Tag Archives: Azores

Subtropical Storm Wanda Meanders West of the Azores

Subtropical Storm Wanda meandered over the central Atlantic Ocean west of the Azores on Sunday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Subtropical Storm Wanda was located at latitude 35.6°N and longitude 44.1°W which put it about 960 miles (1540 km) west of the Azores. Wanda was moving toward the southwest 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 990 mb.

The circulation of Subtropical Storm Wanda meandered within the larger circulation of an upper level trough west of the Azores on Sunday. Some drier air appeared to enter Wanda’s circulation on Sunday and fewer thunderstorms developed around the center of the subtropical storm. The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern half of Subtropical Storm Wanda. Bands in the western half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of Wanda.

Subtropical Storm Wanda will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Wanda will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 24˚C. It will remain under the axis of the upper level trough and there will be little vertical wind shear. However, drier air could limit the formation of new thunderstorms on the western side of Wanda’s circulation and that could inhibit intensification. Subtropical Storm Wanda could strengthen during the next 36 hours. If more thunderstorms form near the center of circulation Wanda could make a transition to a tropical storm during the next several days.

Subtropical Storm Wanda will meander within the upper level trough during the next 24 hours. The upper level trough will move east and it could move Wanda slowly toward the southeast during the next day or so. On its anticipated track Subtropical Storm Wanda could continue to meander west of the Azores for another day or two.

Subtropical Storm Wanda Develops West of the Azores

Subtropical Storm Wanda developed over the central Atlantic Ocean west of the Azores on Saturday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Subtropical Storm Wanda was located at latitude 36.2°N and longitude 45.4°W which put it about 1020 miles (1640 km) west of the Azores. Wanda was moving toward the southeast at 21 m.p.h. (33 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 1003 mb.

More thunderstorms formed near the center of a low pressure system over the central Atlantic Ocean and the National Hurricane Center designated the system as Subtropical Storm Wanda. Subtropical Storm Wanda began as an extratropical cyclone that formed near the East Coast of the U.S. The extratropical cyclone brought very strong winds to the northeastern U.S. several days ago before moving toward the central Atlantic Ocean. The extratropical cyclone became vertically stacked where the surface low pressure system was under the axis of the upper level trough. The vertical wind shear decreased when the system became vertically stacked. When the extratropical cyclone moved southeast over warmer water, the temperature difference on the opposing sides of fronts decreased and the fronts weakened. More thunderstorms developed near the center of the low pressure system and it assumed a more circular shape. The strongest winds eventually started to blow closer to the center and the National Hurricane Center designated it as Subtropical Storm Wanda.

Subtropical Storm Wanda exhibited some characteristics of a tropical cyclone. Thunderstorms formed near the center of Wanda. Bands of showers and thunderstorms formed and started to revolve around the center of circulation. The strongest rainband wrapped around the northern and eastern sides of the center of Subtropical Storm Wanda. Even though Wanda exhibited some of the characteristics of a tropical cyclone, it was under the axis of an upper level trough, which is why it was classified as a subtropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of Subtropical Storm Wanda.

Subtropical Storm Wanda will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Wanda will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 24˚C. It will remain under the axis of the upper level trough and there will be little vertical wind shear. Subtropical Storm Wanda is likely to strengthen during the next 24 hours. There is a chance it could intensify to a hurricane during the next several days.

Subtropical Storm Wanda will move along with the upper level trough during the next 24 hours. The upper level trough will carry Wanda slowly toward the southeast during the next several days. On its anticipated track Subtropical Storm Wanda could meander west-southwest of the Azores for several days.

TD 31 Strengthens to Tropical Storm Iota

Former Tropical Depression Thirtyone strengthened to Tropical Storm Iota on Friday afternoon. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Iota was located at latitude 13.8°N and longitude 73.8°W which put it about 335 miles (540 km) south-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica. Iota was moving toward the west-southwest at 3 m.p.h. (5 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 1006 mb.

The low level circulation around former Tropical Depression Thirtyone appeared to reform a little farther to the southeast near a band of showers and thunderstorms on Friday afternoon. Based on data from satellites the National Hurricane Center upgraded the depression to Tropical Storm Iota. The circulation around Iota was still organizing. A band of thunderstorms wrapped about three quarters of the way around the center of circulation on the southern, eastern and northern sides of the center. Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of the Tropical Storm Iota. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence which pumped mass away to the north and east of the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) on the eastern side of Iota. The winds on the western side of Iota were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Iota will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the weekend. Iota will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C. An upper level trough over the western Caribbean Sea will produce southwesterly winds which blow toward the top of Iota during the next 12 hours. Those winds will cause vertical wind shear, but the shear will not be strong enough to prevent Tropical Storm Iota from becoming more organized. The upper level trough will move westward away from the depression and the wind shear will decrease during the weekend. Tropical Storm Iota is likely to strengthen more rapidly after an inner core is formed. Iota could rapidly intensify into a hurricane on Saturday and it could strengthen to a major hurricane by Sunday.

Tropical Storm Iota will move south of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean. The high will steer Iota toward the west during the next several days. On its anticipated track Iota could approach the coast of Nicaragua on Sunday. It will likely be a hurricane at that time and it could be a major hurricane. Nicaragua and Honduras are still trying to cope with floods and other damage caused by Hurricane Eta a few days ago. Another hurricane could have catastrophic consequences for that region.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Storm Theta Passed south of the Azores. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Theta was located at latitude 31.9°N and longitude 22.6°W which put it about 490 miles (785 km) south-southeast of the Azores. Theta was moving toward the east at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 993 mb.

Tropical Depression 31 Forms over Caribbean Sea

Tropical Depression Thirtyone formed over the Caribbean Sea on Friday morning. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Depression Thirtyone was located at latitude 14.2°N and longitude 74.3°W which put it about 310 miles (500 km) south-southeast of Kingtson, Jamaica. The depression was moving toward the west-southwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 1007 mb.

The circulation around an area of low pressure over the Caribbean Sea exhibited much better organization on visible satellite imagery on Friday morning and the National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Depression Thirtyone. A band of thunderstorms wrapped about three quarters of the way around the center of circulation on the southern, eastern and northern sides of the center. Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of the depression. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence which pumped mass away to the north and east of the depression.

Tropical Depression Thirtyone will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the weekend. The depression will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C. An upper level trough over the western Caribbean Sea will produce southwesterly winds which blow toward the top of the depression during the next 12 hours. Those winds will cause vertical wind shear, but the shear may not be strong enough to prevent Tropical Depression Thirtyone from strengthening into a tropical storm. The upper level trough will move westward away from the depression and the wind shear will decrease during the weekend. Tropical Depression Thirtyone is likely to strengthen into a tropical storm during the next 12 hours. It could rapidly intensify into a hurricane on Saturday and it could strengthen to a major hurricane by Sunday.

Tropical Depression Thirtyone will move south of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean. The high will steer the depression toward the west during the next several days. On its anticipated track it could approach the coast of Nicaragua on Sunday. It will likely be a hurricane at that time and it could be a major hurricane. Nicaragua and Honduras are still trying to cope with floods and other damage caused by Hurricane Eta a few days ago. Another hurricane could have catastrophic consequences for that region.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Storm Theta Passed south of the Azores and Tropical Storm Eta completed a transition to an extratropical cyclone. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Theta was located at latitude 31.7°N and longitude 23.8°W which put it about 470 miles (760 km) south-southeast of the Azores. Theta was moving toward the east at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 993 mb.

Tropical Storm Eta Turns Back Toward Florida

Tropical Storm Eta tuned back toward Florida on Tuesday evening. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Eta was located at latitude 23.8°N and longitude 84.5°W which put it about 120 miles (195 km) west-northwest of the Dry Tortugas. Eta was moving toward the north- northeast 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 992 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was issued for the portion of the coast from Bonita Beach to the Suwannee River, Florida. The Warning included Tampa and St. Petersburg. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for the Dry Tortugas. A Tropical Storm Watch was issued for the portion of the coast from the Suwannee River to the Aucilla River, Florida.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Eta exhibited more organization on Tuesday evening. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the the eastern and northern side of the the center of circulation. There were occasional indications that an eye could be forming at the center of Eta. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Eta. There were more thunderstorms in the bands in the northeastern half of Eta. Bands in the southwestern half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Eta will move through an environment more favorable for intensification on Wednesday. Eta will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C. An upper level trough over the central U.S. will produce southwesterly winds which blow toward the top of Eta’s circulation on Wednesday. Those winds will cause vertical wind shear, but the shear will not be strong enough to prevent Eta from getting stronger. Tropical Storm Eta could strengthen back into a hurricane on Wednesday. The upper level trough will move closer to Eta on Thursday and the wind shear will increase. The shear could get strong enough to cause Eta to weaken.

The upper level trough will steer Tropical Storm Eta toward the north-northeast during the next 24 to 48 hours. On its anticipated track the center of Eta will pass west of the Florida Keys on Wednesday. The center of Tropical Storm Eta could approach Tampa on Thursday morning. Eta could be near hurricane strength when it passes near Tampa. Southwesterly winds blowing around the east side of Tropical Storm Eta could push water into Tampa Bay. Eta could cause a storm surge of up to 7 feet (2 meters).

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Subtropical Storm Theta nade a transition to a strong tropical storm. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Theta was located at latitude 29.4°N and longitude 35.5°W which put it about 770 miles (1235 km) southwest of the Azores. Theta was moving toward the east-northeast at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 989 mb.

Tropical Storm Eta Reorganizes Near Western Cuba

Tropical Storm Eta reorganized near western Cuba on Monday night. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Eta was located at latitude 23.2°N and longitude 85.2°W which put it about 90 miles (145 km) north-northwest of the western tip of Cuba. Eta was moving toward the southwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 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 995 mb.

A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the Cuban provinces of La Habana, Artemisa, Mayabeque, Pinar del Rio and the Isle of Youth.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Eta exhibited more organization on Monday night. Thunderstorms redeveloped around the center of circulation. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence which pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Thunderstorms also increased in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Eta. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 120 miles (195 km) on the northern side of Eta. Winds to tropical storm force only extended out 50 miles in the southern half of the circulation.

Tropical Storm Eta will move through an environment more favorable for intensification on Tuesday. Eta will move over the Loop Current which transports warm water from the Caribbean Sea into the southeast Gulf of Mexico. Tropical Storm Eta will be over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C. An upper level low centered over Cuba will produce northerly winds which blow toward the top of Eta’s circulation on Tuesday. Those winds will cause vertical wind shear, but the shear will slowly decrease. Tropical Storm Eta will intensify on Tuesday and it could strengthen back into a hurricane.

The upper low over Cuba has been steering Tropical Storm Eta toward the southwest, but the steering winds are likely to weaken on Tuesday. Eta could stall northwest of Cuba. An upper level trough over the Rocky Mountains will move east during the next several days. The southern end of the trough could start to pull Eta toward the north on Wednesday.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, an extratropical cyclone southwest of the Azores made a transition to Subtropical Storm Theta. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Theta was located at latitude 28.8°N and longitude 40.3°W which put it about 995 miles (1600 km) southwest of the Azores. Theta was moving toward the east at 15 m.p.h. (24 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 1000 mb.

Tropical Storm Sebastien Speeds East

Tropical Storm Sebastien sped eastward across the Atlantic Ocean on Friday.  At. 4:00 p.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Sebastien was located at latitude 26.2°N and longitude 53.7°W which put it about 815 miles (1315 km) northeast of the Leeward Islands.  Sebastien was moving toward the east-northeast at 16 m.p.h. (26 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 999 mb.

An upper level trough over the western Atlantic Ocean was producing strong southwesterly winds which were blowing toward the top of Tropical Storm Sebastien.  Those winds were producing moderate vertical wind shear.  The shear was contributing to an asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms around Sebastien.  Stronger thunderstorms were occurring in bands north and east of the center of circulation.  Bands south and west of the center consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (325 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Sebastien will move through an environment that could permit it to maintain its intensity for another day or so.  Sebastien will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 25.5°C.  The upper level trough over the western Atlantic will continue to cause moderate vertical wind shear, which will inhibit intensification.  Sebastien will move over cooler water during the weekend and it should start to weaken at that time.

The upper level trough will steer Tropical Storm Sebastien toward the northeast during the weekend.  On its anticipated track Sebastien will move toward the Azores.  Sebastien is forecast to merge with a cold front before it reaches the Azores.

Subtropical Storm Rebekah Forms West of the Azores

Subtropical Storm Rebekah formed west of the Azores on Wednesday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDY on Wednesday the center of Subtropical Storm Rebekah was located at latitude 38.3°N and longitude 40.7°W which put it about 745 miles (1195 km) west of the Azores.  Rebekah was moving toward the east at 13 m.p.h. (20 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 987 mb.

Subtropical Storm Rebekah formed in a manner very similar to the way Hurricane Pablo developed last week.  A small center of circulation developed in the middle of a much larger, extratropical cyclone.  Thunderstorms developed around the center of the small low pressure system.  Even though the small low was over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 22°C, cold air in the upper troposphere generated enough instability to allow the thunderstorms to grow upward.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms developed and began to revolve around the small low pressure system, and the National Hurricane Center designated the system at Subtropical Storm Rebekah.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of Rebekah.

Subtropical Storm Rebekah could strengthen during the next 24 hours.  Although Rebekah will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 22°C, colder air in the middle and upper troposphere will keep enough potential instability in the atmosphere to allow for the continued development of thunderstorms.  Since Rebekah is at the center of the larger low pressure system, the vertical wind shear will be less.  Subtropical storm Rebekah may intensify during the next day or so and it could make a transition to a tropical storm.

Subtropical Storm Rebekah will move eastward along with the larger low pressure system that surrounds the much smaller subtropical storm.  Southerly winds blowing around the eastern side of the larger low could push Rebekah toward the north at times.  On its anticipated track Subtropical Storm Rebekah could approach the western Azores on Friday.

Pablo Strengthens into a Hurricane Northeast of the Azores

Former Tropical Storm Pablo strengthened into a hurricane northeast of the Azores on Sunday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Hurricane Pablo was located at latitude 42.8°N and longitude 18.3°W which put it about 535 miles (865 km) northeast of Lajes, Azores.  Pablo was moving toward the north-northeast at 32 m.p.h. (52 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.

Thunderstorms around the eye of former Tropical Storm Pablo strengthened on Sunday morning and Pablo intensified into a hurricane.  The circulation around Hurricane Pablo was still small.  Winds to hurricane force extended out about 10 miles (15 km) from the center of circulation.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Pablo.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center.

Hurricane Pablo was moving over water where the Sea Surface Temperature was near 18°C.  Water that cold would not normally contain enough energy to support a hurricane.  However the temperature of the air in the middle and upper troposphere is cold enough to allow for potential instability.  Convergence around the center of Hurricane Pablo generated enough rising motion to produce thunderstorms with tall, cold clouds tops around the eye at the center of the hurricane.  Enough water vapor condensed in the thunderstorms to produce a warm core which made Pablo a tropical cyclone.

Even though Hurricane Pablo is over Sea Surface Temperatures that would normal cause a hurricane to weak, Pablo could strengthen a little more during the next 12 hours.  It will move through a region where there is not a lot of vertical wind shear.  A larger low pressure system west of Pablo is likely to absorb the hurricane in a day or so.

Hurricane Pablo will move around the eastern side of the larger low pressure system.  The low will steer Pablo toward the north during the next 12 hours.  The larger low will turn Pablo toward the northwest on Monday.  On its anticipated track Hurricane Pablo is forecast to remain southwest of Ireland.

Tropical Storm Olga Develops over Gulf of Mexico, Pablo near the Azores

Tropical Storm Olga developed over the Gulf of Mexico and Tropical Storm Pablo formed near the Azores on Friday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Olga was located at latitude 26.3°N and longitude 93.2°W which put it about 260 miles (420 km) south of Lake Charles, Louisiana.  Olga was moving toward the north-northeast at 18 m.p.h. (30 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 998 mb.

A reconnaissance plane found that former Tropical Depression Seventeen had strengthened by Friday afternoon and the National Hurricane center designated the system as Tropical Storm Olga.  More thunderstorms developed near the center of Olga and the plane found that the minimum surface pressure had decreased to 998 mb.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were also developing around the tropical storm.  The strongest rainbands were in the eastern half of the circulation.  Bands in the western half of the circulation consisted of more showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away to the northeast of Tropical Storm Olga.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out about 90 miles (145 km) from the center of circulation in the northeastern quadrant of Olga.

Tropical Storm Olga could strengthen a little more during the next 12 hours.  Olga will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C.  An upper level trough over the south central U.S. and Mexico will produce southwesterly winds which will blow toward the top of the circulationn. Those winds will produce moderate vertical wind shear, which will inhibit intensification.  However, the shear will not be strong enough to prevent intensification while the Olga is over the Gulf of Mexico.  The wind shear will cause Tropical Storm Olga to start a transition to an extratropical cyclone.  A cold front will move toward Olga from the northwest and the tropical storm could merge with the front during the next 24 hours.

The upper level trough will steer Tropical Storm Olga toward the north during the next several days. On its anticipated track Olga will make landfall on the coast of Louisiana during Friday night.  Tropical Storm Olga will bring  gusty winds to coastal Louisiana. Olga is likely to drop heavy rain over parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and eastern Arkansas. The rain could cause floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, visible satellite images revealed that a tiny tropical storm had developed at the center of a much larger low pressure system west of the Azores on Friday afternoon.  The National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Pablo.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Pablo was located at latitude 35.8°N and longitude 32.2°W which put it about 325 miles (525 km) west-southwest of the Azores.  Pablo was moving toward the east-southeast at 10 m.p.h. (16 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 990 mb.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Tropical Storm Pablo.