Tag Archives: Newfoundland

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.

Tropical Storm Fernand Moves East

Tropical Storm Fernand moved east over the North Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Fernand was located at latitude 39.3°N and longitude 47.4°W which put the center about 585 miles (945 km) south-southeast of Cape Race, Newfoundland.  Fernand was moving toward the east-northeast at 15 m.p.h. (24 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 1006 mb.

Many of the thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Fernand dissipated on Wednesday as Fernand moved over cooler water.  The circulation around Fernand consisted primarily of bands of showers and lower clouds.

Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of Tropical Storm Fernand.

Tropical Storm Fernand will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification of a tropical storm during the next 24 hours.  Fernand will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 22°C.  An upper level wind trough east of Canada will produce southwesterly winds that will blow across the top of Fernand’s circulation.  Those winds will cause strong vertical wind shear.  The combination of cool water and strong vertical wind shear will cause Tropical Storm Fernand to weaken during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Fernand will move around the northern side of a high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Fernand toward the east-northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Fernand will move southeast of Newfoundland on Thursday.

Tropical Storm Fernand Passes Far South of Newfoundland

Tropical Storm Fernand passed far to the south of Newfoundland on Tuesday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Fernand was located at latitude 38.1°N and longitude 53.4°W which put the center about 595 miles (955 km) south of Cape Race, Newfoundland.  Fernand was moving toward the northeast 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 1007 mb.

Tropical Storm Fernand weakened on Tuesday as it passed far to the south of Newfoundland.  Fernand continued to move under the southeastern side of an upper level ridge over the North Atlantic.  The upper level ridge produced northerly winds that blew across the top of Fernand’s circulation.  Those winds caused moderate vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear caused the distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Fernand to remain asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern part of Fernand’s circulation.  Bands in the northern part of Tropical Storm Fernand consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The distribution of wind speeds around Tropical Storm Fernand was asymmetrical.   Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) in the eastern side of Fernand’s circulation.  The winds in the western side of Tropical Storm Fernand were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Fernand will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification of a tropical storm during the next 24 hours.  Fernand will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 25°C.  The upper level wind ridge over the North Atlantic will continue to cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The combination of cooler water and vertical wind shear will prevent Tropical Storm Fernand from intensifying during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Fernand will move around the northern side of a high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Fernand toward the east-northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Fernand will remain far to the southeast of Newfoundland on Wednesday.

Tropical Storm Fernand Starts to Weaken

Tropical Storm Fernand started to weaken on Monday evening.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Fernand was located at latitude 36.1°N and longitude 56.3°W which put the center about 550 miles (890 km) east-northeast of Bermuda.  Fernand was moving toward the northeast 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. 1095 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1002 mb.

Tropical Storm Fernanda started to weaken on Monday evening as it moved over the Atlantic Ocean east-northeast of Bermuda.  Fernand moved under the southeastern part of an upper level ridge over the North Atlantic.  The upper level ridge produced northerly winds that blew across the top of Fernand’s circulation.  Those winds caused moderate vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear caused the distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Fernand to become asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were still occurring in bands in the southeastern part of Fernand’s circulation.  Bands in the other parts of Tropical Storm Fernand consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Fernand was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center of Fernand’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Fernand will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Fernand will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 26°C.  However, the upper level wind ridge over the North Atlantic will continue to cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will cause Tropical Storm Fernand to weaken during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Fernand will move around the northwestern side of a high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Fernand toward the northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Fernand will pass well to the south of Newfoundland on Tuesday.

Tropical Storm Dexter Passes South of Newfoundland

Tropical Storm Dexter passed south of Newfoundland on Wednesday evening.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Dexter was located at latitude 40.2°N and longitude 54.2°W which put the center about 450 miles (730 km) south of Cape Race, Newfoundland.  Dexter was moving toward the east at 17 m.p.h. (28 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.

Tropical Storm Dexter was making a transition to an extratropical cyclone on Wednesday evening.  Dexter was move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 24°C.  It was moving under the southern part of an upper level trough that is southwest of Greenland.  The upper level trough was producing strong westerly winds that were blowing toward the top of Dexter’s circulation.  Those winds were causing strong vertical wind shear.  The cool Sea Surface Temperatures and the strong vertical wind shear were causing Tropical Storm Dexter to make a transition to an extraropical cyclone.

The transition to an extratropical cyclone was causing changes to the structure of Tropical Storm Dexter.  Thunderstorms were still developing in the eastern side of Dexter’s circulation.  Bands in the other parts of Tropical Storm Dexter consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The size of the circulation around Tropical Storm Dexter increased as Dexter made its transition to an extratropical cyclone.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 170 miles (275 km) from the center of Dexter’s circulation.

The upper level trough southwest of Greenland will steer Tropical Storm Dexter toward the east-northeast during the next 48 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Dexter will pass south of Greenland and Iceland.

Tropical Storm Dexter will complete the transition to a strong extratropical cyclone on Thursday.  Dexter is likely to strengthen as it completes the transition to an extratropical cyclone.

Tropical Storm Dexter Moves South of Nova Scotia

Tropical Storm Dexter moved south of Nova Scotia on Tuesday evening.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Dexter was located at latitude 38.9°N and longitude 61.3°W which put the center about 410 miles (660 km) south-southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia.  Dexter was moving toward the east-northeast 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 1005 mb.

The structure of Tropical Storm Dexter did not change much on Tuesday.  Strong westerly winds in the upper troposphere were blowing toward the top of Dexter’s circulation.  Those winds were causing strong vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear was making the distribution of thunderstorms asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were still forming in bands in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Dexter.  Bands in the western side of Dexter’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center of Tropical Storm Dexter.

Tropical Storm Dexter will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification of a tropical cyclone during the next 24 hours.  Dexter will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 26°C. An upper level trough over eastern Canada U.S. will continue to cause strong vertical wind shear.  The strong wind shear will prevent Tropical Storm Dexter from intensifying as a tropical cyclone.  However, Tropical Storm Dexter will make a transition to and extratropical cyclone during the next day or two.  Dexter is likely to get stronger when it starts to make a transition to an extratropical cyclone.

The upper level trough over eastern Canada U.S. will steer Tropical Storm Dexter toward the east-northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Dexter will move south of Newfoundland on Wednesday.

Hurricane Ernesto Becomes an Extratropical Cyclone

Hurricane Ernesto made a transition to an extratropical cyclone east of Newfoundland on Tuesday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of former Hurricane Ernesto was located at latitude 49.0°N and longitude 44.7°W which put the center about 420 miles (675 km) east-northeast of Cape Race, Newfoundland.  Ernesto was moving toward the northeast at 37 m.p.h. (59 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 987 mb.

Former Hurricane Ernesto made a transition to an extratropical cyclone over the Atlantic Ocean east of Newfoundland.  Ernesto moved over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 14°C.  It moved under strong upper level westerly winds in the middle latitudes.  Those winds caused strong vertical wind shear.  The colder water and the strong vertical wind shear caused the structure of former Hurricane Ernesto to change to that of a strong extratropical cyclone.

The circulation around former Hurricane Ernesto was large.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 230 miles (370 km) from the center of Ernesto’s circulation.

The westerly winds in the middle latitudes will steer former Hurricane Ernesto toward the east-northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Ernesto will pass south of Iceland on Wednesday.

Hurricane Ernesto Speeds Toward Southeastern Newfoundland

Hurricane Ernesto sped to southeastern Newfoundland on Monday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Hurricane Ernesto was located at latitude 43.6°N and longitude 56.1°W which put the center about 250 miles (400 km) southwest of Cape Race, Newfoundland.  Ernesto was moving toward the northeast at 26 m.p.h. (43 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 968 mb.

Hurricane Ernesto strengthened as it sped over the Gulf Stream toward southeastern Newfoundland on Monday afternoon.  A small circular eye was at the center of Ernesto’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 Ernesto’s circulation.  Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the east of the hurricane.

The circulation around Hurricane Ernesto was still exhibiting the characteristics of a tropical cyclone.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 45 miles (75 km) in the eastern side of Ernesto’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 220 miles (350 km) from the center of Hurricane Ernesto.

Hurricane Ernesto will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification of a tropical cyclone during the next 24 hours.  Ernesto will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 17°C.  It will move under the eastern portion of an upper level trough over the northeastern U.S.  The upper level trough will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Ernesto’s circulation.  Those winds will cause strong vertical wind shear.  The colder water and strong wind shear will cause Hurricane Ernesto to weaken during the next 24 hours.  The colder water and vertical wind shear will also cause Hurricane Ernesto to make a transition to an extratropical cyclone.

The upper level trough over the northeastern U.S. will steer Hurricane Ernesto toward the east- northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated path, Ernesto will pass far to the south of pass near southeastern Newfoundland on Monday night.  Ernesto will move south of Greenland on Tuesday.

The circulation around the northern side of Hurricane Ernesto could bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to southeastern Newfoundland.

Hurricane Ernesto Moves Toward Southeastern Newfoundland

Hurricane Ernesto moved toward southeastern Newfoundland on Sunday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Hurricane Ernesto was located at latitude 37.9°N and longitude 62.3°W which put the center about 815 miles (1310 km) southwest of Cape Race, Newfoundland.  Ernesto was moving toward the north-northeast at 17 m.p.h. (28 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 977 mb.

After briefly weakening to a tropical storm north of Bermuda on Saturday night, Ernesto strengthened back to a hurricane on Sunday.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped back around the center of Hurricane Ernesto.  A circular eye was visible again at the center of Ernesto’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorm and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Thunderstorms also developed in the rainbands revolving around the center of Hurricane Ernesto.  Storms near the center of Ernesto generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the northeast of the hurricane.

The size of the circulation around Hurricane Ernesto was a little smaller on Sunday.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 35 miles (55 km) in the southeastern quadrant of Ernesto’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 220 miles (355 km) from the center of Hurricane Ernesto.

Hurricane Ernesto will move through an environment that will be favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Ernesto will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C.  It will move under the eastern portion of an upper level trough over the Great Lakes.  The upper level trough will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Ernesto’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear will not be enough to stop intensification.  Hurricane Ernesto is likely to strengthen during the next 24 hours.  Ernesto will move over colder water on Monday night.  The colder water and vertical wind shear will cause Hurricane Ernesto to make a transition to an extratropical cyclone.

The upper level trough over the Great Lakes will steer Hurricane Ernesto toward the northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated path, Ernesto will pass far to the south of Nova Scotia on Sunday night.  Hurricane Ernesto will be near southeastern Newfoundland on Monday night.