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Frank Strengthens to a Hurricane Southwest of Baja California

Former Tropical Storm Frank strengthened to a hurricane over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean southwest of Baja California on Friday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Hurricane Frank was located at latitude 15.1°N and longitude 114.8°W which put it about 625 miles (1010 km) south-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. Frank was moving toward the west-northwest at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and and there were wind gusts to 95 m.p.h. (150 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 983 mb.

Hurricane Frank exhibited better organization on infrared and microwave satellite imagery on Friday night. A circular eye appeared at the center of Frank’s circulation on satellite images. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the eye and a broken ring of thunderstorms encircled the eye. The strongest winds were occurring in the broken ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Hurricane Frank. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane. Winds to hurricane force extended out 25 miles (40 km) in the northeastern quadrant of Frank’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of circulation.

Hurricane Frank will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Frank will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Hurricane Frank will intensify during the next 24 hours. There is a chance Frank could rapidly intensify to a major hurricane on Saturday.

Elsewhere over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Georgette was spinning about 700 miles (1130 km) to the west of Hurricane Frank. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Georgette was located at latitude 14.5°N and longitude 125.1°W which put it about 1150 miles (1850 km) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. Georgette was moving toward the west-southwest at 13 m.p.h. (20 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 999 mb.

Tropical Storm Georgette Forms Southwest of Baja California

Tropical Storm Georgette formed southwest over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean southwest of Baja California on Wednesday afternoon. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Georgette was located at latitude 16.5°N and longitude 115.9°W which put it about 590 miles (950 km) southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. Georgette was moving toward the west at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1005 mb.

The circulation around a small low pressure system southwest of Baja California strengthened on Wednesday afternoon and the National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Georgette. The circulation around Tropical Storm Georgette was very small. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 25 miles (40 km) in the northeastern quadrant of Georgette’s circulation. The winds in the other parts of Georgette were blowing at less than tropical storm force. More thunderstorms developed near the center of Tropical Storm Georgette on Wednesday afternoon. Thunderstorms were also occurring in bands in the western side of Georgette. Bands in the eastern side of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.

Tropical Storm Georgette will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Georgette will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. Georgette will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the Eastern North Pacific. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Georgette’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification. Tropical Storm Georgette could strengthen during the next 24 hours, if the vertical wind shear does not increase. The larger circulation around Tropical Storm Frank, which is located east-southeast of Georgette could begin to affect the intensity of Tropical Storm Georgette in a day or so.

Tropical Storm Georgette will move south of a high pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Georgette toward the west during the next 24 hours. If Tropical Storm Frank moves closer to Georgette, then the larger circulation around Frank could start to pull Georgette toward the southwest. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Georgette will move farther away from Baja California during the next 24 hours.

Elsewhere over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Fanrk slowly strengthened on Wednesday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Frank was located at latitude 12.5°N and longitude 106.8°W which put it about 745 miles (1200 km) south-southeast of the southern tip of Baja California. Frank was moving toward the west at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1002 mb.

Tropical Storm Jimena Develops East-southeast of Hawaii

Tropical Storm Jimena developed east-southeast of Hawaii on Thursday morning. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Jimena was located at latitude 15.5°N and longitude 136.6°W which put it about 1265 miles (2040 km) east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii. Jimena was moving toward the northwest 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 1005 mb.

More thunderstorms developed near the center of former Tropical Depression Nine-E on Thursday morning and the National Hurricane Center upgraded the system to Tropical Storm Jimena. The circulation around Jimena was asymmetrical. Many of the stronger thunderstorms were developing in the eastern half of Tropical Storm Jimena. Bands in the western half of Jimena consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 40 miles (65 km) in the northeastern quadrant of the circulation. The winds in the other parts of Jimena were blowing at less that tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Jimena will move through an environment only marginally favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Jimena will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 26°C. It will move through an area where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Jimena will move over cooler water on Friday. Jimena could strengthen a little during the next 24 hours, but it is likely to weaken when it moves over cooler water.

Tropical Storm Jimena will move around the southern side of a subtropical high pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean. The high will steer Jimena toward the west-northwest during the next several days. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Jimena could be east-northeast of Hawaii in a few days.

Elsewhere over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Hilda was weakening to the northeast of Tropical Storm Jimena. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Hilda was located at latitude 20.1°N and longitude 129.2°W which put it about 1255 miles (2020 km) west of the southern tip of Baja California. Hilda was moving toward the west-northwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 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.

Tropical Storm Ignacio Develops Southwest of Baja California

Tropical Storm Ignacio developed southwest of Baja California on Monday morning. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Ignacio was located at latitude 18.3°N and longitude 114.0°W which put it about 415 miles (665 km) southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. Ignacio was moving toward the west-northwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 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.

The circulation around former Tropical Depression Ten-E strengthened on Monday morning and the National Hurricane Center upgraded the system to Tropical Storm Ignacio. The circulation around Ignacio was asymmetrical. The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western half of tropical storm Ignacio. Bands in the eastern side of Ignacio consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms west of the center of circulation generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the tropical storm. Even though the stronger thunderstorms were on the western side of Tropical Storm Ignacio, the strongest winds were occurring in the northeastern quadrant of the circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 45 miles (75 km) in the northeastern quadrant of Ignacio. Winds in the other parts of the circulation were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Ignacio will move through an environment marginally favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Ignacio will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 26°C. It will move under the southwestern part of a strong upper level ridge centered over Baja California. The ridge will produce strong easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Ignacio’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear and they were the cause of the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms. The wind shear will limit intensification. Tropical Storm Ignacio could get a little stronger during the next 24 hours. Ignacio will move over cooler water on Tuesday and it is likely to weaken.

Tropical Storm Ignacio will move around the southern side of a subtropical high pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean. The high will steer Ignacio toward the west-northwest during the next several days. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Ignacio will remain far to the west of Baja California.

Elsewhere over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean, Hurricane Hilda was located west of Tropical Storm Ignacio. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Hurricane Hilda was located at latitude 15.4°N and longitude 122.6°W which put it about 975 miles (1570 km) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. Hilda was moving toward the northwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 988 mb.

Hilda Intensifies to a Hurricane

Former Tropical Storm Hilda intensified to a hurricane over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean on Saturday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Hurricane Hilda was located at latitude 14.3°N and longitude 118.7°W which put it about 825 miles (1330 km) southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. Hilda was moving toward the west-northwest at 10 m.p.h. (16 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 985 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Hilda intensified rapidly to a hurricane on Saturday. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Hurricane Hilda and an eye appeared to be forming. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Hilda. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane. Winds to hurricane force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Hilda. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of circulation.

Hurricane Hilda will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Hilda will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Hurricane Hilda is likely to continue to intensify on Sunday.

Hurricane Hilda will move south of a high pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean. The high will steer Hilda toward the west-northwest during the next several days. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Hilda will continue to move farther away from Baja California.

Elsewhere, Tropical Depression Nine-E stalled west of Hurricane Hilda on Friday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Depression Nine-E was located at latitude 11.5°N and longitude 127.5°W which put it about 1400 miles (2255 km) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. The depression was stationary. 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 1007 mb.

Tropical Storm Hilda Develops South of Baja California

Tropical Storm Hilda developed south of Baja California on Friday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Hilda was located at latitude 13.2°N and longitude 114.6°W which put it about 735 miles (1185 km) south-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. Hilda was moving toward the west-northwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 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 1003 mb.

The circulation around a low pressure system south of Baja California exhibited more organization on Friday and the National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Hilda. The circulation around Tropical Storm Hilda was asymmetrical. A band of thunderstorms was wrapping around the western side of the center of Hilda. Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of circulation. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) to the east of the center of Tropical Storm Hilda. Winds in the western side of Hilda were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Hilda will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Hilda will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Hilda will intensify on Saturday and it could intensify to a hurricane during the next 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Hilda will move south of a high pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean. The high will steer Hilda toward the west-northwest during the next several days. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Hilda will move farther away from Baja California.

Elsewhere, Tropical Depression Nine-E developed west of Tropical Storm Hilda on Friday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Depression Nine-E was located at latitude 12.5°N and longitude 126.2°W which put it about 1290 miles (2075 km) southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. The depression was moving toward the west at 6 m.p.h. (10 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 1007 mb.

Tropical Storm Douglas Moves Away from Hawaii

A weakening Tropical Storm Douglas moved away from Hawaii on Monday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Douglas was located at latitude 22.9°N and longitude 163.3°W which put it about 200 miles (325 km) east-southeast of French Frigate Shoals.  Douglas was moving toward the west at 18 m.p.h. (30 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 993 mb.

Tropical Storm Douglas weakened on Monday.  An upper level trough west of Hawaii produced southerly winds which blew toward the top of Douglas’ circulation.  Those winds caused strong vertical wind shear.  The wind shear caused former Hurricane Douglas to weaken even though it was moving over water where the Sea Surface Temperature was near 27°C.  The low level center of circulation was surrounded by showers and lower clouds.  The only thunderstorms were occurring on the northern periphery of the tropical storm.  Bands in the other parts of Douglas consisted of showers and lower clouds.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out about 100 miles (160 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Douglas will move south of a subtropical high pressure system over the North Pacific Ocean.  The high will steer Douglas toward the west during the next few days.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Douglas will move across the International Date Line and over the Western North Pacific Ocean later this week.  The upper level trough will continue to cause vertical wind shear and Douglas will continue to weaken.

Hurricane Douglas Passes Just North of Hawaii

Hurricane Douglas was passing just to the north of the Hawaiian Islands on Sunday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday night the center of Hurricane Douglas was located at latitude 22.0°N and longitude 157.3°W which put it about 60 miles (95 km) northeast of Honolulu, Hawaii.  Douglas was moving toward the west-northwest at 16 m.p.h. (26 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 989 mb.

Hurricane Warnings were in effect for Oahu, Kauai and Niihau.

The core of Hurricane Douglas exhibited greater organization on Sunday night.  Thunderstorms around the eye at the center of Douglas grew taller as the hurricane moved over warmer water.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core.  Winds to hurricane force extended out about 40 miles (65 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center in the northern half of Hurricane Douglas.  Winds to tropical storm force only extended out about 50 miles (80 km) on the southern side of the circulation.  The stronger winds were remaining north of the Hawaiian Islands.  There were reports of localized minor wind damage on some of the islands.

Hurricane Douglas will move around the south side of a subtropical high pressure system over the North Pacific Ocean.  The high will steer Douglas toward the west-northwest during the next several days.  On its anticipated track the core of Hurricane Douglas will pass north of Oahu.  Scattered minor wind damage could occur on Oahu, Kauai and Niihau.  The southern part of the eyewall could come closer to Kauai and the risk for wind damage is greater there.  Winds blowing uphill could enhance rainfall on Oahu, Kauai and Niihau.  Flash Flood Watches were in effect for those islands.

Hurricane Douglas Prompts Hurricane Warning for Oahu

The approach of Hurricane Douglas prompted the issuance of a Hurricane Warning for Oahu on Saturday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Hurricane Douglas was located at latitude 19.5°N and 150.1°W which put it about 325 miles (525 km) east of Hilo, Hawaii.  Douglas was moving toward the west-northwest at 18 m.p.h. (30 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 90 m.p.h. (150 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 110 m.p.h. (175 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 984 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for Oahu.  Hurricane Watches were in effect for Hawaii, Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe.  Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for Hawaii, Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe.  Tropical Storm Watches were in effect for Kauai and Niihau.

Hurricane Douglas weakened gradually on Saturday as it moved over cooler water.  Douglas was moving over water where the Sea Surface Temperature was near 25°C.  As a result of the cooler water, thunderstorms did not grow as high in the atmosphere.  There was still an eye at the center of circulation, but breaks began to appear in the ring of storms around the eye.  Most of the stronger thunderstorms were in the northern half of the circulation.  Bands in the southern half of the circulation consisted mainly of showers and lower clouds.   Winds to hurricane force extended out about 30 miles (50 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out about 110 miles (175 km) from the center.

Hurricane Douglas will move around the southern side of a subtropical high pressure system over the North Pacific Ocean.  The high will steer Douglas toward the west-northwest during the next several days.  On its anticipated track Hurricane Douglas will pass north of the Big Island of Hawaii on Sunday morning.  The core of Douglas could pass near Oahu on Sunday night.

Hurricane Douglas will bring gusty winds to the Hawaiian Islands.  The strongest winds could occur on Oahu.  Winds speeds will be greater at higher elevations.  Douglas could drop heavy rain on the sides of the islands where the wind blows up the slopes.  Flash flooding will be possible.

Hurricane Douglas Prompts Watches for Hawaii

Hurricane Douglas prompted the issuance of Hurricane Watches for some of the Hawaiian Islands on Friday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Hurricane Douglas was located at latitude 17.0°N and longitude 143.5°W which put it about 785 miles (1260 km) east of Hilo, Hawaii.  Douglas was moving toward the west-northwest at 18 m.p.h. (30 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 140 m.p.h. (225 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 967 mb.

Hurricane Watches were issued for Hawaii, Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe.

Hurricane Douglas continued on a track toward the Hawaiian Islands on Friday, which prompted the issuance of Hurricane Watches.  Douglas was weakening slowly as it moved over slightly cooler water.  In addition, Hurricane Douglas appeared to go through an eyewall replacement cycle which may have contributed to the weakening.  Even though it had weakened, Douglas remained a powerful, well organized hurricane.  There was a circular eye at the center of 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 Hurricane Douglas.  Storms near the core were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the hurricane.

Winds to hurricane force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 120 miles (195 km) from the center of Douglas.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Douglas was 20.6.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 9.9 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 30.5.  Hurricane Douglas was capable of causing localized major damage.

Hurricane Douglas will move through an environment less favorable for major hurricanes during the next several days.  Douglas will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 25°C.  So, Hurricane Douglas will not be able to extract as much energy from the upper ocean.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  The lack of wind shear will allow Hurricane Douglas to weaken gradually.

Hurricane Douglas will move south of a subtropical high pressure system over the Eastern and Central North Pacific Ocean.  The high will steer Douglas toward the west-northwest.  On its anticipated track Hurricane Douglas will approach Hawaii on Sunday.