Subtropical Storm Patty Moves Across the Azores

Subtropical Storm Patty was moving across the Azores on Saturday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Subtropical Storm Patty was located at latitude 37.9°N and longitude 27.8°W which put the center about 75 miles (120 km) south-southwest of Lajes, Azores.  Patty was moving toward the east at 20 m.p.h. (32 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 985 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Azores.

Subtropical Storm Patty strengthened a little as it approached the Azores on Saturday.  However, Patty appeared to be starting to weaken on Saturday night.  The distribution of thunderstorms started to look a little more asymmetrical.  The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the northeastern part of Patty’s circulation.  Bands in the southern and western parts of Subtropical Storm Patty consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The circulation around Subtropical Storm Patty remained large.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 205 miles (325 km) in the southern side of Patty’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 105 miles (165 km) in the northern side of Subtropical Storm Patty.

Subtropical Storm Patty will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Patty will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 21°C.  It will move under the southern part of an upper level low.  The upper level low will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Patty’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear and the wind shear will inhibit intensification.  Subtropical Storm Patty is likely to weaken during the next 24 hours.

The upper level trough will steer Subtropical Storm Patty toward the east during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Subtropical Storm Patty will continue to move across the Azores during the next 12 hours,  Patty will move east of the Azores later on Sunday.

Subtropical Storm Patty will bring strong winds and heavy rain to the Azores during Saturday night and Sunday.  Strong winds could cause localized damage and electricity outages.