Tag Archives: Tropical Storm Bret

Bret Weakens to a Tropical Wave North of Colombia

Former Tropical Storm Bret weakened to a tropical wave over the Caribbean Sea north of Colombia. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Wave Bret was located at latitude 13.1°N and longitude 73.8°W which put it about 160 miles (260 km) west-northwest of the Guajira Peninsula, Colombia. Bret was moving toward the west at 21 m.p.h. (33 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.

Former Tropical Storm Bret moved under the western part of an upper level trough over the eastern Caribbean Sea on Saturday. The upper level trough produced strong northwesterly winds that blew toward the top of Bret’s circulation. A subtropical high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean produced strong easterly winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere. The combination of northwesterly winds in the upper levels and easterly winds in the lower levels caused strong vertical wind shear. The strong vertical wind shear prevented thunderstorms from persisting near the low level center of Bret’s circulation. The lack of thunderstorms near the center of circulation caused former Tropical Storm Bret to weaken.

The circulation around former Tropical Storm Bret still contained winds to tropical storm force in the northeastern quadrant of the system. Winds to tropical storm force were occurring in thunderstorms in bands about 115 miles (185 km) northeast of the center of Bret’s circulation. The winds in the other parts of former Tropical Storm Bret were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Former Tropical Storm Bret will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Bret will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. However, the strong vertical wind shear is forecast to continue. Former Tropical Storm Bret will continue to weaken during the next 36 hours as it moves quickly west toward Nicaragua.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Storm Cindy was spinning east-northeast of the Lesser Antilles. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Cindy was located at latitude 17.8°N and longitude 54.7°W which put it about 465 miles (750 km) east-northeast of the Lesser Antilles. Cindy was moving toward the northwest at 21 m.p.h. (33 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1005 mb. Tropical Storm Cindy is forecast to move into an area where there will be strong vertical wind shear. Cindy is forecast to weaken during the next 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Bret Moves over Eastern Caribbean Sea

Tropical Storm Bret moved over the eastern Caribbean Sea on Friday morning. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Bret was located at latitude 13.3°N and longitude 64.7°W which put it about 300 miles (480 km) east-northeast of Curacao. Bret was moving toward the west at 21 m.p.h. (33 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 1002 mb.

Tropical Storm Bret was maintaining its intensity as it moved over the eastern Caribbean Sea on Friday morning. New thunderstorms developed near the low level center of circulation. However, the distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Bret remained asymmetrical. Most of the thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern half of Bret’s circulation. Bands in the western half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 125 miles (200 km) from the center of Tropical Storm Bret.

Tropical Storm Bret will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Bret will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. It will move under the southern part of an upper level trough over the eastern Caribbean Sea. The upper level trough will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Bret’s circulation. Bret will move around the southern side of a subtropical high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean. The subtropical high will produce strong easterly winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere. Southwesterly winds in the upper level and the strong easterly winds in in the lower levels will cause strong vertical wind shear. The strong wind shear will cause Tropical Storm Bret to weaken during the next 24 hours. Bret could weaken to a tropical wave during the weekend.

Tropical Storm Bret will move south of a subtropical high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean. The subtropical high will steer Bret toward the west during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Bret will pass north of Bonaire, Curacao and Aruba on Saturday.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Storm Cindy strengthened east of the Lesser Antilles. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Cindy was located at latitude 12.5°N and longitude 48.0°W which put it about 915 miles (1470 km) east of the Lesser Antilles. Cindy was moving toward the west-northwest at 16 m.p.h. (26 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 1003 mb.

Tropical Storm Bret Brings Wind and Rain to Lesser Antilles

Tropical Storm Bret brought gusty winds and rain to the Lesser Antilles on Thursday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Bret was located at latitude 13.3°N and longitude 61.1°W which put it about 5 miles (10 km) east of St. Vincent. Bret was moving toward the west at 18 m.p.h. (29 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 1004 mb.

Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for Barbados, St. Lucia, Martinique, Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Tropical Storm Bret brought gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the Lesser Antilles on Thursday night. A weather station in St. Lucia reported a sustained wind speed of 41 m.p.h. (67 km/h) and a wind gust of 69 m.p.h. (111 km/h). A weather station at Grantley Adams airport in Barbados reported a sustained wind speed of 26 m.p.h. (42 km/h) and a wind gust of 52 m.p.h. (84 km/h).

The intensity of Tropical Storm Bret peaked on Thursday morning at close to hurricane intensity. After its intensity peaked in the morning, the portion of Bret’s circulation in the lower levels raced out ahead (to the west) of the parts of the circulation in the middle and upper troposphere. The rapid movement of the circulation near the surface created strong vertical wind shear. The lower level circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands the eastern part of Tropical Storm Brett. Those thunderstorms were occurring near the circulation center in the middle levels. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of Bret’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Bret will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Bret 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 over the eastern Caribbean Sea. The upper level trough will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Bret’s circulation. Bret will move around the southern side of a subtropical high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean. The subtropical high will produce strong easterly winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere. Southwesterly winds in the upper level and the strong easterly winds in in the lower levels will cause strong vertical wind shear. The strong wind shear will cause Tropical Storm Bret to weaken during the next 24 hours. Bret could weaken to a tropical wave during the weekend.

Tropical Storm Bret will move south of a subtropical high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean. The subtropical high will steer Bret toward the west during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Bret will move over the Caribbean Sea west of the Lesser Antilles on Friday. Bret will continue to bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines during the next few hours. Bands in the northern part of Bret’s circulation will also bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Martinique and Dominica. Locally heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Gusty winds and locally heavy rain in Barbados will end on Friday when Tropical Storm Bret moves over the Caribbean Sea. .

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Depression Four strengthened to Tropical Storm Cindy on Thursday evening halfway between Africa and the Lesser Antilles. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Cindy was located at latitude 11.7°N and longitude 45.2°W which put it about 1110 miles (1785 km) east of the Lesser Antilles. Cindy was moving toward the west-northwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 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 1006 mb.

Tropical Storm Bret Nears Barbados

Tropical Storm Bret moved near Barbados on Thursday afternoon. At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Bret was located at latitude 13.4°N and longitude 58.9°W which put it about 45 miles (75 km) east-northeast of Barbados. Bret was moving toward the west at 14 m.p.h. (22 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 1002 mb.

Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for Barbados, St. Lucia, Martinique, Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. A Hurricane Watch was also in effect for St. Lucia.

The intensity of Tropical Storm Bret appeared to peak on Thursday morning. A U.S. Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft found that Bret was close to hurricane intensity on Thursday morning. A microwave satellite image showed an eyelike feature in the middle levels of Tropical Storm Bret. After its intensity peaked in the morning, the portion of Bret’s circulation in the lower levels appeared to race out ahead (to the west) of the parts of the circulation in the middle and upper troposphere during Thursday. The rapid movement of the circulation near the surface was creating strong vertical wind shear. The lower level circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands the eastern part of Tropical Storm Brett. Those thunderstorms were occurring near the circulation center in the middle levels.

The distribution of wind around Tropical Storm Bret remained asymmetrical. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) in the northern side of Bret’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 45 miles (75 km) in the southern part of Tropical Storm Bret.

Tropical Storm Bret will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Bret will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. It will move under the western end of an upper level ridge over the tropical Atlantic Ocean. The ridge will produce southerly winds that will blow toward the top of Bret’s circulation. Bret will move around the southern side of a subtropical high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean. The subtropical high will produce strong easterly winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere. The strong easterly winds in in the lower levels will cause strong vertical wind shear. The strong wind shear will cause Tropical Storm Bret to weaken during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Bret will move south of a subtropical high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean. The subtropical high will steer Bret toward the west during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Bret will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Barbados on Thursday afternoon. The center of Bret could pass close to St. Lucia on Thursday night. Tropical Storm Bret will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to St. Lucia. Bands in the northern part of Bret’s circulation will also bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to Martinique and Dominica. Tropical Storm Bret could produce gusty winds and heavy rain over St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Locally heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Depression Four formed halfway between Africa and the Lesser Antilles. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Depression Four was located at latitude 11.3°N and longitude 42.9°W which put it about 1270 miles (2040 km) east of the Lesser Antilles. Tropical Depression Four was moving toward the west-northwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1007 mb.

Tropical Storm Bret Strengthens

Tropical Storm Bret strengthened on Wednesday as it moved closer to the Lesser Antilles. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Bret was located at latitude 13.3°N and longitude 53.9°W which put it about 375 miles (605 km) east of Barbados. Bret was moving toward the west at 15 m.p.h. (24 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 1000 mb.

Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for St. Lucia and Martinique. Tropical Storm Watches were in effect for Barbados and Dominica.

A U.S. Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft flying into Tropical Storm Bret on Wednesday afternoon found that Bret had strengthened. More thunderstorms developed near the center of Bret’s circulation. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Bret. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. The size of the circulation around Bret increased when it strengthened. The reconnaissance plane found that the strongest winds were occurring northeast of the center of Tropical Storm Bret. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 105 miles (165 km) in the northern side of Bret’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 45 miles (75 km) in the southern side of the circulation.

Tropical Storm Bret will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Bret will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the tropical Atlantic Ocean. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge. There could be slightly stronger winds in the middle troposphere which could cause some vertical wind shear in those levels. Stronger wind shear in the middle troposphere could prevent intensification of Tropical Storm Bret during the next 24 hours. However, if the winds in the middle levels are not too strong, then Bret could strengthen to a hurricane.

Tropical Storm Bret will move south of a subtropical high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean. The subtropical high will steer Bret toward the west during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Bret could bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to Barbados on Thursday afternoon. Bret could bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to St. Lucia, Martinique, and Dominica on Thursday night. Locally heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Bret Prompts Watch for Barbados

The potential effects of Tropical Storm Bret prompted the issuance of a Tropical Storm Watch for Barbados on Tuesday afternoon. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Bret was located at latitude 12.2°N and longitude 48.6°W which put it about 835 miles (1350 km) east of the Lesser Antilles. Tropical Storm Bret was moving toward the west at 18 m.p.h. (29 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 1006 mb.

A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for Barbados.

The potential effects of Tropical Storm Bret prompted the government of Barbados to issue a Tropical Storm Watch on Tuesday afternoon. The circulation around Tropical Storm Bret strengthened gradually on Tuesday. More thunderstorms formed just to the west of the center of Bret’s circulation on Tuesday afternoon. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of circulation. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Tropical Storm Bret.

Tropical Storm Bret will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Bret will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the tropical Atlantic Ocean. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Bret will intensify during the next 24 hours. Bret could strengthen to a hurricane later this week.

Tropical Storm Bret will move south of a subtropical high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean. The subtropical high will steer Bret toward the west during the next 24 hours. Bret could move more toward the west-northwest later this week. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Bret could bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Barbados on Thursday. Bret could reach some of the other islands in the Lesser Antilles by Thursday night. Additional watches and warnings are likely to be issued as Tropical Storm Bret moves closer to the Lesser Antilles. Planes are scheduled to start to fly reconnaissance missions into Tropical Storm Bret starting on Wednesday afternoon.

Tropical Depression Three Strengthens to Tropical Storm Bret

Former Tropical Depression Three strengthened to Tropical Storm Bret east of the Lesser Antilles on Monday afternoon. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Bret was located at latitude 11.3°N and longitude 42.2°W which put it about 1295 miles (2085 km) east of the Lesser Antilles. Tropical Storm Bret was moving toward the west at 21 m.p.h. (33 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 1008 mb.

Satellite images provided evidence that the circulation around former Tropical Depression Three strengthened on Monday afternoon and the National Hurricane Center upgraded the system to Tropical Storm Bret. The inner end of a rainband wrapped part of the way around the center of Tropical Storm Bret. Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of circulation. Storms near the center of Bret’s circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 45 miles (75 km) in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Bret. The winds on the western side of the circulation were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Bret will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Bret will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the tropical Atlantic Ocean. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Bret will intensify during the next 36 hours. Bret could strengthen to a hurricane later this week.

Tropical Storm Bret will move south of a subtropical high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean. The subtropical high will steer Bret toward the west during the next 36 hours. Bret could move more toward the west-northwest later this week. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Bret could approach the Lesser Antilles on Thursday. Bret could be a hurricane by that time. Planes are scheduled to start to fly reconnaissance missions into Tropical Storm Bret starting on Wednesday afternoon.

Tropical Storm Bret Forms Near Trinidad

An Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft investigated Potential Tropical Cyclone 02 on Monday afternoon as it moved closer to Trinidad and the plane found a closed circulation.  Based on data from the reconnaissance plane the National Hurricane Center classified the system as Tropical Storm Bret.  At 8:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Bret was located at latitude 9.5°N and longitude 60.5°W which put it about 85 miles (135 km) southeast of Trinidad.  Bret was moving toward the west-northwest at 25 m.p.h. (40 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 1008 mb.

Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect for Grenada, Trinidad, Tobago and the coast of Venezuela from Pedernales to Cumana.  Tropical Storm Watches have been issued for Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao.

The reconnaissance plane found a well organized center of circulation at the surface.  The strongest winds were occurring in vigorous bands of thunderstorms located north of the center of circulation.  Weaker showers and thunderstorms were occurring in bands south of the center of circulation.  The thunderstorms north of the center were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away to the north of the tropical storm.  The circulation of Tropical Storm Bret is fairly small.  Winds to tropical storm force only extend out about 80 miles (130 km) to the north of the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Bret will move through an environment that will only be marginally favorable for intensification on Tuesday.  Bret will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  An upper level ridge east of Bret and an upper level trough to the west are producing southerly winds which are generating moderate vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear may be responsible for the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms.  The shear will also inhibit intensification during the next 24 hours, although some intensification may possible.  When Bret moves into the Caribbean Sea, the vertical wind shear will increase.  Tropical Storm Bret will also move very close to the north coast of Venezuela.  It could pull drier air from South America into the southern part of the circulation, which would contribute to further weakening.

The subtropical high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean is steering Tropical Storm Bret rapidly toward the west-northwest.  A fast west-northwesterly motion is forecast to continue for several more days.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Bret will move across Trinidad, near the north coast of Venezuela and toward Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao.  It will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to all of those places.