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Hurricane Larry Passes East of Bermuda

Hurricane Larry passed east of Bermuda on Thursday afternoon. At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Hurricane Larry was located at latitude 32.9°N and longitude 62.0°W which put it about 170 miles (280 km) east-northeast of Bermuda. Larry was moving toward the north-northwest at 17 m.p.h. (28 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 966 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for Bermuda. A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from St. Schotts to Pouch Cove, Newfoundland. Tropical Storm Watches were in effect for the portions of the coast from Lamaline to St, Schotts, Newfoundland and from Pouch Cove to Bonavista, Newfoundland.

The center of Hurricane Larry passed east of Bermuda on Friday afternoon. Bands on the western edge of Larry’s circulation brought rain and gusty winds to Bermuda. Hurricane Larry was still a well organized hurricane. A circular eye was present at the center of Larry. 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 center of Hurricane Larry. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the north of the hurricane.

The circulation around Hurricane Larry was large. Winds to hurricane force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of Larry. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 220 miles (350 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Larry was 13.9. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 25.4 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 39.3.

Hurricane Larry will move through an environment that should allow it to maintain its intensity during the next 24 hours. Larry will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28˚C. It will move around the eastern side of an upper level trough over the eastern U.S. The trough will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Larry’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear. However, the winds in the lower levels will also blow from the southwest. So, there will not be a lot of vertical wind shear. Hurricane Larry will move over cooler water when it moves north of the Gulf Stream on Friday. Larry will begin to make a transition to an extratropical cyclone when it gets north of the Gulf Stream.

The upper level trough over the eastern U.S. will steer Hurricane Larry toward the northeast. On its anticipated track Larry will move quickly away from Bermuda. Hurricane Larry could reach southeastern Newfoundland on Friday night. Larry will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to parts of Newfoundland.

Elsewhere, former Tropical Storm Mindy dropped locally heavy rain over the southeast coast of the U.S. on Thursday morning. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Depression Mindy was located at latitude 31.5°N and longitude 80.7°W which put it about 45 miles (75 km) south-southeast of Savannah, Georgia. Mindy was moving toward the east-northeast at 21 m.p.h. (33 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 1005 mb.

Tropical Storm Mindy Forms near Florida Panhandle

Tropical Storm Mindy formed near the Florida Panhandle on Wednesday afternoon. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Mindy was located at latitude 29.0°N and longitude 86.3°W which put it about 90 miles (145 km) west-southwest of Apalachicola, Florida. Mindy was moving toward the northeast at 21 m.p.h. (33 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 1008 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was issued for the portion of the coast from Mexico Beach to the Steinhatchee River, Florida.

A surface low pressure system spun up quickly near the Florida Panhandle on Wednesday afternoon and the National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Mindy. More thunderstorms were forming near the center of Mindy. Storms near the center started to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the northeast of the tropical storm. The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease. NOAA buoy 42039 reported a sustained wind speed of 38 m.p.h. (61 km/h) and a wind gust of 51 m.p.h. (83 km/h) at 4:40 p.m. EDT. The buoy also reported a surface pressure of 1007.8 mb.

Tropical Storm Mindy could strengthen a little during the next few hours before it makes landfall on the coast of Northwest Florida. Mindy will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30˚C. It will move under the eastern side of an upper level low over the western Gulf of Mexico. The upper low will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Mindy’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear and the shear will limit potential intensification.

The upper level low will steer Tropical Storm Mindy quickly toward the northeast during the next 12 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Mindy will make landfall on the coast near Port St. Joe, Florida on Wednesday evening. Mindy will move more toward the east-northeast on Thursday when it reaches the westerly winds in the middle latitudes. Tropical Storm Mindy will produce gusty winds along the coast of Northwest Florida. Mindy could drop locally heavy rain over parts of northern Florida and southern Georgia. Flash Flood Watches are in effect for parts of northern Florida. Southerly winds on the eastern side of Tropical Storm Mindy will push waves toward the coast and some beach erosion is likely.

Elsewhere, Hurricane Larry moved closer to Bermuda on Wednesday afternoon. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Larry was located at latitude 28.9°N and longitude 59.2°W which put it about 405 miles (655 km) southeast of Bermuda. Larry was moving toward the northwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 110 m.p.h. (175 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 966 mb. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for Bermuda.

Laura Weakens to Tropical Storm over Arkansas

Former Hurricane Laura weakened to a tropical storm over Arkansas on Thursday afternoon.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Laura was located at latitude 32.9°N and longitude 92.8°W which put it about 25 miles (40 km) west-southwest of El Dorado, Arkansas.  Laura was moving toward the north-northeast at 15 m.p.h. (24 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 988 mb.

All coastal Tropical Storm Warnings have been discontinued.

Hurricane Laura caused significant wind damage over southwestern Louisiana.  The largest concentration of damage appeared to be around Lake Charles, Louisiana.  There were reports that the dome for the weather radar at the National Weather Service office in Lake Charles sustained heavy damage.  The Automated Surface Observing Station (ASOS) at Lake Charles reported a peak wind speed of 133 m.p.h. (215 km/h).  There were also reports of widespread power outages in Louisiana and eastern Texas.

Former Hurricane Laura gradually weakened as it moved inland over Louisiana.  The circulation around Tropical Storm Laura was still well organized.  However, drier air was wrapping around the western and southern sides of the circulation.  The heavier rains and stronger winds were north and east of the center of Laura.  Flash Flood Watches were in effect for parts of Arkansas, western Tennessee, western Kentucky and extreme southeastern Missouri.

Tropical Storm Laura will turn more toward the east when it reaches southern Missouri on Friday.  Westerly winds in the middle latitudes will carry Laura toward the east coast of the U.S.  Tropical Storm Laura could bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to West Virginia on Saturday.

Powerful Hurricane Laura Makes Landfall in Southwest Louisiana

Powerful Hurricane Laura made landfall in southwest Louisiana on Wednesday night.  At 2:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Hurricane Laura was located at latitude 29.8°N and longitude 93.3°W which put it about 30 miles (50 km) south-southwest of Lake Charles, Louisiana.  Laura was moving toward the north at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 175 m.p.h. (280 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 938 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from High Island, Texas to Intracoastal City, Louisiana.  Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the portions of the coast from San Luis Pass to High Island, Texas and from Intracoastal City to the Mouth of the Mississippi River.

The center of Hurricane Laura officially made landfall near Cameron, Louisiana on Tuesday night.  Hurricane Laura was the strongest hurricane on record to make landfall on the coast of southwest Louisiana.  Laura was stronger than Hurricane Rita was when Rita made landfall in the same area in September 2005.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Laura was 31.6.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 19.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 51.2.  Hurricane Laura was capable of causing widespread extensive damage.

A NOAA National Ocean Service weather station at Calcasieu Pass measured a sustained wind speed of 93 m.p.h. (150 km/h) and a wind gust of 127 m.p.h. (204 km/h) during the passage of the northern eyewall.  The station also recorded a water rise of over 10 feet (3 meters).  The National Weather Service station at the Lake Charles airport measured a wind gust of 104 m.p.h. (167 km/h) during the passage of an inner rainband.  There were numerous reports of power outages.

Hurricane Laura will move inland over western Louisiana on Thursday.  The center of Laura will move over southern Arkansas by Thursday night.  Hurricane Laura will continue to cause a significant storm surge along the coast of Louisiana on Thursday morning.  Laura could produce hurricane force winds in Alexandria, Louisiana.  It could bring strong tropical storm force winds to Shreveport and Monroe.  Hurricane Laura will also drop heavy rain over Louisiana and parts of Arkansas.  Flash floods could occur in some locations.

Hurricane Laura Intensifies to Cat. 4

Hurricane Laura rapidly intensified to Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Wednesday.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Laura was located at latitude 27.3°N and longitude 92.5°W which put it about 200 miles (320 km) south-southeast of Lake Charles, Louisiana.  Laura was moving toward the northwest at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 140 m.p.h. (225 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 170 m.p.h. (275 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 952 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from San Luis, Pass, Texas to Intracoastal City, Lousiana.  Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the portions of the coast from Sargent, Texas to San Luis Pass and from Intracoastal City to the Mouth of the Mississippi River.

Hurricane Laura continued to intensify rapidly on Wednesday morning.  The eye became more circular and well defined.  The ring of thunderstorms around the eye strengthened and the highest wind speeds were occurring in that ring of storms.   Storms near the core of Laura generated strong upper level divergence which pumped large quantities of mass away from the hurricane.  The continued removal of mass allowed a further rapid decrease in surface pressure.

Hurricane Laura grew into a large hurricane on Wednesday.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) from the center of Laura.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Laura was 28.3.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 19.1 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 47.4.  Hurricane Laura was capable of causing widespread significant damage.

Hurricane Laura could strengthen during the next few hours.  Laura will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  There is a possibility that Hurricane Laura could intensify to Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.  When Hurricane Laura nears the coast of western Louisiana, it will be closer to an upper level trough over Texas and Oklahoma.  The trough will produce southwesterly winds which will blow toward the top of Laura.  Those winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase and that could stop the intensification of Hurricane Laura.

Hurricane Laura will move around the western end of a subtropical high pressure system that extends from the Atlantic Ocean over the Gulf of Mexico.  Laura will start to move towards the north when it reaches the western end of the high.  On its anticipated track Hurricane Laura will make landfall south of Lake Charles, Louisiana in 8 to 10 hours.  After it makes landfall, Laura will move north over western Louisiana.

Hurricane Laura is a strong, extremely dangerous hurricane.  It is capable of causing widespread significant damage.  Laura will be stronger than Hurricane Rita was when Rita hit the same area in 2005.  Hurricane Laura will cause a storm surge of 15 to 20 feet (5 to 7 meters) near and to the east of where the center makes landfall.  Large sections of the southwest coast of Louisiana south of Interstate 10 will go underwater.  Hurricane Laura will bring hurricane force winds to much of western Louisiana and to extreme east Texas.  Widespread power outages are likely.  Hurricane Laura will drop heavy rain over parts of western Louisiana, eastern Texas and Arkansas.  Flash floods could result from the heavy rain

Hurricane Laura Rapidly Intensifies into a Major Hurricane

Hurricane Laura rapidly intensified into a major hurricane during the overnight hours.  At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Laura was located at latitude 26.4°N and longitude 91.4°W which put it about 280 miles (450 km) south-southeast of Lake Charles, Louisiana.  Laura was moving toward the northwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 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 963 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from San Luis, Pass, Texas to Intracoastal City, Lousiana.  Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the portions of the coast from Sargent, Texas to San Luis Pass and from Intracoastal City to the Mouth of the Mississippi River.

Hurricane Laura strengthened rapidly over the warm water in the Central Gulf of Mexico during the overnight hours.  An eye with a diameter of 30 miles (50 km) formed at the center of Laura.  A ring of strong thunderstorms surrounded the eye and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Hurricane Laura.   Storms near the core were generating strong upper level divergence which was pumping large quantities of mass away from the hurricane in all directions.  The removal of mass allowed the surface pressure to decrease quickly, which caused Laura to rapidly intensify.

The size of the circulation around Hurricane Laura also increased during the overnight hours.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of circulation).  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) from the center.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Laura was 20.6.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 19.1 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 39.7.  Hurricane Laura was capable of causing widespread major damage.

Hurricane Laura will continue to move through an environment favorable for intensification today.  Laura will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will little vertical wind shear.  Hurricane Laura could strengthen to Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.  When Hurricane Laura approaches the coast it will get closer to an upper level trough over Texas and Oklahoma.  The trough will produce southwesterly winds which will blow toward the top of Laura.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear and Hurricane Laura could start to weaken just before it makes landfall.

Hurricane Laura will move around the western end of a subtropical high pressure system that extends from the Atlantic Ocean over the Gulf of Mexico.  Laura will move toward the north-northwest as it approaches the western end of the high.  On its anticipated track Hurricane Laura will make landfall near the border between Louisiana and Texas tonight.

Hurricane Laura will be capable of causing major damage over western Louisiana and eastern Texas.  Strong winds could cause widespread power outages.  Wind blowing water toward the coast will cause a storm surge of 10 to 15 feet (3 to 5 meters) near and to the east of where the center makes landfall.  Laura will drop locally heavy rain when it moves inland and flash floods could occur in some locations.

The wind speed in Hurricane Laura will be similar to the winds in Hurricane Harvey when Harvery made landfall on the coast of Texas in 2017.  Laura will be bigger than Harvey was.  The winds in Hurricane Laura could be stronger than the winds were in Hurricane Rita when Rita hit the same area in 2005.  However, Rita had intensified to Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale, but it was weakening when it made landfall.  Laura will not be as big as Rita was in 2005.

Hurricane Laura Strengthens over Central Gulf of Mexico

Hurricane Laura strengthened over the central Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Hurricane Laura was located 25.2°N and longitude 89.5°W which put it about 405 miles (655 km) southeast of Lake Charles, Louisiana.  Laura was moving toward the west-northwest at 17 m.p.h. (28 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 110 m.p.h. (175 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 978 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from San Luis Pass, Texas to Intracoastal City, Louisana.  Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the portions of the coast from Sargent to San Luis Pass, Texas and from Intracoastal City, Louisiana to the Mouth of the Mississippi River.  A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for Houston, Texas.

Hurricane Laura intensified over the warm water in the central Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday night.  An eye was visible intermittently on satellite imagery.  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 Laura.  Storms near the core generated upper level divergence which pumped mass away from the hurricane.  The removal of large quantities of mass was causing the pressure to decrease more rapidly.

The area of Laura with hurricane force winds expanded on Tuesday night.  Hurricane force winds extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) from the center.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Laura was 13.9.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 13.7 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 27.6.

Hurricane Laura will move through an environment favorable for intensification on Wednesday.  Laura will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is 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 Laura will strengthen on Wednesday and it could intensify rapidly.  Laura will strengthen into a major hurricane and it could reach Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.

Hurricane Laura will move around the western end of a subtropical high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean.  The high will steer Laura toward the northwest during the next 12 to 18 hours.  The hurricane will turn toward the north when it reaches the western end of the high.  On its anticipated track Hurricane Laura will landfall near the border between Louisiana and Texas on Wednesday night.

Hurricane Laura will be a major hurricane when it makes landfall.  It will be capable of causing regional major wind damage.  Hurricane Laura will also cause a storm surge of 10 to 15 feet (3 to 5 meters) near and to the east of where the center makes landfall.  Locally heavy rain could cause flash floods in parts of east Texas and Louisiana when Hurricane Laura moves inland.

Laura Strengthens into a Hurricane

Former Tropical Storm Laura strengthened into a hurricane on Tuesday morning.  At 8:15 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Hurricane Laura was located at latitude 23.4°N and longitude 86.4°W which put it about 625 miles (1005 km) southeast of Lake Charles, Louisiana.  Laura was moving toward the west-northwest 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 991 mb.

A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from San Luis Pass, Texas to Morgan City, Louisiana.  The Hurricane Watch includes Galveston, Texas.  Houston, Texas is under a Tropical Storm Watch.  Tropical Storm Watches are also in effect for the portions of the coast from Freeport to San Luis Pass, Texas and from Morgan City, Louisiana to the Mouth of the Mississippi River.

A Hurricane Hunter aircraft found on Tuesday morning that former Tropical Storm Laura had strengthened into a hurricane.  The distribution of thunderstorms around Laura was asymmetrical.  Many of the thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern half of the circulation and near the center of Laura.  Bands in the northern half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of circulation were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the hurricane.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) on the eastern side of Laura.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) on the western side of the hurricane.

Hurricane Laura will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 30 hours.  Laura will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  It will move under an upper level high where the upper level winds are weak.  There will be little vertical wind shear.  Hurricane Laura will continue to intensify.  When an inner core is fully formed with an eye and an eyewall, Laura could strengthen more rapidly.  Laura will likely strengthen into a major hurricane over the Gulf of Mexico.

Hurricane Laura will move around the western end of a subtropical high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean.  The high will steer Laura toward the west-northwest during the next 12 hours.  Laura will turn more toward the northwest as it approaches the western end of the high.  On its anticipated track the center of Hurricane Laura will approach the portion of the coast between Freeport, Texas and Lake Charles, Louisiana on Wednesday night.

Hurricane Laura is likely to be a major hurricane when it approaches the coast.  In addition to the strong winds, Laura could create a storm surge of over 10 feet (3 meters) along a portion of the coast. Heavy rain could also cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Laura Prompts Hurricane Watch for Northwest Gulf Coast

The potential threat from Tropical Storm Laura prompted the issuance of a Hurricane Watch for a portion of the northwest Gulf Coast on Monday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Laura was located at latitude 21.7°N and longitude 82.2°W which put it about 40 miles (65 km) east of the Isle of Youth, Cuba.  Laura was moving toward the west-northwest 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 1001 mb.

A Hurricane Watch was issued for the portion of the coast from Port Bolivar, Texas to Morgan CIty, Louisiana.  A Tropical Storm Watch was issued for the portion of the coast from Morgan City to the Mouth of the Mississippi River.  A Tropical Storm Warning remained in effect for the Florida Keys from Craig Key to Key West and the Dry Tortugas.  Tropical Storm Warnings were also in effect for the Cuban provinces of Ciego de Avila, Sancti Spiritus, Villa Carla, Cienfuegos, Matanzas, Mayabeque, La Habana, Artemisa, Pinar del Rio and Isle of Youth.

The appearance of Tropical Storm Laura did not change much on Monday afternoon.  Many of the stronger thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern half of the circulation.  bands in the northern half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) from the center on the eastern side of Laura.  Winds were blowing at less than tropical storm force in the western half of the circulation.

Tropical Storm Laura will move near Cuba for another 12 to 18 hours.  So, the flow of air across Cuba is likely to continue to disrupt the northern half of the circulation during the time period.  When Laura moves over the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday , it will move into an environment favorable for intensification.  Tropical Storm Laura will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  It will move into an area where the upper level winds will be weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Laura will intensify into a hurricane over the Gulf of Mexico and it could strengthen into a major hurricane.

Tropical Storm Laura will move around the western end of a subtropical high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean.  The high will steer Laura toward the west-northwest during the next 12 to 24hours.  Laura will move more toward the north when it reaches the western end of the high.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Laura could make landfall on the northwest coast of the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday night.  Laura could be a major hurricane when it makes landfall.

Elsewhere,  the center of Tropical Storm Marco was very close to the Mouth of the Mississippi River.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Marco was located at latitude 29.0°N and longitude 88.9°W which put it about 15 miles (25 km) east-southeast of the Mouth of the Mississippi River.  Marco 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 1008 mb.  All coastal watches and warnings for Tropical Storm Marco have been discontinued.

Tropical Storm Marco Weakens Near Louisiana

Tropical Storm Marco weakened near Louisiana on Monday morning.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Marco was located at latitude 28.5°N and longitude 88.5°W which put it about 55 miles (90 km) southeast of the Mouth of the Mississippi River.  Marco was moving toward the north-northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 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 1006 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Morgan City, Louisiana to the Mississippi/Alabama border including New Orleans, Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas.

An upper level trough over Texas produced strong southwesterly winds which sheared the top off of Tropical Storm Marco on Monday morning.  Stronger thunderstorms were confined to a few bands northeast of the center of circulation.  Bands around the center and in other parts of Marco consisted of showers and lower clouds.  Winds to tropical storm force were only occurring in the thunderstorms northeast of the center.

Since the wind shear is expected to continue, the circulation around Tropical Storm Marco is expected to spin down.  As Marco weakens it will be steer more by the winds in the lower atmosphere.  A subtropical high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean is expected to expand to the west during the next several days.  The high will turn the low level circulation of Tropical Storm Marco more toward the west.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Marco will make landfall over southeastern Louisiana on Monday night.  Marco will bring gusty winds and some rain, but its impact is likely to be minor.

Elsewhere, Tropical Storm Laura was moving near the south coast of Cuba.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Laura was located at latitude 21.2°N and longitude 80.6°W which put it about 65 miles east-southeast of Cayo Largo, Cuba.  Laura was moving toward the west-northwest 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 1002 mb.

Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the Florida Keys from Craig Key to Key West and for the Dry Tortugas.  Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for Little Cayman and Cayman Brac.  Tropical Storm Warnings were also in effect for the Cuban provinces of Camaguey, Las Tunas, Ciego De Avila, Sancti Spiritus, Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Matanzas, Mayabeque, La Habana, Artemisa, Pinar Del Rio and Isle of Youth.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Laura was not as well organized on Monday morning.  Passage of Hispaniola and eastern Cuba disrupted the northern half of the circulation.  The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern half of the circulation.  Bands in the northern half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) on the eastern side of Laura.  The winds on the western side of the circulation were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Laura will move near the south coast of Cuba for another 18 hours.  Since nearly half the circulation will be blowing across Cuba, it will continue to disrupt the northern half of the tropical storm.  Laura will move over the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday.  When Tropical Storm Laura reaches the Gulf, it will move into a very favorable environment.  Laura will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  It will move into a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Laura will intensify into a hurricane over the Gulf of Mexico and it could rapidly strengthen into a major hurricane.  Laura is expected to move over the northwestern Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday.