Tag Archives: Karina

Tropical Storm Warning Issued for Kauai

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A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Kauai County because of the potential effects of Hurricane Lowell.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Hurricane Lowell was located at latitude 14.7°N and longitude 163.8°W which put the center about 580 miles (935 km) south-southwest of Lihue, Hawaii.  Lowell was moving toward the north-northwest at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 943 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Kauai County including Kauai and Niihau.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument from Nihoa to French Frigate Shoals.

Hurricane Lowell weakened to Category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Sunday morning.  Lowell was still a major hurricane.  A circular eye with a diameter of 30 miles (50 km) was still at the center of Lowell’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 Lowell.  Storms near the center generated upper level divergence that pumped more mass away from the hurricane.  The removal of mass in the upper levels was nearly equal to the convergence of mass in the lowers levels of the atmosphere.  So, the surface pressure did not change much on Sunday morning.

The distribution of wind speeds in Hurricane Lowell was fairly symmetrical.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 50 miles (80 km) from the center of Lowell’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) from the center of Hurricane Lowell.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Lowell is 23.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 19.5 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 43.9.  Hurricane Lowell is bigger and stronger than Hurricane Milton was when Milton hit Florida in 2024.

Hurricane Lowell will move through an environment that will be less favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Lowell will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind wind shear.  However, Lowell will  move into a mass of drier air that is southwest of Hawii.  Hurricane Lowell is likely to continue to weaken slowly because of the effects of the drier air.  Lowell will move southwest of an upper level low that is north of Hawaii on Monday.  The upper level low will produce southwesterly winds that will cause the vertical wind shear to increase.  The increase in vertical wind shear will cause Lowell to weaken faster on Monday.

Hurricane Lowell will move around the western end of a high pressure system that is over the Central North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Lowell toward the north during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Hurricane Lowell will pass west of Kauai and Niihau on Monday night.

Bands in the eastern side of Lowell could bring strong winds and heavy rain to Kauai and Niihau on Monday night.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Flood Watches are in effect for Kauai and Niihau.

Bands in the eastern periphery of Hurricane Lowell could also drop heavy rain on Maui, Lanai, , Molokai, Oahu, the Big Island of Hawaii, and Kahoolawe.

Flood Watches are in effect for Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, the Big Island of Hawaii, and Kahoolawe.

Elsewhere, thunderstorms were decreasing Tropical Storm Karina and Hurricane Marie was weakening west of Baja California.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Karina was located at latitude 22.7°N and longitude 145.0°W which put the center about 680 miles (1100 km) east-northeast of Hilo, Hawaii.  Karina was moving toward the northwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 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.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Hurricane Marie was located at latitude 23.5°N and longitude 122.5°W which put the center about 800 miles (1290 km) west of the southern tip of Baja California.  Marie was moving toward the northwest 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 977 mb.

 

Tropical Storm Watch Issued for Kauai

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A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Kauai County because of the potential effects of Hurricane Lowell.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Hurricane Lowell was located at latitude 13.7°N and longitude 163.4°W which put the center about 630 miles (1015 km) south-southwest of Lihue, Hawaii.  Lowell was moving toward the west-northwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 155 m.p.h. (250 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 942 mb.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Kauai County including Kauai and Niihau.

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument from Nihoa to French Frigate Shoals.

Hurricane Lowell weakened to Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Saturday.  A circular eye with a diameter of 30 miles (50 km) was still at the center of Lowell’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 Lowell.  Storms near the center generated upper level divergence that pumped more mass away from the hurricane.  The removal of mass in the upper levels was less than the convergence of mass in the lowers levels of the atmosphere.  So, the surface pressure increased on Saturday.

The distribution of wind speeds in Hurricane Lowell was fairly symmetrical.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Lowell’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) from the center of Hurricane Lowell.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Lowell is 25.1.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 18.8 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 43.9. Hurricane Lowell is similar in intensity to Hurricane Harvey when Harvey hit Texas in 2017.  Hurricane Lowell is larger than Harvey was.

Hurricane Lowell will move through an environment that will be a little less favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Lowell will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind wind shear.  However, Lowell will start to move into a mass of drier air on Sunday.  Hurricane Lowell is likely to continue to weaken slowly on Sunday because of the effects of the drier air.

Hurricane Lowell will move around the western end of a high pressure system that is over the Central North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Lowell toward the north during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Lowell will start to move closer to Kauai and Niihau on Sunday.

Elsewhere, former Hurricane Karina weakened to a tropical storm east of Hawaii and Hurricane Marie started to weaken west of Baja California.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Karina was located at latitude 22.0°N and longitude 143.9°W which put the center about 740 miles (1190 km) east-northeast of Hilo, Hawaii.  Karina was moving toward the west-northwest at 6 m.p.h. (10 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.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Hurricane Marie was located at latitude 22.6°N and longitude 121.3°W which put the center about 725 miles (1170 km) west of the southern tip of Baja California.  Marie was moving toward the northwest at 6 m.p.h. (10 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 970 mb.

Hurricane Lowell Intensifies Back to Cat. 5

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Hurricane Lowell intensified back to Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale as it moved south-southwest of Hawaii on Friday evening.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Hurricane Lowell was located at latitude 13.3°N and longitude 161.4°W which put the center about 615 miles (990 km) south-southwest of Lihue, Hawaii.  Lowell was moving toward the west at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 922 mb.

Hurricane Lowell strengthened back to Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Friday evening.  A circular eye with a diameter of 30 miles (50 km) was at the center of Lowell’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 Lowell.  Storms near the center generated stronger upper level divergence that pumped more mass away from the hurricane.  The removal of more mass in the upper levels of the atmosphere caused the surface pressure to decrease on Friday.

The distribution of wind speeds in Hurricane Lowell was fairly symmetrical.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Lowell’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) from the center of Hurricane Lowell.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Lowell is 35.0. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 18.9 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 53.9.  Hurricane Lowell is similar in intensity to Hurricane Maria when Maria hit Puerto Rico in 2017.

Hurricane Lowell will move through an environment favorable for a strong hurricane during the next 24 hours.  Lowell will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind wind shear.  Hurricane Lowell is likely to maintain its intensity during the next 24 hours.

Hurricane Lowell will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is over the Central North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Lowell toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Lowell will remain south-southwest of Hawaii on Saturday.  Lowell is forecast to start moving toward the north during the weekend.

Elsewhere, Hurricane Karina continued to weaken gradually east of Hawaii and Hurricane Marie was spinning southwest of Baja California.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Hurricane Karina was located at latitude 20.7°N and longitude 141.9°W which put the center about 860 miles (1380 km) east of Hilo, Hawaii.  Karina was moving toward the west 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 982 mb.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Hurricane Marie was located at latitude 20.8°N and longitude 119.0°W which put the center about 600 miles (965 km) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.  Marie was moving toward the northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 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 967 mb.

Hurricane Lowell Strengthens Back to Cat. 4

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Hurricane Lowell strengthened back to Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale as it moved south-southwest of Hawaii on Friday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Hurricane Lowell was located at latitude 13.2°N and longitude 160.79°W which put the center about 615 miles (985 km) south-southwest of Lihue, Hawaii.  Lowell was moving toward the west-southwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 175 m.p.h. (280 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 926 mb.

Hurricane Lowell strengthened back to Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Friday after weakening on Thursday night.  A circular eye with a diameter of 30 miles (50 km) was at the center of Lowell’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 Lowell.  Storms near the center generated stronger upper level divergence that pumped more mass away from the hurricane.  The removal of more mass in the upper levels of the atmosphere caused the surface pressure to decrease on Friday.

An eyewall replacement cycle cause the size of the circulation around Hurricane Lowell to increase.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Lowell’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) from the center of Hurricane Lowell.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Lowell is 31.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 18.9 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 50.5. Hurricane Lowell is similar in intensity to Hurricane Ida when Ida hit southeast Louisiana in 2021.  Lowell is larger than Ida was.

Hurricane Lowell will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Lowell will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind wind shear.  Hurricane Lowell is likely to intensify during the next 24 hours.  Lowell could strengthen back to Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.

Hurricane Lowell will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is over the Central North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Lowell toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Lowell will remain south-southwest of Hawaii on Saturday.  Lowell is forecast to start moving toward the north during the weekend.

Elsewhere, Hurricane Karina continued to weaken gradually  east of Hawaii and Hurricane Marie was spinning southwest of Baja California.

At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Hurricane Karina was located at latitude 20.6°N and longitude 141.1°W which put the center about 910 miles (1465 km) east of Hilo, Hawaii.  Karina was moving toward the west at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 978 mb.

At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Hurricane Marie was located at latitude 20.2°N and longitude 118.6°W which put the center about 590 miles (950 km) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.  Marie was moving toward the west-northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 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.

Hurricane Lowell Moves South of Hawaii

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Hurricane Lowell moved south of Hawaii on Thursday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Hurricane Lowell was located at latitude 13.5°N and longitude 158.9°W which put the center about 590 miles (945 km) south of Lihue, Hawaii.  Lowell was moving toward the west at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 155 m.p.h. (250 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 943 mb.

Hurricane Lowell weakened a little on Thursday as it moved south of Hawaii.  An eyewall replacement cycle may have led to the weakening of Lowell.  A circular eye with a diameter of 17 miles (28 km) was still at the center of Lowell’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 Lowell.  Storms near the center generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane. The removal of mass in the upper levels was less than the convergence of mass in the lower levels of the atmosphere.  An accumulation of mass caused the surface pressure to increase on Thursday.

The eyewall replacement cycle cause the size of the circulation around Hurricane Lowell to increase.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Lowell’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) from the center of Hurricane Lowell.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Lowell is 25.1.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 14.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 39.7.  Hurricane Lowell is similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Harvey when Harvey hit Texas in 2017.

Hurricane Lowell will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Lowell will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind wind shear.  Hurricane Lowell could intensify during the next 24 hours after the eyewall replacement cycle is fully completed.

Hurricane Lowell will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is over the Central North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Lowell toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Lowell will remain south of Hawaii on Friday.  Lowell is forecast to start moving toward the north by the end of the weekend.

Elsewhere, Hurricane Karina continued to weaken gradually and Hurricane Marie intensified to Category 2 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Hurricane Karina was located at latitude 20.1°N and longitude 138.4°W which put the center about 1085 miles (1745 km) east of Hilo, Hawaii.  Karina was moving toward the west-northwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 969 mb.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Hurricane Marie was located at latitude 19.6°N and longitude 116.3°W which put the center about 470 miles (755 km) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.  Marie was moving toward the west-northwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 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.

Hurricane Lowell Intensifies to Cat. 5

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Hurricane Lowell intensified to Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale as it moved south of Hawaii on Wednesday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Lowell was located at latitude 13.3°N and longitude 154.3°W which put the center about 445 miles (715 km) south Hilo, Hawaii.  Lowell was moving toward the west 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 927 mb.

Hurricane Lowell intensified to Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Wednesday.  A circular eye with a diameter of 17 miles (28 km) was at the center of Lowell’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 Lowell.  Storms near the center generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Hurricane Lowell was small.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Lowell’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of Hurricane Lowell.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Lowell is 35.0.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 11.5 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 46.5.  Hurricane Lowell is similar in intensity to Hurricane MIchael when Michael hit Northwest Florida in 2018.  Lowell is a little smaller than Michael was.

Hurricane Lowell will move through an environment favorable for a strong hurricane during the next 24 hours.  Lowell will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind wind shear.  Hurricane Lowell could intensify during the next 24 hours unless an eyewall replacement cycle occurs.

Hurricane Lowell will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is over the Central North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Lowell toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Lowell will remain south of Hawaii on Thursday.

Elsewhere, Major Hurricane Karina continued to move westward and Tropical Storm Marie intensified gradually on Wednesday.

At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Karina was located at latitude 18.9°N and longitude 133.8°W which put the center about 1390 miles (2235 km) east of Hilo, Hawaii.   Karina was moving toward the west-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 943 mb.

At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Marie was located at latitude 18.0°N and longitude 112.5°W which put the center about 380 miles (610 km) south-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.  Marie was moving toward the northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 992 mb.

Tropical Storm Marie Forms Southwest of Mexico

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Tropical Storm Marie formed over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean southwest of Mexico on Tuesday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Marie was located at latitude 16.1°N and longitude 110.3°W which put the center about 470 miles (755 km) south of the southern tip of Baja California.  Marie was moving toward the northwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 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 low pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean southwest of Mexico strengthened on Tuesday and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Marie.

Tropical Storm Marie intensified steadily on Tuesday.  Numerous thunderstorms developed near the center of Marie’s circulation.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Marie.  Storms near the center of Marie generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Marie was large.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 185 miles (295 km) from the center of Marie’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Marie will move through an environment that will be favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Marie will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind wind shear.  Tropical Storm Marie will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Marie could intensify rapidly at times.  Tropical Storm Marie will strengthen to a hurricane on Wednesday.

Tropical Storm Marie will move around the southwestern side of a high pressure system that is centered over the southwest U.S.  The high pressure system will steer Marie toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Marie will move southwest of Baja California.

Elsewhere, Hurricane Lowell rapidly intensified to a major hurricane south-southeast of Hawaii and Hurricane Karina continued to be Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Hurricane Lowell was located at latitude 13.5°N and longitude 151.2°W which put the center about 500 miles (805 km) south-southeast Hilo, Hawaii.  Lowell was moving toward the west at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 155 m.p.h. (250 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 953 mb.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Hurricane Karina was located at latitude 18.3°N and longitude 130.8°W which put the center about 1385 miles (2230 km) west of the southern tip of Baja California.  Karina was moving toward the west at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 946 mb.

Karina and Lowell Churn Westward

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Hurricane Karina and Tropical Storm Lowell were churning westward over the North Pacific Ocean on Monday evening.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Hurricane Karina was located at latitude 17.8°N and longitude 126.6°W which put the center about 1135 miles (1830 km) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.  Karina was moving toward the west-northwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 155 m.p.h. (250 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 950 mb.

Hurricane Karina maintained its intensity on Monday as it churned west over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean.  A circular eye with a diameter of 12 miles (19 km) was at the center of Karina’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 Karina’s circulation.  Storms near the core of Karina generated upper level divergence that pumped large amounts of mass away from the hurricane. The removal of mass in the upper levels was nearly equal to the convergence of mass in the lower levels of the atmosphere.  So, the surface pressure was nearly constant on Monday.

The distribution of wind speeds in Hurricane Karina was fairly symmetrical.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Karina’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of Hurricane Karina.

Hurricane Karina will move through an environment favorable for a strong hurricane during the next 24 hours.  Karina will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Hurricane Karina is likely to maintain its intensity on Tuesday.

Hurricane Karina will move around the southern part of a high pressure system that is over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Karina toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Karina will continue to move farther away from Baja California.

Elsewhere, Tropical Storm Lowell intensified gradually on Monday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Lowell was located at latitude 13.0°N and longitude 147.4°W which put the center about 690 miles (1110 km) southeast Hilo, Hawaii.  Lowell was moving toward the west at 10 m.p.h. (16 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 993 mb.

Karina Rapidly Intensifies to a Major Hurricane

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Hurricane Karina rapidly intensified to a major hurricane on Sunday evening as it moved over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean southwest of Baja California.  At 8:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Hurricane Karina was located at latitude 17.2°N and longitude 123.4°W which put the center about 960 miles (1545 km) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.  Karina was moving toward the west at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 955 mb.

Hurricane Karina rapidly intensified to a major hurricane on Sunday evening.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Karina’s circulation.  A circular eye with a diameter of 25 miles (40 km) formed at the center of Hurricane Karina.  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 Karina’s circulation.  Storms near the core of Karina generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large amounts of mass away from the hurricane.  The removal of large amounts of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.

The inner core of Hurricane Karina was very small.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 15 miles (25 km) from the center of Karina’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 205 miles (335 km) from the center of Hurricane Karina.

Hurricane Karina will move through an environment mostly favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Karina will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  However, there is a mass of drier air just to the west and north of Hurricane Karina.  The drier air will inhibit intensification of Karina, but the drier air probably will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Hurricane Karina is likely to intensify during the next 24 hours.  Karina could continue to intensify rapidly during the next few hours, if the drier air does not get pulled into its circulation.

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

Elsewhere, Tropical Storm Lowell moved over the Central Pacific Ocean.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Lowell was located at latitude 13.3°N and longitude 141.8°W which put the center about 985 miles (1585 km) east-southeast Hilo, Hawaii.  Lowell 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 999 mb.

Karina Strengthens to a Hurricane

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Former Tropical Storm Karina strengthened to a hurricane as it moved over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean southwest of Baja California on Saturday night.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Hurricane Karina was located at latitude 17.3°N and longitude 121.1°W which put the center about 820 miles (1325 km) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.  Karina was moving toward the west-northwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 980 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Karina strengthened to a hurricane on Saturday night.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the western and southern sides of the center of Karina’s circulation.  An eye appeared to be forming at the center of Hurricane Karina.

The distribution of thunderstorms in Hurricane Karina was asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were mostly occurring in bands in the southern half of Karina’s circulation.  Bands in the northern half of Hurricane Karina consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Karina generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The strongest winds were occurring in the northeastern part of Hurricane Karina.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 25 miles (40 km) in the northeastern quadrant of Karina’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 230 miles (370 km) from the center of Hurricane Karina.

Hurricane Karina will move through an environment mostly favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Karina will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  However, there is a mass of drier air just to the west and north of Hurricane Karina.  The drier air will inhibit intensification of Karina, but the drier air probably will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Hurricane Karina is likely to intensify during the next 24 hours.  Karina could intensify rapidly at times, if the drier air does not get pulled into its circulation.  Karina strengthen to a major hurricane by Monday morning.

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

Elsewhere over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Lowell was moving west toward the Central Pacific.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Lowell was located at latitude 13.2°N and longitude 139.1°W which put the center about 1150 miles (1850 km) east-southeast Hilo, Hawaii.  Lowell was moving toward the west at 10 m.p.h. (16 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.