storm Teresa. Winds in the other parts of Teresa were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Subtropical Storm Teresa will move through an environment that is only marginally favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Teresa will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27˚C. However, the circulation around the upper level low will cause vertical wind shear over the low level center of Teresa. The wind shear will inhibit intensification. Subtropical Storm Teresa could get a little stronger during the next 24 hours. Teresa is forecast to be absorbed by a larger extratropical cyclone by the end of the weekend.

An upper level trough over the eastern U.S. will steer Subtropical Storm Teresa toward the northeast during the weekend. On its anticipated track, Teresa will move farther away from Bermuda. Subtropical Storm Teresa is forecast to be absorbed by an extratropical cyclone south of Nova Scotia on Sunday.

Elsewhere, Hurricane Same strengthened over the tropical Atlantic Ocean. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Hurricane Sam was located at latitude 12.1°N and longitude 44.8°W which put it about 1290 miles (2075 km) east-southeast of the Northern Leeward Islands. Sam moving toward the west at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 986 mb. Hurricane Sam is forecast to strengthen to a major hurricane during the weekend.