Tag Archives: Diego Garcia

Tropical Cyclone Chenge Strengthens

Tropical Cyclone Chenge strengthened as it moved over the South Indian Ocean on Monday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Chenge was located at latitude 9.2°S and longitude 66.6°E which put the center about 400 miles (645 km) west-southwest of Diego Garcia.  Chenge was moving toward the west-southwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 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 984 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Chenge strengthened almost to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon on Monday.  Stronger thunderstorms developed near the center of Chenge’s circulation.  More thunderstorms also formed in the bands revolving around the center of Tropical Cyclone Chenge.  Storms near the center of Chenge generated more upper level divergence that pumped more mass away from the tropical cyclone.  The removal of more mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Chenge became more symmetrical when Chenge strengthened on Monday.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 195 miles (315 km) from the center of Chenge’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Chenge will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Chenge will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C.  It will move under the northern side of an upper level ridge over the South Indian Ocean.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Chenge’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the wind shear may not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Cyclone Chenge could continue to intensify during he next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Chenge will move around the northern side of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Chenge toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Chenge could be north of Madagascar by the end of the week.

Tropical Cyclone Chenge Moves Away From Diego Garcia

Tropical Cyclone Chenge moved away from Diego Garcia on Sunday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Chenge was located at latitude 8.7°S and longitude 67.9°E which put the center about 310 miles (500 km) west-southwest of Diego Garcia.  Chenge was moving toward the west at 9 m.p.h. (15 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 998 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Chenge strengthened a little on Sunday as it moved away from Diego Garcia.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the northern side of the center of Chege’s circulation.  Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Cyclone Chenge.  Storms near the center of Chenge generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the tropical cyclone.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease slowly.

The distribution of wind speeds in Tropical Cyclone Chenge was asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 235 miles (380 km) in the southern half of Chenge’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 120 miles (195 km) in the northern side of Tropical Cyclone Chenge.

Tropical Cyclone Chenge will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Chenge will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the northern side of an upper level ridge over the South Indian Ocean.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Chenge’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the wind shear may not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Cyclone Chenge could continue to intensify on Monday.

Tropical Cyclone Chenge will move around the northern side of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Chenge toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Chenge will pass north of Rodrigues in a couple of days.

Tropical Cyclone Chenge Passes Near Diego Garcia

Tropical Cyclone Chenge passed just to the south of Diego Garcia on Saturday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Chenge was located at latitude 8.5°S and longitude 69.5°E which put the center about 200 miles (320 km) west-southwest of Diego Garcia.  Chenge was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 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 1002 mb.

A low pressure system passing near Diego Garcia strengthened on Saturday and Meteo France La Reunion designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Chenge.  Chenge brought gusty winds and rain showers to Diego Garcia.

The distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Cyclone Chenge was asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western side of Chenge’s circulation.  The bands in the eastern part of Tropical Cyclone Chenge consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Chenge generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the tropical cyclone.

Winds to tropical storm force extended out 130 miles (210 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Chenge.

Tropical Cyclone Chenge will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Chenge will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the northern side of an upper level ridge over the South Indian Ocean.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Chenge’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the wind shear may not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Cyclone Chenge is likely to intensify on Sunday.

Tropical Cyclone Chenge will move around the northern side of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Chenge toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Chenge will move farther away from Diego Garcia.

Tropical Cyclone Awo Forms Over South Indian Ocean

Tropical Cyclone Awo formed over the South Indian Ocean west of Diego Garcia on Thursday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Awo was located at latitude 7.0°S and longitude 60.5°E which put the center about 1000 miles (1615 km) north-northeast of La Reunion.  Awo was moving toward the west-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 1002 mb.

A low pressure system over the South Indian Ocean west of Diego Garcia strengthened on Thursday morning and Meteo France La Reunion designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Awo.

More thunderstorms formed near the center of Tropical Cyclone Awo on Thursday morning.  Thunderstorms were also occurring in bands in the western side of Awo’s circulation.  Bands in the eastern side of Tropical Cyclone Awo consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Awo generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the tropical cyclone.

The strongest winds were blowing in the southern half of Tropical Cyclone Awo.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) in the southern side of Awo’s circulation. The winds in the northern half of Tropical Cyclone Awo were blowing at less that tropical storm force.

Tropical Cyclone Awo will move through an environment that will become unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Awo will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 25°C.  It will move under the northern part of an upper level ridge over the South Indian Ocean.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Awo’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate to strong vertical wind shear.  The combination of cool Sea Surface temperatures and moderate to strong wind shear will cause Tropical Cyclone Awo to weaken during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Awo will move around the northern side of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Awo toward the west during the next 24hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Awo will remain far to the north of La Reunion.

Tropical Cyclone Jude Meanders over Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Jude meandered over Mozambique on Tuesday.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Jude was located at latitude 16.1°S and longitude 35.9°E which put the center about 150 miles (240 km) north-northwest of Quelimane, Mozambique.  Jude was moving toward the southwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 30 m.p.h. (50 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1004 mb.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Jude remained well organized on Tuesday even though Jude had been over land for more than 36 hours.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms continued to revolve around the center of Jude’s circulation  Storms near the center of Jude’s circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Jude was large.  Jude was affecting the weather in Mozambique, Malawi, Madagascar, eastern Zimbabwe, and southern Tanzania.

Tropical Cyclone Jude will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system that is centered north of Madagascar.  The high pressure system will steer Jude toward the southeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Jude will move back toward the Mozambique Channel.

Tropical Cyclone Jude is not likely to intensify while the center of circulation is still over land.  Jude will move into an environment favorable for intensification when it moves over the Mozambique Channel.  Jude will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge over the Mozambique Channel.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Jude is likely to intensify when it moves back over the Mozambique Channel.

Tropical Cyclone Jude will continue to drop heavy rain on parts of Mozambique, Malawi, Madagascar, eastern Zimbabwe, and southern Tanzania.  Heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Ivone remained far to the south-southeast of Diego Garcia.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Ivone was located at latitude 19.8°S and longitude 76.4°E which put the center about 925 miles (1495 km) south-southeast of Diego Garcia.  Ivone was moving toward the west at 13 m.p.h. (21 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 990 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Jude Brings Wind and Rain to Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Jude brought wind and rain to northern Mozambique and to Malawi on Monday.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Jude was located at latitude 14.6°S and longitude 37.9°E which put the center about 110 miles (175 km) northwest of Nampula, Mozambique.  Jude was moving toward the west at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 995 mb.

The center of Tropical Cyclone Jude hit the coast of Mozambique just to the south of Nacala on Sunday night.  Jude then moved inland over northern Mozambique on Monday.  The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Jude brought strong winds and heavy rain to parts of northern Mozambique.  Bands in the western part of Jude’s circulation also brought strong winds and heavy rain to Malawi.

The winds steering Tropical Cyclone Jude toward the west will weaken during the next 24 hours.  As a result, Tropical Cyclone Jude will meander over northern Mozambique on Tuesday.  Jude could start to move south back toward the Mozambique Channel later this week.

Tropical Cyclone Jude will continue to weaken while it is over northern Mozambique.  However, the circulation around Jude will continue to produce gusty winds and heavy rain over parts of northern Mozambique and over Malawi.  Prolonged heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Ivone continued to spin far to the south-southeast of Diego Garcia.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Ivone was located at latitude 20.2°S and longitude 80.5°E which put the center about 1070 miles (1725 km) south-southeast of Diego Garcia.  Ivone was moving toward the southwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 996 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Jude Hits Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Jude hit Mozambique on Sunday night.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Jude was located at latitude 15.2°S and longitude 39.5°E which put the center about 70 miles (110 km) southwest of Nacala, Mozambique.  Jude was moving toward the west at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 983 mb.

The center of Tropical Cyclone Jude hit the coast of Mozambique just to the south of Nacala on Sunday night.  Jude was the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon at the time of landfall.  The maximum sustained wind speed was 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h) at the time of landfall.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Jude was 13.9 at the time of landfall.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 14.0 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 27.9.  Tropical Cyclone Jude was similar in intensity to Hurricane Hanna when Hanna hit south Texas in 2020. Jude was larger than Hanna was.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Jude remains well organized even though the center of Jude’s circulation has been over land for a few hours.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms are revolving around the center of Tropical Cyclone Jude.  Storms near the center of circulation continue to generate upper level divergence that is pumping mass away from the tropical cyclone.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Jude continues to be symmetrical.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 40 miles (65 km) from the center of Jude’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 185 miles (295 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Jude.

Tropical Cyclone Jude will move around the northern side of a high pressure system over the Mozambique Channel.  The high pressure system will steer Jude toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Jude will move farther inland over northern Mozambique.  Jude could turn toward the south during the middle of the week.

Tropical Cyclone Jude will continue to bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of northern Mozambique.  Heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.  Jude will weaken gradually while the center is over land.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Ivone was passing far to the south-southeast of Diego Garcia.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Ivone was located at latitude 19.4°S and longitude 81.9°E which put the center about 1060 miles (1660 km) south-southeast of Diego Garcia.  Ivone was moving toward the south-southwest 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 993 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Jude Intensifies to Equivalent of Hurricane/Typhoon

Tropical Cyclone Jude intensified to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon as it neared the coast of Mozambique on Sunday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Jude was located at latitude 14.9°S and longitude 40.8°E which put the center about 40 miles (65 km) east-southeast of Nacala, Mozambique.  Jude was moving toward the west at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 975 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Jude rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon as it neared the coast of Mozambique on Sunday.  A small circular eye formed at the center of Jude’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 Tropical Cyclone Jude.  Storms near the center of Jude generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Jude was symmetrical.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 40 miles (65 km) from the center of Jude’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Jude.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Jude is 13.9.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 14.0 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 27.9.  Tropical Cyclone Jude is similar in intensity to Hurricane Hanna when Hanna hit south Texas in 2020.  Jude is larger than Hanna was.

Tropical Cyclone Jude will move through an environment very favorable for intensification during the next few hours.  Jude will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge over the Mozambique Channel.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Jude will intensify during the next few hours.

Tropical Cyclone Jude will move around the northern side of a high pressure system over the Mozambique Channel.  The high pressure system will steer Jude toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Cyclone Jude will reach the coast of Mozambique near Nacala in a few hours.

Tropical Cyclone Jude will be the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon when it reaches Mozambique.  Jude will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Mozambique.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods.  Tropical Cyclone Jude will also cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) along the coast of Mozambique.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Ivone continued to spin far to the southeast of Diego Garcia.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Ivone was located at latitude 17.8°S and longitude 82.9°E which put the center about 1005 miles (1625 km) southeast of Diego Garcia.  Ivone was moving toward the south-southwest 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 993 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Jude Forms over the Mozambique Channel

Tropical Cyclone Jude formed over the Mozambique Channel on Saturday afternoon.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Jude was located at latitude 14.6°S and longitude 45.1°E which put the center about 280 miles (450 km) east of Nacala, Mozambique.  Jude was moving toward the west at 11 m.p.h. (17 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 996 mb.

A low pressure system strengthened over the Mozambique Channel on Saturday after moving across northern Madagascar.  Meteo France La Reunion designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Jude.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Jude appeared to be organizing quickly.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Jude’s circulation.  An eye appeared to be forming at the center of Tropical Cyclone Jude.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Jude’s circulation.  Storms near the center of Jude generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Jude was symmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of Jude’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Jude will move through an environment very favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Jude will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge over the Mozambique Channel.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Jude will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Jude could intensify rapidly.  Tropical Cyclone Jude is likely to strengthen to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon on Monday.

Tropical Cyclone Jude will move around the northern side of a high pressure system over the Mozambique Channel.   The high pressure system will steer Jude toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Jude will reach the coast of Mozambique near Nacala in 36 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Jude will be the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon when it reaches Mozambique.  Jude will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Mozambique.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods.  Tropical Cyclone Jude will also cause a storm surge along the coast of Mozambique.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Ivone formed east-southeast of Diego Garcia.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Ivone was located at latitude 13.4°S and longitude 84.0°E which put the center about 875 miles (1415 km) east-southeast of Nacala, Mozambique.  Ivone was moving toward the south-southwest 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 996 mb.

Powerful Tropical Cyclone Vince Passes South of Diego Garcia

Powerful Tropical Cyclone Vince was passing far to the south of Diego Garcia on Friday.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Vince was located at latitude 20.1°S and longitude 75.3°E which put the center about 925 miles (1495 km) south-southeast of Diego Garcia.  Vince was moving toward the west 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 185 m.p.h. (295 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 932 mb.

Powerful Tropical Cyclone Vince maintained its intensity as it passed far to the south of Diego Garcia on Friday.  A circular eye with a diameters of 23 miles (37 km) was at the center of Vince’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Storms near the center of Vince generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the tropical cyclone.  The divergence of mass in the upper levels of the atmosphere was almost balanced by the inflow of mass in the lower levels.  The effect of the near balance of divergence and inflow was to keep the surface pressure nearly steady.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Vince was very symmetrical.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Vince’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Vince.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Vince is 31.6.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 15.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 47.2.  Tropical Cyclone Vince is similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Ida when Ida hit Louisiana in 2021

.Tropical Cyclone Vince will move through an environment favorable for an intense tropical cyclone during the next 24 hours.  Vince will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the northern part of an upper level ridge over the South Indian Ocean.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Vince’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Cyclone Vince is likely to maintain its intensity during the next 24 hours, unless an eyewall replacement cycle occurs.

Tropical Cyclone Vince will move around the northern side of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Vince toward the west-southwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Vince will move toward Rodrigues.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Taliah was passing south of the Cocos Islands.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Taliah was located at latitude 15.8°S and longitude 96.4°E which put the center about 250 miles (400 km) south of the Cocos Islands.  Taliah was moving toward the west at 15 m.p.h. (24 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 986 mb.