Typhoon Haikui Hits Taiwan

Typhoon Haikui hit Taiwan on Sunday morning. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Typhoon Haikui was located at latitude 22.9°N and longitude 121.1°E which put it about 20 miles (30 km) northeast of Taitung, Taiwan. Haikui was moving toward the west at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 947 mb.

The center of Typhoon Haikui made landfall on the southeast coast of Taiwan just to the northeast of Taitung on Sunday morning. Haikui intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane as it approached the coast of Taiwan. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Haikui was 22.1. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 13.0 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 35.1. Typhoon Haikui was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Dennis when Dennis hit Northwest Florida in 2005.

Typhoon Haikui brought strong, gusty winds and heavy rain to Taiwan. Winds to typhoon force extended out 40 miles (65 km) from the center of Haikui’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of circulation.

The center of Typhoon Haikui will move across southern Taiwan during the next few hours. Haikui’will produce strong, gusty winds in much of Taiwan. Typhoon Haikui is capable of causing regional major damage. Widespread outages of electricity are likely. Heavy rains will cause flash floods, especially near mountains.

The center of Typhoon Haikui will be near Kaohsiung in a few hours. Haikui will weaken as it moves across southern Taiwan. Mountains in Taiwan could will disrupt the circulation in the lower levels of Typhoon Haikui. The circulation in the middle and upper troposphere will remain move relatively intact. Haikui will move over the South China Sea later on Sunday. Typhoon Haikui could approach the coast of China near Shantou in less than 36 hours.

Typhoon Haikui Nears Taiwan

Typhoon Haikui neared Taiwan on Saturday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Typhoon Haikui was located at latitude 22.6°N and longitude 122.7°E which put it about 100 miles (160 km) east-southeast of Taitung, Taiwan. Haikui was moving toward the west at 13 m.p.h. (21 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 958 mb.

Typhoon Haikui intensified as it neared Taiwan on Saturday. A small circular eye was at the center of Haikui’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 Typhoon Haikui. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.

The Taiwan Central Weather Bureau’s radar images indicated that Typhoon Haikui was very symmetrical. Winds to typhoon force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Haikui’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Haikui was 17.8. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 9.7 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 27.5. Typhoon Haikui was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Zeta when Zeta hit Louisiana in 2020.

Typhoon Haikui will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next few hours. Haikui will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge centered north of Taiwan. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Haikui’s circulation. The winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere will also blow from the east. So, there will be little vertical wind shear. Typhoon Haikui is likely to continue to intensify during the next few hours until it makes landfall on Taiwan.

Typhoon Haikui will move around the southern part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Haikui toward the west- northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Typhoon Haikui will move landfall on the coast of southeast Taiwan near Taitung in nine hours.

Typhoon Haikui will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Taiwan. Haikui will be capable of causing regional serious damage. The heaviest rain will fall on the eastern sides of mountains where the wind will push air up the slopes. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, former Typhoon Saola weakened to a tropical storm along the coast of southern China and former Tropical Storm Kirogi weakened to a tropical depression south of Japan. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Saola was located at latitude 21.6°N and longitude 109.5°E which put it about 35 miles (55 km) east-northeast of Beihai, China. Saola was moving toward the west-southwest 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 991 mb.

At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Depression Kirogi was located at latitude 29.6°N and longitude 142.0°E which put it about 370 miles (595 km) south-southeast of Tokyo, Japan. Kirogi was moving toward the northwest at 22 m.p.h. (35 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 1000 mb.

Idalia Brings Gusty Winds to Bermuda.

The circulation around former Tropical Storm Idalia brought gusty winds to Bermuda on Saturday. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of former Tropical Storm Idalia was located at latitude 31.6°N and longitude 63.5°W which put it about 90 miles (145 km) east-southeast of Bermuda. Idalia was moving toward the east at 9 m.p.h. (15 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.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for Bermuda.

The circulation around former Tropical Storm Idalia existed primarily in the lower levels of the atmosphere on Saturday. Bands of showers and lower clouds were revolving around the center of former Tropical Storm Idalia. Thunderstorms were occurring along a warm front northeast of the center of Idalia’s circulation. An upper level trough off the East Coast of the U.S. was producing strong westerly winds that were blowing over the top of Idalia’s circulation. Those winds were causing strong vertical wind shear. The circulation around former Tropical Storm Idalia was large. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 205 miles (335 km) from the center of Idalia’s circulation.

The large circulation around former Tropical Storm Idalia was producing gusty winds in Bermuda. A weather station at the L. F. Wade International Airport (TXKF) reported a sustained wind speed of 37 m.p.h. (59 km/h) and a wind gust of 56 m.p.h. (91 km/h). A weather station at St. George’s Pier reported a sustained wind speed of 46 m.p.h. (74 km/h) and a wind gust of 56 m.p.h. (91 km/h). A weather station at an elevated location at the National Museum of Bermuda reported a sustained wind speed of 64 m.p.h. (104 km/h) and a wind gust of 79 m.p.h. (128 km/h). Heavy rain was falling northeast of Bermuda along a warm front.

The upper level trough off the East Coast of the U.S. will steer former Tropical Storm Idalia toward the northeast during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Idalia will move away from Bermuda during the next 36 hours. The winds speeds will decrease in Bermuda when former tropical storm Idalia moves farther away.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Storm Gert strengthened east-southeast of Bermuda and former Tropical Depression Twelve strengthened to Tropical Storm Katia northwest of the Cabo Verde Islands. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Gert was located at latitude 27.8°N and longitude 54.1°W which put it about 710 miles (1145 km) east-southeast of Bermuda. Gert was moving toward the north-northeast at 3 m.p.h. (5 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 999 mb.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Katia was located at latitude 23.9°N and longitude 29.7°W which put it about 660 miles (1060 km) north-northwest of the Cabo Verde Islands. Katia was moving toward the north-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 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.

Idalia Prompts Tropical Storm Warning for Bermuda

The likely effect of former Tropical Storm Idalia prompted the issuance of a Tropical Storm Warning for Bermuda. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of former Tropical Storm Idalia was located at latitude 32.0°N and longitude 66.5°W which put it about 100 miles (160 km) west of Bermuda. Idalia was moving toward the east-southeast at 14 m.p.h. (22 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 Bermuda.

The circulation around former Tropical Storm Idalia existed primarily in the lower levels of the atmosphere on Friday afternoon. Bands of showers and lower clouds were revolving around the center of former Tropical Storm Idalia. An upper level trough off the East Coast of the U.S. was producing strong westerly winds that were blowing over the top of Idalia’s circulation. Those winds were causing strong vertical wind shear and they were blowing the tops off of any thunderstorms that started to develop. The circulation around former Tropical Storm Idalia was large. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 240 miles (390 km) from the center of Idalia’s circulation.

The upper level trough will steer former Tropical Storm Idalia toward the east-southeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Idalia will be near Bermuda on Saturday morning. Former tropical storm Idalia will bring gusty winds and heavy rain to Bermuda on Saturday.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Hurricane Franklin made a transition to a strong extratropical cyclone northeast of Bermuda, Tropical Storm Jose was being absorbed by the much larger circulation around Hurricane Franklin, Tropical Storm Gert redeveloped east of Bermuda and Tropical Depression Twelve developed northwest of the Cabo Verde Islands.

At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Hurricane Franklin was located at latitude 39.5°N and longitude 53.8°W which put it about 790 miles (1270 km) northeast of Bermuda. Franklin was moving toward the northeast at 17 m.p.h. (28 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 95 m.p.h. (150 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 979 mb.

At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Jose was located at latitude 39.4°N and longitude 49.1°W which put it about 1005 miles (1615 km) northeast of Bermuda. Jose was moving toward the north-northeast at 32 m.p.h. (52 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 996 mb.

At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Gert was located at latitude 27.8°N and longitude 54.4°W which put it about 695 miles (1120 km) east-southeast of Bermuda. Gert was moving toward the east-southeast at 5 m.p.h. (8 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.

At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Depression Twelve was located at latitude 20.8°N and longitude 28.7°W which put it about 450 miles (730 km) northwest of the Cabo Verde Islands. The tropical depression was moving toward the north-northwest 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.

Typhoon Saola Brings Wind and Rain to Hong Kong

Typhoon Saloa brought strong winds and heavy rain to Hong Kong on Friday morning. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Typhoon Saola was located at latitude 22.1°N and longitude 114.0°E which put it about 20 miles (30 km) southeast of Hong Kong. Saola was moving toward the west at 11 m.p.h. (17 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 160 m.p.h. (260 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 938 mb.

Powerful Typhoon Saloa brought strong winds and heavy rain to Hong Kong on Friday morning. The Hong Kong International Airport (VHHH) reported a sustained wind speed of 63 m.p.h. (102 km/h) and a wind gust of 85 m.p.h. (139 km/h). The strongest winds in Typhoon Saola were occurring in the South China Sea just to the south of Hong Kong.

Typhoon Saloa started to weaken just as it approached Hong Kong. Northerly winds blowing around the western side of Saola’s circulation pulled drier air over China into the typhoon. The drier air caused Typhoon Saola to start to weaken. Even though Saola started to weaken, it remained a powerful typhoon. Winds to typhoon force extended out 50 miles (80 km) from the center of Typhoon Saola. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of circulation.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Saola was 25.1. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 16.5 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 41.6. Typhoon Saola was capable of causing region major damage.

Typhoon Saola will move south of a high pressure system over China. The high pressure system will steer Saola toward the west-southwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Typhoon Saola will move along the coast of Guangdong province.

Typhoon Saola will continue to produce strong winds and heavy rain in Hong Kong during the next few hours. The strong winds could cause widespread outages of electricity. The heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations. Typhoon Saloa will weaken as it pulls in more drier air. Even though Saola will weaken, strong winds and heavy rain will spread along the coastal part of Guangdong province west of Hong Kong as Typhoon Saola moves toward the west-southwest during the next 24 hours. Strong winds and heavy rain could reach Macau in a few hours.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Typhoon Haikui was moving toward Taiwan and Tropical Storm Kirogi weakened east of Iwo To. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Typhoon Haikui was located at latitude 22.1°N and longitude 127.3°E which put it about 415 miles (670 km) east of Taiwan. Haikui was moving toward the west at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 971 mb. Typhoon Haikui could approach Taiwan in 36 hours.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Kirogi was located at latitude 23.9°N and longitude 149.0°E which put it about 475 miles (765 km) east of Iwo To. Kirogi was moving toward the northwest at 20 m.p.h. (32 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 999 mb.

Typhoon Saola Nears Hong Kong

Powerful Typhoon Saola neared Hong Kong on Thursday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Typhoon Saola was located at latitude 21.9°N and longitude 115.9°E which put it about 140 miles (225 km) east-southeast of Hong Kong. Saola was moving toward the west-northwest at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 140 m.p.h. (225 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 165 m.p.h. (265 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 935 mb.

Powerful Typhoon Saola moved steadily closer to Hong Kong on Thursday night. A circular eye with a diameter of 25 miles (40 km) was at the center of Saola’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 Saola’s circulation. Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the typhoon.

The size of the circulation around Typhoon Saola remained relatively constant on Thursday. Winds to typhoon force extended out 50 miles (80 km) from the center of Saola’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Saola was 28.3. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 17.2 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 45.5. Typhoon Saola was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Ida when Ida hit Louisiana in 2021.

Typhoon Saola will move through an environment that will become less favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Saola will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move through a region where the upper level ridge winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. However, the circulation around Typhoon Saola could pull in some drier air over China when Saola gets closer to Hong Kong. In addition, if the inner end of a rainband wraps around the existing eye and eyewall, then concentric eyewalls could form. Typhoon Saola is likely to weaken during the next 24 hours, when drier air gets pulled into its circulation.

Typhoon Saola will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over China. The high pressure system will steer Saola toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Typhoon Saola will be near Hong Kong in 12 hours.

Typhoon Saola could be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it reaches Hong Kong. Saola will bring strong, gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the area around Hong Kong. Widespread electricity outages are likely. Heavy rain will cause flash floods in some locations. There will also be a significant storm surge where the wind blows the water toward the coast.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Typhoon Haikui was moving toward Taiwan and Tropical Storm Kirogi was spinning east-southeast of Iwo To. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Typhoon Haikui was located at latitude 22.1°N and longitude 129.1°E which put it about 535 miles (865 km) east of Taiwan. Haikui was moving toward the west at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 95 m.p.h. (150 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 975 mb.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Kirogi was located at latitude 21.0°N and longitude 150.9°E which put it about 715 miles (1155 km) east-southeast of Iwo To. Kirogi was moving toward the northwest at 18 m.p.h. (30 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 992 mb.

Tropical Storm Idalia Moves Away from North Carolina

Tropical Storm Idalia moved away from North Carolina on Thursday. At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Idalia was located at latitude 33.6°N and longitude 74.8°W which put it about 120 miles (195 km) southeast of Cape Lookout, North Carolina. Idalia was moving toward the east at 20 m.p.h. (32 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 994 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Surf City, North Carolina to the North Carolina/Virginia border. The Tropical Storm Warning included Pamlico Sound and Albemarle Sound.

Tropical Storm Idalia was moving quickly away from North Carolina on Thursday afternoon. An upper level trough over the east coast of the U.S. was producing strong westerly winds that were blowing across the top of Idalia’s circulation. Those winds were causing strong vertical wind shear and they were blew the top of Idalia’s circulation away from circulation in the lower levels of the atmosphere. Drier air wrapped into the southern and eastern parts of Tropical Storm Idalia. As a result of the strong vertical wind shear and the drier air, the bands revolving around the center of Idalia’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (320 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Idalia will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Idalia will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. However, the upper level trough over the east coast of the U.S. will continue to cause strong vertical wind shear. The strong vertical wind shear and drier air are likely to cause Tropical Storm Idalia to weaken during the next 36 hours. Idalia could exhibit many of the characteristics of an extratropical cyclone.

The upper level trough over the east coast of the U.S. will steer Tropical Storm Idalia toward the east during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track, Idalia will move quickly away from North Carolina. Tropical Storm Idalia will approach Bermuda during the weekend.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Hurricane Franklin moved farther away from Bermuda and Tropical Storm Jose developed over the Central Atlantic. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Hurricane Franklin was located at latitude 35.1°N and longitude 61.6°W which put it about 265 miles (430 km) northeast of Bermuda. Franklin was moving toward the east-northeast at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 965 mb.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Jose was located at latitude 29.7°N and longitude 52.1°W which put it about 770 miles (1245 km) east of Bermuda. Jose was moving toward the north 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 1010 mb.

Typhoon Saola Moves Toward Hong Kong

Powerful Typhoon Saola moved across the South China Sea toward Hong Kong on Wednesday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Typhoon Saola was located at latitude 21.1°N and longitude 117.8°E which put it about 265 miles (430 km) east-southeast of Hong Kong. Saola was moving toward the west at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 155 m.p.h. (250 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 190 m.p.h. (305 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 922 mb.

Typhoon Saola maintained its intensity near the threshold of the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale in Tuesday. A circular eye with a diameter of 18 miles (30 km) was at the center of Saola’ circulation. The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Numerous bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Saola’s circulation. Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the typhoon.

The size of the circulation around Typhoon Saola remained relatively constant on Wednesday. Winds to typhoon force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Saola’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Saola was 33.3. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 15.9 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 49.2. Typhoon Saola was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Ian when Ian hit southwest Florida in 2022.

Typhoon Saola will move through an environment favorable for a powerful typhoon during the next 24 hours. Saola will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move through a region where the upper level ridge winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Typhoon Saola has been in equilibrium with its environment and Saola could maintain much of its intensity during the next 24 hours unless concentric eyewalls form. If concentric eyewalls form, then an eyewall replacement cycle would cause Saola to weaken.

Typhoon Saola will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over China. The high pressure system will steer Saola toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Typhoon Saola will closer to Hong Kong. The center of Saola could be near Hong Kong in 36 hours.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Haikui was southeast of Okinawa and Tropical Storm Kirogi developed rapidly east of the Marianas. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Haikui was located at latitude 21.4°N and longitude 132.3°E which put it about 485 miles (780 km) southeast of Okinawa. Haikui was moving toward the west at 14 m.p.h. (22 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 989 mb.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Kirogi was located at latitude 15.9°N and longitude 154.2°E which put it about 650 miles (1050 km) east of Guam. Kirogi was moving toward the north at 14 m.p.h. (22 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 996 mb.

Hurricane Idalia Brings Wind and Rain to Southeast U.S.

Former Hurricane Idalia brought wind and rain to southeast U.S. on Wednesday. Idalia weakened to a tropical storm on Wednesday afternoon as it moved across southeastern Georgia. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Idalia was located at latitude 32.2°N and longitude 81.7°W which put it about 40 miles (65 km) west of Savannah, Georgia. Idalia was moving toward the northeast at 21 m.p.h. (33 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 961 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from the Flagler/Volusia County Line, Florida to the North Carolina/Virginia border. The Tropical Storm Warning included Charleston, South Carolina. The Tropical Storm Warning also included Pamlico Sound and Albemarle Sound.

Former Hurricane Idalia made landfall on the west coast of Florida near Keaton Beach on Wednesday morning. A NOAA C-MAN station at Keaton Beach (KTNF1) measured a sustained wind speed of 61 m.p.h. (98 km/h) and a wind gust of 77 m.p.h. (124 km/h). Idalia moved northeast across northern Florida and southeastern Georgia during Wednesday. The center of Idalia passed just to the southeast of Perry, Florida. A weather station in Perry (KFPY) measured a sustained wind speed of 62 m.p.h. (100 km/h) and a wind gust of 85 m.p.h. (137 km/h). Idalia weakened steadily as it moved over land. The center of Idalia’s circulation passed southeast of Valdosta, Georgia. A weather station in Valdosta (KVLD) measured a sustained wind speed of 39 m.p.h. (63 km/h) and a wind gust of 67 m.p.h. (108 km/h).

An upper level trough over the eastern U.S. will steer Tropical Storm Idalia toward the northeast during the next 12 hours. The upper level trough will pass north of Idalia on Thursday. The trough will steer Tropical Storm Idalia toward the east-northeast on Thursday. On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Storm Idalia will move near the coast of South Carolina and North Carolina.

Tropical Storm Idalia will weaken gradually during the next 24 hours. The strongest winds in Idalia will occur over the Atlantic Ocean and along the coast of South Carolina and North Carolina. The winds will be weaker in parts of South Carolina and North Carolina that are farther inland. The southerly winds in the eastern part of Idalia will blow water toward the coast. Those winds will cause a storm surge along the coast of up to 7 feet (2 meters). A Storm Surge Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from St. Catherine’s Sound, Georgia to South Santee River, South Carolina.

The southerly winds blowing in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Idalia will converge with northerly winds blowing around a high pressure system over the Great Lakes. The low level convergence of air will enhance rising motion and prolonged rainfall could occur over inland parts of South Carolina and North Carolina. Flood Watches are in effect for parts of eastern Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, bands in the eastern side of Hurricane Franklin were producing gusty winds in Bermuda. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Franklin was located at latitude 34.2°N and longitude 65.9°W which put it about 145 miles (235 km) north-northwest of Bermuda. Franklin was moving toward the northeast at 13 m.p.h. (21 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 961 mb. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for Bermuda.

Hurricane Idalia Hits North Florida

Hurricane Idalia hit North Florida on Wednesday morning. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Idalia was located at latitude 29.9°N and longitude 83.5°W which put it about 10 miles (15 km) south-southeast of Perry, Florida. Idalia was moving toward the north-northeast at 18 m.p.h. (30 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 950 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Indian Pass to the middle of Longboat Key, Florida. The Hurricane Warning included Tampa Bay. A Hurricane Warning was also in effect for the portion of the coast from Altamaha Sound, Georgia to Edisto Beach, South Carolina. . A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from the Mouth of the St. Mary’s River, Florida to Altamaha Sound, Georgia. A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Edisto Beach to South Santee River, South Carolina. The Hurricane Watch included Charleston, South Carolina. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Bonita Beach to the middle of Longboat Key, Florida. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for the portion of the coast from Indian Pass to Mexico Beach, Florida. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Sebastian Inlet, Florida to Altamaha Sound, Georgia. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Edisto Beach, South Carolina to the North Carolina/Virginia border. The Tropical Storm Warning included Charleston, South Carolina, Pamlico Sound and Albemarle Sound.

The center of Hurricane Idalia made landfall on the coast of Florida near Keaton Beach on Wednesday morning. The maximum sustained wind speed was 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h) at the time of landfall. Winds to hurricane force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Hurricane Idalia. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) in the eastern side of Idalia’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) in the western side of Idalia. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) was 23.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 9.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 33.2. Hurricane Idalia was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Dennis when Dennis hit Northwest Florida in 2005.

The winds in Hurricane Idalia were blowing water toward the west coast of Florida. Those winds were causing a storm surge along the coast. A Storm Surge Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Englewood to Indian Pass, Florida. The Storm Surge Warning included Tampa Bay. A Storm Surge Warning was also in effect for the portion of the coast from St. Catherine’s Sound, Georgia to South Santee River, South Carolina. The Storm Surge Warning included Charleston, South Carolina.

Hurricane Idalia was dropping heavy rain over parts of northern Florida, southern Georgia and southwestern South Carolina. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations. Flood Watches were in effect for parts of northern Florida, southern Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.

An upper level trough over the central U.S. will steer Hurricane Idalia toward the northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Hurricane Idalia will move inland over northern Florida and southeastern Georgia. The center of Idalia will be near Charleston, South Carolina on Wednesday night. Hurricane Idalia will weaken gradually as the center of circulation moves farther inland. Idalia will bring strong gusty winds to northern Florida, southeastern Georgia, coastal South Carolina and coastal North Carolina. Widespread electricity outages could occur. The wind will continue to blow water toward the west coast of Florida during the next few hours and the storm surge will continue. Hurricane Idalia will continue to drop locally heavy rain over parts of northern Florida, and southern Georgia. Heavy rain will spread over parts of South Carolina and North Carolina.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Hurricane Franklin was west-northwest of Bermuda. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Franklin was located at latitude 33.3°N and longitude 67.6°W which put it about 180 miles (290 km) west-northwest of Bermuda. Franklin was moving toward the northeast at 13 m.p.h. (21 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 956 mb. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for Bermuda.