Tropical Storm Hone Moves Southeast of Hawaii

Tropical Storm Hone moved southeast of Hawaii on Saturday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Hone was located at latitude 17.7°N and longitude 153.2°W which put the center about 185 miles (300 km) southeast of Hilo, Hawaii.   Hone was moving toward the west 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. (120 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1000 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for Hawaii County (the Big Island).

Tropical Storm Hone continued to strengthen gradually on Saturday.  The low level circulation of Tropical Storm Hone remained well organized and very symmetrical.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the eastern side of the center of Hone’s circulation.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Hone.  Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.  The removal of mass in the upper levels was nearly balanced by the inflow of mass in the lower levels of the atmosphere.  The balanced transport of mass caused the surface pressure to remain steady.

Even though the low level circulation of Tropical Storm Hone was very symmetrical, the distribution of wind speeds was asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 125 miles (200 km) in the northern side of Hone’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) in the southern side of Tropical Storm Hone.

Tropical Storm Hone will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Hone will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C. It will move under the southern side of an upper level ridge centered west of Hawaii.  The upper level ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Hone’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Hone is likely to intensify gradually during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Hone will move around the southern side of a subtropical high pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific and Central Pacific.  The high pressure system will steer Hone toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center Tropical Storm Hone will pass just south of Hawaii County (the Big Island) on Saturday night.

Even though the center of Tropical Storm Hone is likely to pass south of Hawaii, it could bring winds to tropical storm force to Hawaii County.  Hone could also produce locally heavy rain.

Elsewhere, Hurricane Gilma churned westward over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean east of Hawaii.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Hurricane Gilma was located at latitude 17.7°N and longitude 130.9°W which put the center about 1585 miles (2555 km) east of Hilo, Hawaii.  Gilma was moving toward the west at 9 m.p.h. (15 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 968 mb.

 

 

 

Shanshan Strengthens to a Typhoon

Former Tropical Storm Shanshan strengthened to a typhoon over the Western North Pacific Ocean south of Iwo To.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Typhoon Shanshan was located at latitude 20.5°N and longitude 141.2°E which put the center about 330 miles (535 km) south of Iwo To.  Shanshan was moving toward the north at 14 m.p.h. (22 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 974 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Shanshan strengthened to a typhoon south of Iwo To on Friday.  The inner end of a raindband wrapped around the center of Shanshan’s circulation.  A circular eye formed at the center of Typhoon Shanshan.  The eye was surrounded by a 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 Shanshan’s circulation.  Storms near the center of Shanshan generated more upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.  The removal of more mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

Winds to typhoon force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Typhoon Shanshan.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of Shanshan’s circulation.

Typhoon Shanshan will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Shanshan 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.  Typhoon Shanshan will intensify during the next 24 hours.

Typhoon Shanshan will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Shanshan toward the north-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Typhoon Shanshan will be near Iwo To in 24 hours.  Shanshan could approach central Japan in 72 hours.

 

Hone Prompts Tropical Storm Warning for Hawaii County

The potential risk posed by Tropical Storm Hone prompted the issuance of a Tropical Storm Warning for Hawaii County.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Hone was located at latitude 16.9°N and longitude 149.3°W which put the center about 425 miles (685 km) east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii.  Hone was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 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.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for Hawaii County (the Big Island).

Tropical Storm Hone strengthened gradually on Friday.  The low level circulation of Tropical Storm Hone was well developed and very symmetrical.  More thunderstorms developed in the inner end of a rainband that wrapped around the eastern side of the center of Hone’s circulation.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Hone.  Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.

Even though the low level circulation of Tropical Storm Hone was very symmetrical, the distribution of winds speeds was asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) in the northern side of Hone’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles in the southern side of Tropical Storm Hone.

Tropical Storm Hone will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Hone 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 Hone is likely to intensify gradually during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Hone will move around the southern side of a subtropical high pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific and Central Pacific.  The high pressure system will steer Hone toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center Tropical Storm Hone will pass just south of Hawaii County (the Big Island) on Saturday night.

Even though the center of Tropical Storm Hone is likely to pass south of Hawaii, it could bring winds to tropical storm force to Hawaii County.  Hone could also produce locally heavy rain.

Elsewhere, Hurricane Gilma weakened gradually east of Hawaii.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Hurricane Gilma was located at latitude 17.5°N and longitude 128.4°W which put the center about 1750 miles (2820 km) east of Hilo, Hawaii.  Gilma was moving toward the west at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 970 mb.

 

Tropical Storm Hone Forms East-southeast of Hawaii

Tropical Storm Hone formed east-southeast of Hawaii on Thursday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Hone was located at latitude 15.9°N and longitude 142.2°W which put the center about 885 miles (1430 km) east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii.  Hone was moving toward the west-northwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 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.

A low pressure system over the Central Pacific Ocean east-southeast of Hawaii strengthened on Thursday afternoon and the U.S. Central Pacific Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Hone.  More thunderstorms developed near the center of Hone’s circulation on Thursday afternoon.  More thunderstorms also formed in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Hone.  Storms near the center of Hone began to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Hone was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 20 miles in the northern side of Hone’s circulation.  The winds in the southern part of Tropical Storm Hone were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Hone will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Hone 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 over the Eastern North Pacific and the Central Pacific.  The upper level ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Hone’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Hone is likely to intensify gradually during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Hone will move around the southern side of a subtropical high pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific and Central Pacific.  The high pressure system will steer Hone toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Hone will move closer to Hawaii.  Hone could be southeast of Hawaii by Saturday evening.

Gilma Strengthens to a Major Hurricane

Hurricane Gilma strengthened to a major hurricane over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean between Baja California and Hawaii on Thursday morning.   At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Hurricane Gilma was located at latitude 16.6°N and longitude 124.2°W which put the center about 1025 miles (1650 km) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.  Gilma was moving toward the west-northwest at 6 m.p.h. (10 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. (220 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 963 mb.

Hurricane Gilma strengthened to a major hurricane over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean between Baja California and Hawaii on Thursday morning.  A circular eye with a diameter of 17 miles (28 km) was present at the center of Gilma’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a 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 Gilma.  Storms near the core of Gilma generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Hurricane Gilma was symmetrical.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Gilma’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 125 miles (200 km) from the center of Hurricane Gilma.

Hurricane Gilma will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Gilma will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the Eastern north Pacific Ocean.  The upper level ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Gilma’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Hurricane Gilma is likely to continue to intensify during the next 24 hours.

Hurricane Gilma will move around the southern side of a subtropical high pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Gilma slowly toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Gilma will move farther away from Baja California.

 

Tropical Storm Shanshan Forms South of Iwo To

Tropical Storm Shanshan formed over the Western North Pacific Ocean south of Iwo To on Wednesday evening.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Shanshan was located at latitude 17.2°N and longitude 141.5°E which put the center about 505 miles (810 km) south of Iwo To.  Shanshan was moving toward the west at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 1001 mb.

A low pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean south of Iwo To strengthened on Wednesday evening and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Shanshan.  The circulation around Tropical Storm Shanshan exhibited more organization on satellite images, but the distribution of thunderstorms was asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern side of Shanshan’s circulation.  Bands in the western side of Tropical Storm Shanshan consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Shanshan began to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Shanshan was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Shanshan’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Shanshan will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Shanshan will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the southeastern part of an upper level ridge over Japan.  The ridge will produce northerly winds that will blow toward the top of Shashan’s circulation.  Those winds will cause vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Shanshan will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Shanshan is likely to strengthen to a typhoon within 36 hours/

Tropical Storm Shanshan will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Shanshan toward the north-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Shanshan will move closer to Iwo To.  Shanshan could approach Japan in five days.

Gilma Intensifies to a Hurricane

Former Tropical Storm Gilma intensified to a hurricane over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean between Baja California and Mexico on Wednesday morning.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Gilma was located at latitude 16.0°N and longitude 122.8°W which put the center about 965 miles (1555 km) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.  Gilma was moving toward the west at 7 m.p.h. (11 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.

Former Tropical Storm Gilma intensified to a hurricane between Baja California and Hawaii on Wednesday morning.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Hurricane Gilma.  A circular eye was evident on microwave satellite images of Gilma.  The eye was surrounded by a 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 Gilma.  Storms near the center of Gilma’s circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Hurricane Gilma was more symmetrical on Wednesday morning.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Gilma’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) from the center of Hurricane Gilma.

Hurricane Gilma will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Gilma will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the Eastern north Pacific Ocean.  The upper level ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Gilma’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Hurricane Gilma will continue to intensify during the next 24 hours.  Gilma could strengthen to a major hurricane later this week.

Hurricane Gilma will move around the southern side of a subtropical high pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Gilma toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Gilma will move farther away from Baja California.

 

Hurricane Ernesto Becomes an Extratropical Cyclone

Hurricane Ernesto made a transition to an extratropical cyclone east of Newfoundland on Tuesday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of former Hurricane Ernesto was located at latitude 49.0°N and longitude 44.7°W which put the center about 420 miles (675 km) east-northeast of Cape Race, Newfoundland.  Ernesto was moving toward the northeast at 37 m.p.h. (59 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 987 mb.

Former Hurricane Ernesto made a transition to an extratropical cyclone over the Atlantic Ocean east of Newfoundland.  Ernesto moved over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 14°C.  It moved under strong upper level westerly winds in the middle latitudes.  Those winds caused strong vertical wind shear.  The colder water and the strong vertical wind shear caused the structure of former Hurricane Ernesto to change to that of a strong extratropical cyclone.

The circulation around former Hurricane Ernesto was large.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 230 miles (370 km) from the center of Ernesto’s circulation.

The westerly winds in the middle latitudes will steer former Hurricane Ernesto toward the east-northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Ernesto will pass south of Iceland on Wednesday.

Tropical Storm Gilma Strengthens

Tropical Storm Gilma strengthened as it churned westward over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean on Monday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Gilma was located at latitude 15.1°N and longitude 116.9°W which put the center about 705 miles (1135 km) southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.  Gilma was moving toward the west at 13 m.p.h. (20 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 995 mb.

Tropical Storm Gilma strengthened on Monday as it churned westward over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean southwest of Baja California.  Even though Tropical Storm Gilma strengthened, the distribution of thunderstorms around Gilma’s circulation remained asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western side of Gilma’s circulation.  Bands in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Gilma consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Gilma generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the tropical storm.

The size of the circulation around Tropical Storm Gilma increased a little on Monday.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center of Gilma’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Gilma will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Gilma will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the Eastern north Pacific Ocean.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Gilma’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Gilma is likely to continue to intensify during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Gilma will move around the southern side of a subtropical high pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Gilma toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Gilma will move farther away from Baja California.

Hurricane Ernesto Speeds Toward Southeastern Newfoundland

Hurricane Ernesto sped to southeastern Newfoundland on Monday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Hurricane Ernesto was located at latitude 43.6°N and longitude 56.1°W which put the center about 250 miles (400 km) southwest of Cape Race, Newfoundland.  Ernesto was moving toward the northeast at 26 m.p.h. (43 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 968 mb.

Hurricane Ernesto strengthened as it sped over the Gulf Stream toward southeastern Newfoundland on Monday afternoon.  A small circular eye was at the center of Ernesto’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a 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 Ernesto’s circulation.  Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the east of the hurricane.

The circulation around Hurricane Ernesto was still exhibiting the characteristics of a tropical cyclone.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 45 miles (75 km) in the eastern side of Ernesto’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 220 miles (350 km) from the center of Hurricane Ernesto.

Hurricane Ernesto will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification of a tropical cyclone during the next 24 hours.  Ernesto will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 17°C.  It will move under the eastern portion of an upper level trough over the northeastern U.S.  The upper level trough will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Ernesto’s circulation.  Those winds will cause strong vertical wind shear.  The colder water and strong wind shear will cause Hurricane Ernesto to weaken during the next 24 hours.  The colder water and vertical wind shear will also cause Hurricane Ernesto to make a transition to an extratropical cyclone.

The upper level trough over the northeastern U.S. will steer Hurricane Ernesto toward the east- northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated path, Ernesto will pass far to the south of pass near southeastern Newfoundland on Monday night.  Ernesto will move south of Greenland on Tuesday.

The circulation around the northern side of Hurricane Ernesto could bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to southeastern Newfoundland.