Tag Archives: Mexico

Nora Strengthens to a Hurricane South of Mexico

Former Tropical Storm Nora strengthened to a hurricane south of Mexico early on Saturday. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Hurricane Nora was located at latitude 17.8°N and longitude 105.4°W which put it about 180 miles (290 km) south of Cabo Corrientes, Mexico. Nora was moving toward the north-northwest at 10 m.p.h. (16 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 983 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Manzanillo to San Blas, Mexico. Hurricane Watches were in effect for the portions of the coast from Lazaro Cardenas to Manzanillo and from San Blas to Mazatlan, Mexico. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the portions of the coast from Tecpan de Galeana to Manzanillo and from San Blas to Mazatlan, Mexico.

Former Tropical Storm Nora strengthened to a hurricane early on Saturday morning. Infrared and microwave satellite images showed that an eye was forming at the center of Nora. The eye was surrounded by a broken 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 Nora. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane. Winds to hurricane force extended out 35 miles (55 km) in the northeast quadrant of Nora. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (320 km) from the center of circulation.

Hurricane Nora will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Nora will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Hurricane Nora could strengthen during the next 12 hours. Nora could pull drier air over Mexico into its circulation when it moves closer to the coast. The drier air could inhibit the formation of thunderstorms and Nora could start to weaken when the center gets close to the coast of Mexico.

Hurricane Nora will move around the western side of a high pressure system over Mexico. The high pressure system will steer Nora toward the north during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track the center of Hurricane Nora could be very near Manzanillo on Saturday night. Nora will bring strong winds and heavy rain to the coast of Mexico. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in Colima, Jalisco and Guadalajara.

Tropical Storm Nora Forms South of Acapulco

Tropical Storm Nora formed south of Acapulco, Mexico on Thursday morning. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Nora was located at latitude 12.5°N and longitude 100.8°W which put it about 310 miles (500 km) south of Acapulco, Mexico. Nora was moving toward the west-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 1003 mb.

A Hurricane Watch was issued for the portion of the coast from Lazaro Cardenas to Cabo Corrientes, Mexico. A Tropical Storm Watch was issued for the portion of the coast from Lazaro Cardenas to Tecpan de Galeana, Mexico.

An area of low pressure south of Acapulco, Mexico exhibited more organization on Thursday morning and the National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Nora. The distribution of thunderstorms around Tropical Storm Nora was asymmetrical. The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern half of Nora. Bands in the north half of the tropical storm consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms near the center of Nora began to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Nora will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge centered near Baja California. The ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Nora’s circulation. Those winds are already causing the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms and they will cause vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but it may not be strong enough to keep Tropical Storm Nora from intensifying during the next 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Nora will move around the western end of a high pressure system over Mexico. The high pressure system will steer Nora toward the northwest during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Nora could approach the west coast of Mexico on Friday night. Nora could be a strong tropical storm or a hurricane when it approaches the coast.

Tropical Cyclone Likely to Form over Western Caribbean

A tropical cyclone is likely to form over the western Caribbean Sea during the next few days. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Invest 99L was located at latitude 12.5°N and longitude 75.4°W which put it about 100 miles (160 km) north of Barranquilla, Colombia. Invest 99L was moving toward the west-northwest at 25 m.p.h. (40 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 1006 mb.

A tropical cyclone is likely to form from a tropical wave, currently designated as Invest 99L, that is over the Caribbean Sea north of Colombia. There is currently no low level center of circulation in the tropical wave. Visible satellite images were providing evidence of some rotation in the middle troposphere on Wednesday afternoon. The wave is currently in an environment that is unfavorable for the formation of a tropical cyclone. The wave is over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. However, an upper level low centered near the Bahamas is producing strong southwesterly winds that are blowing across the western part of the tropical wave. Those winds are causing moderate vertical wind shear and they are inhibiting the development of the wave. Easterly winds in the lower troposphere are pushing lower section of the tropical wave quickly toward the west-northwest, which is also inhibiting development.

The tropical wave will move into an environment more favorable for the development of a tropical cyclone during the next several days. The upper low near the Bahamas is forecast to move toward the northwest and to weaken. When the upper low weakens, the vertical wind shear will decrease around the tropical wave. In addition, the wave is forecast to move more slowly when it reaches the western Caribbean Sea. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is indicating that there is a 50% probability that a tropical depression will form from the tropical wave in the next 48 hours. NHC is indicating there is a 80% probability that a tropical wave will form during the next five days.

The tropical wave will move around the southwestern part of a subtropical high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean. The high will steer the tropical wave toward the west-northwest during the next several days. On its anticipated track the tropical wave will approach Nicaragua and Honduras on Thursday. The system could be near the northeastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula on Friday evening. It could move over the Gulf of Mexico during the weekend. The conditions over the Gulf of Mexico could be favorable for intensification during the weekend. The Sea Surface Temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico are near 30°C. An upper level ridge is forecast to be over the Gulf. The upper level winds will be weak in the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. If Invest 99L is in the Gulf of Mexico during the weekend, it could strengthen to a hurricane. If it develops into a hurricane with a well formed inner core, then a period of rapid intensification could occur.

Reconnaissance planes are tentatively scheduled to begin to investigate the tropical wave on Thursday afternoon, if necessary. Invest 99L has the potential to pose a serious threat to the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. Interests in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida should monitor progress of the system.

Marty Weakens to a Tropical Depression

Former Tropical Storm Marty weakened to a tropical depression over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Depression Marty was located at latitude 20.6°N and longitude 118.1°W which put it about 550 miles (885 km) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. Marty was moving toward the west at 12 m.p.h. (19 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.

Former Tropical Storm Marty weakened to a tropical depression on Tuesday morning when it moved over cooler water. Few, if any, thunderstorms were occurring in the circulation around Tropical Depression Marty. The low level circulation was symmetrical and well organized, but it consisted almost entirely of showers and low clouds.

Tropical Depression Marty will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next several days. Marty will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 25°C. The cool water will not supply enough energy to Marty for it to be able to strengthen.

Since the circulation of Tropical Depression Marty exists primarily in the lower levels, it will be steered by the winds near the surface. Marty will move south of the subtropical high pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean. The high will steer Marty toward the west during the next few days. On its anticipated track Tropical Depression Marty will move farther away from Mexico.

Tropical Storm Marty Develops South of Baja California

Tropical Storm Marty developed over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean south of Baja California on Monday morning. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Marty was located at latitude 20.0°N and longitude 111.0°W which put it about 210 miles (340 km) south-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. Marty was moving toward the west 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 of former Hurricane Grace developed into Tropical Storm Marty south of Baja California on Monday morning. Although the surface circulation of former Hurricane Grace dissipated when it moved across central Mexico during the weekend, the circulation in the middle and upper troposphere remained intact. New thunderstorms began to form when the middle and upper parts of the circulation moved over the Eastern North Pacific west of Mexico. Downdrafts in those thunderstorms transported momentum down to the surface and a low level circulation spun up. More thunderstorms formed near the low level center on Monday morning and the National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Marty.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Marty was well organized. Thunderstorms near the center of Marty were generating upper level divergence that was pumping mass away from the tropical storm. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Marty. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of Marty.

Tropical Storm Marty will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Marty will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C. It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge centered near Baja California. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Marty’s circulation. Those winds will cause vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but it will not be strong enough to keep Tropical Storm Marty from getting stronger during the next 24 hours. Marty will move over cooler water on Tuesday and there will be less energy available to the tropical storm.

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

Elsewhere, the circulation of former Hurricane Linda was approaching Hawaii. At 2:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of former Hurricane Linda was located at latitude 21.0°N and longitude 154.8°W which put it about 115 miles (185 km) east of Wailuku,, Hawaii. It was moving toward the west at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 1006 mb. The circulation of former Hurricane Linda will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to parts of Hawaii during the next several days.

Grace Rapidly Intensifies to a Major Hurricane

Hurricane Grace rapidly intensified to a major hurricane near Mexico on Friday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Hurricane Grace was located at latitude 20.7°N and longitude 96.3°W which put it about 75 miles (120 km) east-southeast of Tuxpan, Mexico. Grace was moving toward the west at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 140 m.p.h. (220 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 967 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Puerto Veracuz to Cabo Rojo, Mexico. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Cabo Rojo to Barra del Tordo, Mexico.

Hurricane Grace rapidly intensified to a major hurricane on Friday night. A circular eye with a diameter of 35 miles (55 km) was at the center of Grace. The eye was surround 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 Grace. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane. The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease, which produced a rapid increase in the surface wind speed.

Hurricane Grace was an average sized hurricane. Winds to hurricane force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Grace. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 150 miles (240 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Grace was 22.1. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 11.2 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 33.3. Hurricane Grace was capable of regional major damage.

Hurricane Grace will move south of a high pressure system that extends over the Gulf of Mexico. The high pressure system will steer Grace toward the west during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track the center of Hurricane Grace will make landfall on the coast of Mexico between Tuxpan and Veracruz in a few hours. Grace will be capable of causing major wind damage. It will drop locally heavy rain and flash floods are likely. Hurricane Grace could cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) where the wind blows the water toward the coast. Grace will weaken quickly when it moves inland over Mexico, but heavy rain could cause flash floods over parts of Central Mexico,

Elsewhere, Tropical Storm Henri was moving toward the north off the East Coast of the U.S. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Henri was located at latitude 32.3°N and longitude 73.5°W which put it about 230 miles (375 km) south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Henri was moving toward the north at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 70 m.p.h. (85 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 994 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for eastern Long Island from Fire Island Inlet to Port Jefferson Harbor. A Hurricane Warning was also in effect for the portion of the coast from New Haven, Connecticut to Watch Hill, Rhode Island. A Hurricane Watch was in effect from Watch Hill, Rhode Island to Sagamore Beach, Massachusetts. The Hurricane Watch included Block Island, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the south coast of Long Island from East Rockaway Inlet to Fire Island Inlet. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the north coast of Long Island from East Rockaway Inlet to Port Jefferson, Harbor. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from East Rockaway Inlet to New Haven, Connecticut. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect from the portion of the coast from Watch Hill, Rhode Island to Wood Hole, Massachusetts. The Tropical Storm Warning included Block Island and Martha’s Vineyard. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for the portion of the coast from East Rockaway Inlet, New York to Manasquan Inlet, New Jersey. The Tropical Storm Warning included New York City.

Tropical Storm Henri Prompts Hurricane Watches for Long Island, Southeast New England

A potential threat from Tropical Storm Henri prompted the issuance of Hurricane Watches for parts of Long Island and southeastern New England on Friday morning. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Henri was located at latitude 30.0°N and longitude 73.7°W which put it about 375 miles (600 km) southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Henri was moving toward the west-northwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 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 995 mb.

A Hurricane Watch was issued for eastern Long Island from Fire Island Inlet to Port Jefferson Harbor. A Hurricane Watch was also issued for the portion of the coast from New Haven, Connecticut to Sagamore Beach, Massachusetts. The Hurricane Watch included Block Island, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. A Tropical Storm Watch was issued for the south coast of Long Island from East Rockaway Inlet to Fire Island Inlet. A Tropical Storm Watch was issued for the north coast of Long Island from East Rockaway Inlet to Port Jefferson Harbor. A Tropical Storm Watch was also issued for the portion of the coast from East Rockaway Inlet to New Haven, Connecticut.

Tropical Storm Henri did not change much during Thursday night. The distribution of thunderstorms around Henri remained asymmetrical. The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern half of Henri. Bands in the northern half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Henri was moving under the southeastern part of an upper level ridge off the east coast of the U.S. The ridge was producing northeasterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Henri’s circulation. Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear and they were also contributing to the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of Henri.

Although Tropical Storm Henri is currently moving toward the west-northwest, an upper level trough over the eastern U.S. will turn Henri toward the north on Friday. The trough will steer Henri toward the north on Saturday. When Henri turns toward the north it will move under the axis of the upper level ridge. The upper level winds are weaker near the axis of the ridge and the wind shear will be less. Tropical Storm Henri is likely to strengthen to a hurricane on Saturday. Henri will move over the warm water in the Gulf Stream and there is a chance that Henri could strengthen to Category 2 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.

A high pressure system will move northeast of Henri on Sunday. The high pressure system will block Henri and prevent it from moving toward the northeast. The high pressure system will also slow the forward speed of Henri. Henri could be moving slowly when it nears Long Island and southeastern New England. A slow forward speed would increase the time period when places experience strong gusty winds, which would increase the chance for wind damage and power outages. Slow movement would also increase the total rainfall in many locations and the risk for flash floods would increase. Henri could also cause a storm surge of up to 4 to 7 feet (1 to 2 meters) along the coast.

Elsewhere, former Tropical Storm Grace strengthened back to a hurricane over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico on Friday morning. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Hurricane Grace was located at latitude 20.6°N and longitude 93.7°W which put it about 185 miles (300 km) east-northeast of Veracruz, Mexico. Grace was moving toward the west at 15 m.p.h. (24 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 983 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Puerto Veracuz to Cabo Rojo, Mexico. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Cabo Rojo to Barra del Tordo, Mexico.

Hurricane Grace Hits Yucatan

Hurricane Grace hit the Yucatan Peninsula on Thursday morning. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Hurricane Grace was located at latitude 20.1°N and longitude 87.9°W which put it about 45 miles (65 km) south-southeast of Valladolid, Mexico. Grace was moving toward the west at 17 m.p.h. (28 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 989 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Cancun to Punta Herrero, Mexico. The Hurricane Warning included Cozumel. A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Puerto Veracruz to Cabo Rojo,, Mexico. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the portions of the coast from Cancun to Campeche, Mexico and from Punta Herrero to Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Cabo Rojo to Puerto de Altamira, Mexico. Tropical Storm Watches were also in effect for the Cuban provinces of Isla de la Juventud and Pinar del Rio.

The center of Hurricane Grace made landfall on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula southeast of Tulum on Thursday morning. The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) at the time of landfall. Winds to hurricane force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Hurricane Grace. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) from the center of circulation. Grace will produce strong gusty winds over the Yucatan. It will also drop heavy rain and flash floods are likely to occur. Hurricane Grace will weaken gradually back to a tropical storm while it moves across the Yucatan.

Hurricane Grace will move over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico on Thursday night. Grace will move into an environment favorable for intensification when it moves over the Gulf of Mexico. Grace will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move into a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Grace is likely to intensify back to a hurricane on Friday.

Hurricane Grace will move south of a subtropical high pressure system that extends over the Gulf of Mexico. The high will steer Grace toward the west during the next several days. On its anticipated track Hurricane Grace will move across the Yucatan Peninsula on Thursday. Grace will move over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico on Thursday night. Hurricane Grace could approach the coast of Mexico between Veracruz and Tampico on Friday night.

Elsewhere, former Tropical Storm Fred was dropping heavy rain over parts of the northeastern U.S. and Tropical Storm Henri was moving west toward the east coast of the U.S.

At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of former Tropical Storm Fred was located at latitude 42.0°N and longitude 76.0°W which put it about 15 miles (25 km) south of Binghamton, New York. Fred was moving toward the east-northeast at 17 m.p.h. (28 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 25 m.p.h. (40 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1011 mb. Flood Watches and Flash Flood Watches were in effect for parts of the northeastern U.S.

At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Henri was located at latitude 29.5°N and longitude 69.5°W which put it about 525 miles (845 km) southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Henri was moving toward the west at 9 m.p.h. (15 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 995 mb.

Grace Intensifies to a Hurricane

Former Tropical Storm Grace intensified to a hurricane west of the Cayman Islands on Wednesday morning. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Grace was located at latitude 19.4°N and longitude 82.2°W which put it about 65 miles (105km) west of Grand Cayman. Grace was moving toward the west-northwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 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 992 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Cancun to Punta Herrero, Mexico. The Hurricane Warning included Cozumel. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the Cayman Islands. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the portions of the coast from Cancun to Campeche, Mexico and from Punta Herrero to Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico. Tropical Storm Watches were in effect for the Cuban provinces of Isla de la Juventud and Pinar del Rio.

Hurricane Grace was intensifying on Wednesday morning. A reconnaissance plane found that an eye with a diameter of 18 miles (29 km) was forming at the center of Grace. The developing eye was surround 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 center of Hurricane Grace. Storms near the core of Grace were generating upper level divergence that was pumping mass away from the hurricane. The removal of mass was causing the surface pressure to decrease. Winds to hurricane force extended out 25 miles (40 km) on the eastern side of Grace. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of circulation.

Hurricane Grace will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Grace 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 centered near Florida. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Grace’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the shear will be too small to prevent intensification. Hurricane Grace will continue to intensify during the next 12 hours. A period of rapid intensification could occur once an inner core with an eye and an eyewall is fully formed at the center of Grace.

Hurricane Grace will move south of a subtropical high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean. The high will steer Grace toward the west-northwest during the next several days. On its anticipated track Hurricane Grace will approach the Yucatan Peninsula on Wednesday night. Grace will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain. Flash flooding is likely to occur in some locations. Grace will also cause a storm surge along the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Elsewhere, Tropical Depression Fred was dropping heavy rain over parts of the northeastern U.S. and Tropical Storm Henri was passing southwest of Bermuda.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Depression Fred was located at latitude 39.5°N and longitude 80.7°W which put it about 90 miles (145 km) south-southwest of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Fred was moving toward the northeast at 20 m.p.h. (32 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 25 m.p.h. (40 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1013 mb. Flood Watches and Flash Flood Watches were in effect for parts of the eastern U.S.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Henri was located at latitude 30.0°N and longitude 66.6°W which put it about 190 miles (310 km) southwest of Bermuda. Henri was moving toward the west at 8 m.p.h. (10 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 998 mb

Tropical Storm Grace Brings Wind and Rain to Cayman Islands

Tropical Storm Grace brought wind and rain to the Cayman Islands on Wednesday morning. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Wednuesday the center of Tropical Storm Grace was located at latitude 19.1°N and longitude 81.4°W which put it about 20 miles (30 km) southwest of Grand Cayman. Grace was moving toward the west-northwest at 16 m.p.h. (26 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 993 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Cancun to Punta Herrero, Mexico. The Hurricane Warning included Cozumel. A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the Cayman Islands. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the Cayman Islands. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the portions of the coast from Cancun to Campeche, Mexico and from Punta Herrero to Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico. Tropical Storm Watches were in effect for the Cuban provinces of Isla de la Juventud and Pinar del Rio.

Tropical Storm Grace was getting better organized on Wednesday morning. A reconnaissance plane was reporting that an eye with a diameter of 18 miles (29 km) was forming at the center of Grace. The developing eye was surround 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 center of Tropical Storm Grace. Storms near the center of circulation were generating upper level divergence that was pumping mass away from the tropical storm. The removal of mass was causing the surface pressure to decrease. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of Grace.

Tropical Storm Grace will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 18 hours. Grace 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 centered near Florida. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Grace’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the shear will be too small to prevent intensification. Tropical Storm Grace is likely to strengthen to a hurricane over the northwestern Caribbean Sea. A period of rapid intensification could occur once an inner core with an eye and an eyewall forms at the center of Grace.

Tropical Storm Grace will move south of a subtropical high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean. The high will steer Grace toward the west-northwest during the next several days. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Grace will approach the Yucatan Peninsula on Wednesday night. Grace will be a hurricane when it approaches the Yucatan. It will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain. Flash flooding is likely to occur in some locations. Grace will also cause a storm surge along the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Elsewhere, Tropical Depression Fred was dropping heavy rain over parts of the northeastern U.S. and Tropical Storm Henri was passing south of Bermuda.

At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Depression Fred was located at latitude 38.6°N and longitude 81.8°W which put it about 20 miles (30 km) northwest of Charleston, West Virginia. Fred was moving toward the northeast at 20 m.p.h. (32 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 25 m.p.h. (40 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1011 mb. Flood Watches and Flash Flood Watches were in effect for parts of the eastern U.S.

At 8:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Henri was located at latitude 30.1°N and longitude 65.7°W which put it about 160 miles (260 km) south-southwest of Bermuda. Henri was moving toward the west at 6 m.p.h. (10 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 9980 mb. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for Bermuda.