Tag Archives: Bermuda

Hurricane Melissa Races Past Bermuda

Hurricane Melissa raced past Bermuda early on Friday.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Hurricane Melissa was located at latitude 35.9°N and longitude 64.0°W which put the center about 255 miles (405 km) north of Bermuda.  Melissa was moving toward the northeast at 41 m.p.h. (67 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 973 mb.

Hurricane Melissa was well into a transition to a strong extratropical cyclone on Friday morning.  An upper level trough over the eastern U.S. was producing strong southwesterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Melissa’s circulation.  Those winds were causing strong vertical wind shear.  The strong vertical wind shear combined with cooler Sea Surface Temperatures to cause Hurricane Melissa to make a transition to an extratropical cyclone.

The strong vertical wind shear was also blowing the tops of new thunderstorms that started to form in Hurricane Melissa.  Thunderstorms were still developing just to the east of the center of Melissa’s circulation.  However, the strong upper level winds were quickly blowing the tops off of those thunderstorms.  Drier air was wrapping around the western and southern sides of Hurricane Melissa.  The strong vertical wind shear and drier air caused the bands revolving around the center of Melissa to consist primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The transition to an extratropical cyclone caused the size of the circulation around Hurricane Melissa to increase.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center of Melissa’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 265 miles (425 km) from the center of Hurricane Melissa.

Hurricane Melissa will move through an environment unfavorable for the intensification of a hurricane.  Melissa will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 24°C.  It will move under the eastern part of the upper level trough that is over the eastern U.S.  The upper level trough will continue to produce strong southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Melissa’s circulation.  Those winds will continue to cause strong vertical wind shear. The strong vertical wind shear and cool Sea Surface Temperatures cause Hurricane Melissa to complete the transition to an extratropical cyclone.

The upper level trough will steer Hurricane Melissa quickly toward the northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Hurricane Melissa will be pass near the southeastern part of Newfoundland on Friday night.

Hurricane Melissa Speeds Toward Bermuda

Hurricane Melissa was speeding toward Bermuda on Thursday morning.  At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Hurricane Melissa was located at latitude 26.8°N and longitude 72.7°W which put the center about 605 miles (980 km) southwest of Bermuda.  Melissa was moving toward the north-northeast at 21 m.p.h. (33 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 965 mb.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Bermuda.

Hurricane Melissa strengthened as it moved over warm water near the Bahamas on Wednesday night.  A new larger eye formed at the center of Melissa’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a broken ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that broken ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Melissa’s circulation.  Storms near the core of Melissa generated upper level divergence that pumped more mass away to the northeast of the hurricane.  The removal of more mass caused the surface pressure to decrease again.

The size of the circulation around Hurricane Melissa increased as it strengthened again.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Melissa’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 195 miles (315 km) from the center of Hurricane Melissa.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Melissa is 17.8.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 19.8 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 37.6.

Hurricane Melissa will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Melissa will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C.  It will move under the eastern part 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 Melissa’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The moderate vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the wind shear may not be enough to prevent intensification.  Hurricane Melissa could intensify during the next 24 hours.  The upper level winds will get stronger on Friday.  More vertical wind shear will cause Hurricane Melissa to weaken.  The stronger wind shear will also cause Melissa to start a transition to an extratropical cyclone.

The upper level trough will steer Hurricane Melissa toward the northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Melissa will be near Bermuda on Thursday night.

Hurricane Melissa will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Bermuda on Thursday night.  Melissa will pass near the southeastern part of Newfoundland on Friday night.

Hurricane Melissa Brings Wind and Rain to the Bahamas

Hurricane Melissa was bringing wind and rain to the Bahamas on Wednesday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Melissa was located at latitude 22.9°N and longitude 74.8°W which put the center about 20 miles (30 km) southeast of Clarence Town, Bahamas.  Melissa was moving toward the northeast at 16 m.p.h. (26 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 974 mb.

Hurricane Warnings are in effect for the Central Bahamas and the Southeastern Bahamas.

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Bermuda.

Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect for the Turks and Caicos.

The circulation around Hurricane Melissa showed signs of reorganization on Friday afternoon.  However, passage over Jamaica and eastern Cuba significant changed the structure of the core of Melissa’s circulation.  A new large eye with a diameter of 45 miles (75 km) formed at the center of Hurricane Melissa.  New thunderstorms were developing in a broken ring that surrounded the large eye.  The strongest winds were occurring in that broken ring of storms.  New thunderstorms were also forming in the bands revolving around the center of Melissa’s circulation.

The structural changes in the middle of Hurricane Melissa caused the size of the circulation to increase.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 60 miles (95 km) in the eastern side of Melissa’s circulation.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 25 miles (40 km) in the western side of Hurricane Melissa.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 185 miles (300 km) in the eastern half of Melissa’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 125 miles (200 km) in the western half of Hurricane Melissa.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Melissa is 13.9.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 16.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 30.5.  Hurricane Melissa is similar in intensity to Hurricane Beryl when Beryl hit Texas in 2024.  Melissa is much larger than Beryl was.

Hurricane Melissa will move through an environment marginally favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours.  Melissa will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the southeastern part of an upper level trough over the eastern U.S.  The upper level trough will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Melissa’s circulation.  Those winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase. The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the wind shear may not be enough to prevent intensification.  Hurricane Melissa could intensify during the next 12 hours.  The upper level winds will get stronger on Thursday.  More vertical wind shear will cause Hurricane Melissa to weaken.  The stronger wind shear will also cause Melissa to start a transition to an extratropical cyclone.

The upper level trough will steer Hurricane Melissa toward the northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Melissa will continue to move over the Bahamas during the next few hours.  Hurricane Melissa will be near Bermuda on Thursday night.

Hurricane Melissa will continue to bring strong winds and heavy rain to the Central and Southeastern Bahamas on Wednesday night.  Melissa could bring strong winds and heavy rain to Bermuda on Thursday night.

Hurricane Melissa Batters Eastern Cuba

Strong winds in Hurricane Melissa battered eastern Cuba early on Wednesday.  At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Melissa was located at latitude 20.6°N and longitude 75.7°W which put the center about 45 miles (75 km) northwest of Guantanamo, Cuba.  Melissa was moving toward the north-northeast at 14 m.p.h. (22 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 968 mb.

Hurricane Warnings are in effect for the Cuban provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, Holguin, and Las Tunas.

Hurricane Warnings are in effect for the Central Bahamas and the Southeastern Bahamas.

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Bermuda.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Haiti.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Cuban province of Camaguey.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Turks and Caicos.

After leaving a trail of destruction in Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa battered eastern Cuba early on Wednesday.  Melissa was still a major hurricane at the time is made the center of circulation landfall in the province of Santiago de Cuba.  Melissa started to weaken slowly again after the center moved over land.

Hurricane Melissa was still a powerful storm on Wednesday morning.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Melissa’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 185 miles (300 km) in the eastern half of Melissa’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 105 miles (165 km) in the western side of Hurricane Melissa.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Melissa at the time of landfall was 17.8.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 11.9 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 29.7. Hurricane Melissa was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Sally when Sally hit South Alabama in 2020.

Hurricane Melissa will move through an environment marginally favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Melissa will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the southeastern part of an upper level trough over the eastern U.S.  The upper level trough will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Melissa’s circulation.  Those winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification.  Hurricane Melissa is likely to maintain its intensity during the next 24 hours after it moves northeast of Cuba.

The upper level trough will steer Hurricane Melissa toward the northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Melissa will move northeast of Cuba during the next few hours.  Hurricane Melissa will move over the Bahamas later today.  Melissa will be near Bermuda on Thursday night.

Hurricane Melissa will continue to bring strong winds and heavy rain to eastern Cuba during the next few hours.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some location.  Widespread electricity outages are likely in eastern Cuba.  Melissa will also bring strong winds and heavy rain to the Bahamas later today.

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.

Imelda Intensifies to a Hurricane

Former Tropical Storm Imelda intensified to a hurricane over the Atlantic Ocean east of Florida on Tuesday morning.  At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Hurricane Imelda was located at latitude 29.0°N and longitude 76.9°W which put the center about 755 miles (1255 km) west-southwest of Bermuda.  Imelda was moving toward the northeast at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 980 mb.

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Bermuda.

A U.S. Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter plane found that former Tropical Storm Imelda had intensified to a hurricane on Tuesday morning.

The circulation around Hurricane Imelda became more symmetrical on Tuesday morning.  Thunderstorms near the center of Imelda’s circulation 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.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Hurricane Imelda.

Winds to hurricane force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of Hurricane Imelda.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 185 miles (295 km) from the center of Imelda’s circulation.

Hurricane Storm 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 29°C.  It will move under the eastern side of an upper level trough that is over the southeast U.S.  The upper level trough will produce southerly 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 will intensify during the next 24 hours.

The upper level trough over the southeast U.S. will steer Hurricane Imelda toward the east-northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Hurricane Imelda will affect 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, Hurricane Humberto was weakening west of Bermuda.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Hurricane Humberto was located at latitude 31.6°N and longitude 69.4°W which put the center about 275 miles (440 km) west of Bermuda.  Humberto was moving toward the north-northwest at 17 m.p.h. (28 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 972 mb.

Tropical Storm Imelda Strengthens

Tropical Storm Imelda strengthened on Monday morning as it moved north of the Bahamas.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Imelda was located at latitude 26.9°N and longitude 77.1°W which put the center about 35 miles (55 km) north of Great Abaco Island, Bahamas.  Imelda was moving toward the north 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 988 mb.

Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the Northwestern Bahamas including Eleuthera, the Abacos, and Grand Bahama Island.

Tropical Storm Imelda strengthened on Monday morning.  More thunderstorms developed near the center of Imelda’s circulation. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Imelda.  Storms near the center of Imelda 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 northeastern part of Tropical Storm Imelda.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) in the eastern side of Imelda’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) in the western side of Tropical Storm Imelda.

Tropical Storm Imelda will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Imelda will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the eastern side of an upper level trough that is over the Southeast U.S.  The upper level trough will produce southerly winds that will blow toward the top of Imelda”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 Imelda will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Imelda could intensify rapidly at times.  Tropical Storm Imelda will intensify to a hurricane by Tuesday.

The upper level trough west of Florida will steer Tropical Storm Imelda toward the north during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Imelda will remain east of South Florida.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Hurricane Humberto was completing an eyewall replacement cycle.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Hurricane Humberto was located at latitude 28.0°N and longitude 67.6°W which put the center about 340 miles (550 km) south-southwest of Bermuda.  Humberto was moving toward the west-northwest at 13 m.p.h. (21 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 145 m.p.h. (235 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 175 m.p.h. (280 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 940 mb.

A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for Bermuda.

 

Depression Strengthens to Tropical Storm Imelda

Former Tropical Depression Nine strengthened to Tropical Storm Imelda over the Bahamas on Sunday afternoon.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Imelda was located at latitude 23.9°N and longitude 77.3°W which put the center about 105 miles (165 km) south of Nassau, Bahamas.   Imelda 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 998 mb.

Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the Central Bahamas including Cat Island, the Exumas, Long Island, Rum Cay, and San Salvador.

Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the Northwestern Bahamas including Eleuthera, New Providence, the Abacos, the Berry Islands, Andros Island, and Grand Bahama Island.

A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from the Palm Beach/Martin County Line to the Flagler/Volusia County Line, Florida.

A U.S. Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter reconnaissance plane found on Sunday afternoon that former Tropical Depression Nine had strengthened.  Based on data collected by the reconnaissance plane, the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Imelda.

More thunderstorms were forming near the center of Tropical Storm Imelda on Sunday afternoon.  However, the distribution of thunderstorms in Imelda was asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring mainly in bands in the eastern side of Imelda’s circulation.  Bands in the western side of Tropical Storm Imelda consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

Winds to tropical storm force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Tropical Storm Imelda.

Tropical Storm Imelda will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Imelda will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.   It will move under the eastern side of an upper level trough that is west of Florida.  The upper level trough will produce southerly winds that will blow toward the top of Imelda”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 Imelda will intensify during the next 24 hours.

The upper level trough west of Florida will steer Tropical Storm Imelda toward the north during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Imelda will move across the Central and Northwestern Bahamas.

Tropical Storm Imelda will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to the Central and Northwestern Bahamas.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, powerful Hurricane Humberto was passing south of Bermuda.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Hurricane Humberto was located at latitude 24.6°N and longitude 64.3°W which put the center about 535 miles (855 km) south of Bermuda.  Humberto was moving toward the west-northwest at 13 m.p.h. (21 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 180 m.p.h. (290 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 934 mb.

Hurricane Humberto Intensifies to Cat. 5

Hurricane Humberto intensified to Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale south of Bermuda on Saturday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Hurricane Humberto was located at latitude 22.9°N and longitude 61.1°W which put the center about 685 miles (1105 km) south-southeast of Bermuda.  Humberto was moving toward the west-northwest at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 160 m.p.h. (260 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 190 m.p.h. (305 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 925 mb.

Hurricane Humberto intensified to Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Saturday afternoon.  A circular eye with a diameter of 12 miles (19 km) was at the center of Humberto’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 Hurricane Humberto.  Storms near the center of Humberto generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the hurricane.  The removal of large quantities of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.

The circulation around Hurricane Humberto was very symmetrical.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Humberto’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 125 miles (200 km) from the center of Hurricane Humberto.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Humberto is 35.0.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 10.7 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 45.7.  Hurricane Humberto is similar in intensity to Hurricane Michael when Michael hit Northwest Florida in 2018.  Humberto is slightly smaller than Michael was.

Hurricane Humberto will move through an environment favorable for an intense hurricane during the next 24 hours.  Humberto 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 the will be little vertical wind shear.  Hurricane Humberto could intensify during the next 24 hours.  However, the inner end of a rainband is likely to wrap around the existing eye and eyewall.  The formation of concentric eyewalls would start an eyewall replacement cycle.  An eyewall replacement cycle would cause Humberto to weaken, at least temporarily.

Hurricane Humberto will move around the western part of a high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Humberto toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Humberto will pass far to the south of Bermuda on Sunday.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Depression Nine formed north of eastern Cuba.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Depression Nine was located at latitude 22.2°N and longitude 76.5°W which put the center about 215 miles (345 km) south-southeast of Nassau,, Bahamas.  The tropical depression was moving toward the northwest 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 1005 mb.

Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the Central Bahamas including Cat Island, the Exumas, Long Island, Rum Cay, and San Salvador.

Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the Northwestern Bahamas including Eleuthera, New Providence, the Abacos, the Berry Islands, Andros Island, and Grand Bahama Island.

A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from the Palm Beach/Martin County Line to the Flagler/Volusia County Line, Florida.