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Hurricane Isaias Hits Northwest Florida

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Hurricane Isaias hit Northwest Florida on Friday evening.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Hurricane Isaias was located at latitude 30.8°N and longitude 86.5°W which put the center about 45 miles (75 km) east-northeast of Pensacola, Florida.  Isaias was moving toward the north at 20 m.p.h. (32 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 982 mb.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Mississippi/Alabama border to the Bay County/Gulf County line in Florida.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Bay County/Gulf County line to the Aucilla River in Florida.

The center of Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin, Florida on Friday evening.

Hurricane Isaias was a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale at the time of landfall.  The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h) when the center of Isaias made landfall.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) was 17.8.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 14.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 32.4.

An upper level low that is over Mississippi will steer Hurricane Isaias toward the north during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Isaias will move inland over Alabama on Saturday.

Hurricane Isaias will continue to bring strong winds to northwest Florida during the next few hours.  Even though Hurricane Isaias will weaken to a tropical storm by Saturday morning, Isaias will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Alabama on Saturday.

Flood Watches are in effect for parts of Alabama.

There are reports of over 400,000 customers without electricity in Florida.  There are also reports of over 200,000 customers without electricity in Alabama.

There are also reports of flooding due to a storm surge along parts of the coast of Northwest Florida.

Isaias Intensifies to a Major Hurricane

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Hurricane Isaias intensified to a major hurricane early on Friday as it moved toward the northern Gulf Coast.  At 8:20 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Hurricane Isaias was located at latitude 27.0°N and longitude 87.6°W which put the center about 240 miles (390 km) south of Pensacola, Florida.  Isaias was moving toward the north-northeast at 15 m.p.h. (24 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. (225 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 959 mb.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Ocean Springs, Mississippi to the Bay County/ Gulf County line in Florida.  The Hurricane Warning includes Mobile, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Jefferson Parish/Plaquemines Parish line in Louisiana to Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Bay County/Gulf County Line to Aucilla River, Florida.

Aircraft reconnaissance found that Hurricane Isaias had intensified to a major hurricane on Friday morning.

A circular eye with a diameter of 25 miles (40 km) was at the center of Hurricane Isaias.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Isaias’ circulation.  Storms near the center of Isaias generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The size of the circulation around Hurricane Isaias increased on Thursday night.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Isaias’ circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 185 miles (295 km) from the center of Hurricane Isaias.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Isaias is 22.1.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 12.0 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 34.1.  Hurricane Isaias is similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Dennis when Dennis hit Northwest Florida in 2005.

Hurricane Isaias will move through an environment that will be somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours.  Isaias will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the southeastern part of an upper level trough that is over Texas.  The upper level trough will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Isaias’ circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear, but the wind shear may not be enough to prevent intensification.  Hurricane Isaias could intensify during the next 12 hours.

The upper level trough over Texas will steer Isaias toward the north during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Isaias will make landfall on the northern Gulf Coast near Pensacola, Florida on Friday night.

Hurricane Isaias will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to the northern Gulf Coast.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.  Isaias will be capable of causing major damage.  Widespread electricity outages are likely.

Flood Watches are in effect for parts of southern Mississippi, southern Alabama, and Northwest Florida.

Isaias could cause a storm surge of up to 13 feet (4 meters) along portions of the northern Gulf Coast.

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Mouth of the Mississippi River to Suwannee River, Florida.

Hurricane Isaias Intensifies to Cat. 2

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Hurricane Isaias intensified to Category 2 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Thursday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Hurricane Isaias was located at latitude 24.4°N and longitude 89.3°W which put the center about 325 miles (525 km) south of the Mouth of the Mississippi River.  Isaias was moving toward the northeast at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 975 mb.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Ocean Springs, Mississippi to the Bay County/ Gulf County line in Florida.  The Hurricane Warning includes Mobile, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Jefferson Parish/Plaquemines Parish line in Louisiana to Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Bay County/Gulf County Line to Aucilla River, Florida.

Hurricane Isaias intensified to Cat. 2 on the Saffir- Simpson Scale on Thursday afternoon.

The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Isaias’ circulation.  A circular eye with a diameter of 30 miles (50 km) formed at the center of Hurricane Isaias.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Isaias’ circulation.  Storms near the center of Isaias generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The distribution of wind speeds in Hurricane Isaias became more symmetrical on Thursday afternoon.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 20 miles (30 km) from the center of Isaias’ circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 130 miles (210 km) from the center of Hurricane Isaias.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Isaias is 16.5.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 8.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 25.1.  Hurricane Isaias is similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Idalia when Idalia hit Florida in 2023.

Hurricane Isaias will move through an environment that will be favorable for intensification during the next 18 hours.  Isaias will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the southeastern part of an upper level trough that is over the South Central U.S.  The upper level trough will produce westerly winds that will blow toward the top of Isaias’ circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Hurricane Isaias is likely to intensify during the next 18 hours.  Isaias could strengthen to a major hurricane.

Hurricane Isaias will move around the southeastern part of the upper level trough that is over the South Central U.S.   The upper level trough will steer Isaias toward the north-northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Isaias will reach the northern Gulf Coast on Friday night.

Hurricane Isaias will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to the northern Gulf Coast.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.  Isaias will be capable of causing serious damage.  Widespread electricity outages are likely.

Flood Watches are in effect for parts of southern Mississippi, southern Alabama, and Northwest Florida.

Isaias could cause a storm surge of up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) along portions of the northern Gulf Coast.

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Mouth of the Mississippi River to Suwannee River, Florida.

Isaias Strengthens to a Hurricane

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Former Tropical Storm Isaias strengthened to a hurricane as it moved over the central Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday night.  At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Hurricane Isaias was located at latitude 23.7°N and longitude 90.6°W which put the center about 385 miles (620 km) south-southwest of the Mouth of the Mississippi River.  Isaias was moving toward the east-northeast at 9 m.p.h. (15 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.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Ocean Springs, Mississippi to the Bay County/ Gulf County line in Florida.  The Hurricane Warning includes Mobile, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Jefferson Parish/Plaquemines Parish line in Louisiana to Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Bay County/Gulf County Line to Aucilla River, Florida.

Former Tropical Storm Isaias strengthened to a hurricane on Wednesday night.

The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the western and southern sides of the center of Hurricane Isaias.  An eye appeared to be forming at the center of Isaias’ circulation.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Isaias’ circulation.  Storms near the center of Isaias generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The strongest winds were occurring in the rainband that wrapped around the western side of the center of Hurricane Isaias.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 20 miles (30 km) in the western side of Isaias’ circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of Hurricane Isaias.

Hurricane Isaias will move through an environment that will be favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Isaias will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the southeastern part of an upper level trough that is over the South Central U.S.  The upper level trough will produce westerly winds that will blow toward the top of Isaias’ circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Hurricane Isaias will intensify during the next 24 hours.

Hurricane Isaias will move around the southeastern part of the upper level trough that is over the South Central U.S.   The upper level trough will steer Isaias toward the northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Isaias will reach the northern Gulf Coast on Friday night.

Hurricane Isaias will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to the northern Gulf Coast.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Flood Watches are in effect for parts of southern Mississippi, southern Alabama, and Northwest Florida.

Isaias could cause a storm surge of up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) along portions of the northern Gulf Coast.

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Mouth of the Mississippi River to Steinhatchee River, Florida.

 

 

Hurricane Warning issued for Northern Gulf Coast

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A Hurricane Warning was issued for a portion of the northern Gulf Coast on Wednesday night because of the threat posed by Tropical Storm Isaias.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Isaias was located at latitude 22.9°N and longitude 91.9°W which put the center about 460 miles (745 km) south-southwest of the Mouth of the Mississippi River.  Isaias was moving toward the east-northeast at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 70 m.p.h. (110 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 988 mb.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Ocean Springs, Mississippi to the Bay County/ Gulf County line in Florida.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Jefferson Parish/Plaquemines Parish line in Louisiana to Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Bay County/Gulf County Line to Aucilla River, Florida.

Tropical Storm Isaias continued to intensify on Wednesday evening.  Isaias was on the threshold of becoming a hurricane.

Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Isaias’ circulation.  Storms near the center of Isaias generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The distribution of wind speeds in Tropical Storm Isaias was fairly symmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Isaias’ circulation.

Tropical Storm Isaias will move through an environment that will be favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Isaias will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge that is over the Gulf of Mexico.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Isaias will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Isaias could intensify rapidly at times.  Tropical Storm Isaias will strengthen to a hurricane by Thursday morning.

Tropical Storm Isaias will move around the southeastern part of an upper level trough that is over the Southern Plains.  The upper level trough will steer Isaias toward the northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Isaias will reach the northern Gulf Coast on Friday night.

Tropical Storm Isaias will be a hurricane when it reaches the northern Gulf Coast.  Isaias could be a major hurricane when it reaches the coast.  Isaias will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to the northern Gulf Coast.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Isaias could cause a storm surge of up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) along portions of the northern Gulf Coast.

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Mouth of the Mississippi River to Steinhatchee River, Florida.

Hurricane Watch Issued for Northern Gulf Coast

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A Hurricane Watch was issued for a portion of the northern Gulf Coast on Wednesday because of the threat posed by Tropical Storm Isaias.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Isaias was located at latitude 22.6°N and longitude 93.4°W which put the center about 520 miles (840 km) south-southwest of the Mouth of the Mississippi River.  Isaias was moving toward the east-northeast 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 997 mb.

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Bay St. Louis, Mississippi to Indian Pass, Florida.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Jefferson Parish/Plaquemines Parish line in Louisiana to Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Indian Pass to Aucilla River, Florida.

Tropical Storm Isaias was strengthening on Wednesday afternoon.

New thunderstorms continued to develop near the center of Tropical Storm Isaias.  Thunderstorms were also occurring in bands that were revolving around the center of Isaias’ circulation.  Storms near the center of Isaias generated more upper level divergence that pumped more mass away from the tropical storm.  The removal of more mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The distribution of wind speeds in Tropical Storm Isaias was becoming more symmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Isaias’ circulation.

Tropical Storm Isaias will move through an environment that will be favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Isaias will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge that is over the Gulf of Mexico.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Isaias will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Isaias could intensify rapidly.  Tropical Storm Isaias could strengthen to a hurricane by Thursday morning.

An upper level trough over the eastern U.S. and the Gulf of Mexico will steer Tropical Storm Isaias toward the east-northeast during the next 24 hours.  A different upper level trough approaching from the Southern Plains west will start to steer Isaias toward the north on Thursday.  Tropical Storm Isaias could reach the northern Gulf Coast by Friday night.

Tropical Storm Isaias is likely to be a hurricane when it reaches the northern Gulf Coast.  Isaias could be a major hurricane when it reaches the coast.  Isaias will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to the northern Gulf Coast.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Isaias could cause a storm surge of up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) along portions of the northern Gulf Coast.

A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Mouth of the Mississippi River to Yankeetown, Florida.

Depression Strengthens to Tropical Storm Isaias

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Former Tropical Depression Nine strengthened to Tropical Storm Isaias over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico early on Wednesday.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Isaias was located at latitude 22.0°N and longitude 94.1°W which put the center about 285 miles (460 km) west of Progreso, Mexico.  Isaias was moving toward the east-northeast at 8 m.p.h. (13 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 1004 mb.

Former Tropical Depression Nine strengthened to Tropical Storm Isaias early on Wednesday.

More thunderstorms were developing near the center of Tropical Storm Isaias.  More thunderstorms were also occurring in bands that were revolving around the center of Isaias’ circulation.  Storms near the center of Isaias generated more upper level divergence that pumped more mass away from the tropical storm.  The removal of more mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The strongest winds were occurring in the northern side of Tropical Storm Isaias.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 45 miles in the northern half of Isaias’ circulation.  The winds in the southern half of Tropical Storm Isaias were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Isaias will move through an environment that will be favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Isaias will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge that is over the Gulf of Mexico. The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Isaias will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Isaias could intensify rapidly.  Tropical Storm Isaias could strengthen to a hurricane by Wednesday night.

An upper level trough over the eastern U.S. and the Gulf of Mexico will steer Tropical Storm Isaias toward the east-northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Isaias will move closer to the northwestern part of the Yucatan Peninsula.  A different upper level trough approaching from the Southern Plains west will start to steer Isaias toward the north on Wednesday night.  Tropical Storm Isaias could reach the northern Gulf Coast by Friday night.

Tropical Storm Isaias is likely to be a hurricane when it reaches the northern Gulf Coast.  Isaias could be a major hurricane when it reaches the coast.

A Hurricane Watch will likely be issued for a portion of the northern Gulf Coast later today.

Tropical Depression Forms over Southwest Gulf of Mexico

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Tropical Depression Nine formed over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Depression Nine was located at latitude 22.1°N and longitude 95.6°W which put the center about 380 miles (615 km) west of Progreso, Mexico.  The tropical depression was moving toward the east at 5 m.p.h. (8 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.

A distinct low level center of circulation formed within a cluster of thunderstorms that was over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Depression Nine.

New thunderstorms were forming near the center of Tropical Depression Nine.  Thunderstorms were also developing in bands that were revolving around the center of the tropical depression.  Storms near the center of the depression started to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical depression.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to start to decrease.

Tropical Depression Nine will move through an environment that will be favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  The tropical depression will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the western part of an upper level ridge that is over the Gulf of Mexico.  The upper level ridge will produce southerly winds that will blow toward the top of the tropical depression.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent that intensification.  Tropical Depression Nine will intensify to a tropical storm during the next 24 hours.  It could strengthen to a hurricane later this week.

An upper level trough over the eastern U.S. and the Gulf of Mexico will steer Tropical Depression Nine toward the east during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Depression Nine will move closer to the northwestern part of the Yucatan Peninsula.  A different upper level trough approaching from the west will start to steer the tropical depression toward the north later this week.

Hurricane Imelda Brings Wind and Rain to Bermuda

Hurricane Imelda brought wind and rain to Bermuda on Wednesday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Imelda was located at latitude 32.1°N and longitude 65.0°W which put the center about 20 miles (30 km) southwest of Bermuda.  Imelda was moving toward the east-northeast at 29 m.p.h. (46 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 971 mb.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Bermuda.

Hurricane Imelda was in the middle of a transition to an extratropical cyclone when it reached Bermuda on Wednesday night.  The transition to an extratropical cyclone affected the structure of Hurricane Imelda.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the northern side of Imelda’s circulation.  The bands in the southern half of Hurricane Imelda consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The size of the circulation around Hurricane Imelda increased during the transition to an extratropical cyclone.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Imelda’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 250 miles (400 km) from the center of Hurricane Imelda.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Imelda was 16.5. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 15.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 32.1.

Hurricane Imelda will continue to bring strong winds and heavy rain to Bermuda during the next few hours. The strong winds could cause electricity outages.  Heavy rain could cause flooding.

Hurricane Imelda will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification of a hurricane during the next 24 hours.  Imelda will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C.  It will move under the southern side of an upper level trough that is east of the U.S.  The upper level trough will produce strong southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Imelda’s circulation.  Those winds will cause strong vertical wind shear.  The strong vertical wind shear will cause Hurricane Imelda to complete a transition to a strong extratropical cyclone on Thursday.

The upper level trough east of the U.S. will steer Hurricane Imelda toward the east-northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Imelda will move quickly away from Bermuda on Thursday.

Hurricane Imelda Strengthens to Cat. 2

Hurricane Imelda strengthened to Category 2 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Wednesday morning.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Imelda was located at latitude 31.0°N and longitude 70.4°W which put the center about 340 miles (550 km) west-southwest of Bermuda.  Imelda was moving toward the east-northeast at 20 m.p.h. (32 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 966 mb.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Bermuda.

Hurricane Imelda strengthened to Category 2 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Wednesday morning.  A circular eye with a diameter of 15 miles (24 km) was at the center of Imelda’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 Imelda.  Storms near the core of Imelda generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the north and east of the hurricane.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The size of the circulation around Hurricane Imelda increased when Imelda strengthened.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Imelda’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 230 miles (370 km) from the center of Hurricane Imelda.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Imelda was 16.5.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 19.4 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 34.9.

Hurricane Imelda will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Imelda will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the eastern side of an upper level trough that is over the eastern U.S.  The upper level trough will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Imelda’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The moderate vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Hurricane Imelda is likely to intensify during the next 24 hours. Imelda could intensify to a major hurricane.

The upper level trough over the eastern U.S. will steer Hurricane Imelda toward the east-northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Imelda will hit Bermuda on Wednesday night.

Hurricane Imelda will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Bermuda.  The strong winds could cause electricity outages.  Heavy rain could cause flooding.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, former Hurricane Humberto merged with a front and made a transition to an extratropical cyclone.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of former Hurricane Humberto was located at latitude 37.0°N and longitude 63.0°W which put the center about 340 miles (550 km) north-northeast of Bermuda.  Humberto was moving toward the east-northeast at 23 m.p.h. (37 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 980 mb.