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Tropical Storm Helene Brings Heavy Rain and Floods to Southeast U.S.

Tropical Storm Helene brought heavy rain and floods to parts of the southeast U.S. on Friday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Helene was located at latitude 35.1°N and longitude 83.8°W which put the center about 30 miles (50 km) southwest of Bryson City, North Carolina.  Helene was moving toward the north at 32 m.p.h. (52 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 975 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Savannah River, Georgia to Little River Inlet, South Carolina.

Tropical Storm Warnings were also in effect for inland locations in South Carolina, eastern Georgia, western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. 

Even though former Hurricane Helene weakened to a tropical storm as it moved over the southeastern U.S. on Friday, Helene still was dropping very heavy rain.  Heavy rain fell over parts of Georgia, South Carolina, western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and western Virginia.  The heavy rain caused rivers and streams to rise quickly in those areas and numerous flash flood and flood warnings were issued.

The Catawba River at Pleasant Gardens, North Carolina was at Record Flood level.  The Saluda River at Greenville, South Carolina was at Major Flood level.  The French Broad River at Blantyre, North Carolina was at Record Flood level.  The Pigeon River at Canton, North Carolina was at Record Flood level.  The Pigeon River at Newport, Tennessee was at Major Flood level.  The Swannanoa River at Biltmore, North Carolina was at Record Flood level.  Numerous other rivers and streams in the region were also flooding.  Many roads were impassible.

Over four million customers in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina were experiencing electricity outages.

Tropical Storm Helene will move around the eastern side of an upper level low over the middle Mississippi River Valley.  The upper level low will steer Helene toward the north during the next 24 hours.  The circulation around Tropical Storm Helene will gradually merge with the circulation around the upper level low.

Tropical Storm Helene will continue to drop heavy rain on the southern Appalachians.  the heavy rain is likely to cause additional flash floods.  Helene will also bring gusty winds as far north as southern and central Ohio on Friday afternoon and evening.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, former Tropical Storm Isaac intensified to a hurricane west of the Azores and Tropical Storm Joyce formed east of the Northern Leeward Islands.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Hurricane Isaac was located at latitude 37.4°N and longitude 46.8°W which put the center about 1080 miles (1740 km) west of the Azores.  Isaac was moving toward the east-northeast at 18 m.p.h. (30 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 981 mb.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Joyce was located at latitude 18.1°N and longitude 42.9°W which put the center about 1325 miles (2130 km) east of the Northern Leeward Islands.  Joyce was moving toward the northwest at 13 m.p.h. (20 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 Debby Moves Inland

Tropical Storm Debby moved inland over the eastern U.S. on Thursday morning.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Debby was located at latitude 34.8°N and longitude 80.2°W which put the center about 55 miles (90 km) east-southeast of Charlotte, North Carolina.  Debby was moving toward the north-northwest at 10 m.p.h. (16 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 997 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Surf City to Ocracoke Inlet, North Carolina.

Tropical Storm Debby weakened gradually as it moved inland over South Carolina on Thursday morning.  The strongest winds were in bands in the part of Tropical Storm Debby that was still over the Atlantic Ocean.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 195 miles (315 km) east of the center of Debby’s circulation.  The winds were blowing at less than tropical storm force in the parts of Debby that were over land.

Bands of thunderstorms in the northern and eastern parts of Tropical Storm Debby were dropping heavy rain over eastern North Carolina and southern Virginia.  Flood Warnings were in effect for many counties in eastern North Carolina.

The Lumber River at Lumberton, North Carolina was at 17.73 feet (5.40 meters) which was in the Moderate Flood range.  The river was still rising.  The Rock River near Norwood, North Carolina was at 26.73 feet (8.15 meters) which was in the Minor Flood range.  The river was still rising.  The Little River at Manchester, North Carolina was at 23.46 feet (7.15 meters) which is in the Moderate Flood range.  The river was still rising.  The Little Pee Dee River near Galivants Ferry, South Carolina was at 9.25 feet (2.82 meters) which is in the Minor Flood range.  The river was still rising.

An upper level trough approaching the Great Lakes will steer Tropical Storm Debby more quickly toward the northeast during the next 24 hours.  Debby will weaken to a tropical depression during the next few hours.  Even though the wind speeds will decrease further, Tropical Storm Debby will continue to drop heavy rain on the eastern side of the Appalachian Mountains.  Heavy rain is likely to cause floods in additional locations.

Flood Watches are in effect for North Carolina, Virginia, eastern West Virginia, central Pennsylvania, central and northeastern New York, northern Vermont, and northern New Hampshire.

Tropical Storm Debby Drops Heavy Rain on the Carolinas

Tropical Storm Debby dropped heavy rain on the Carolinas on Wednesday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Debby was located at latitude 32.9°N and longitude 79.5°W which put the center about 25 miles (40 km) east-northeast of Charleston, South Carolina.   Debby was moving toward the north-northwest at 3 m.p.h. (5 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 994 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Edisto Beach, South Carolina to Surf City, North Carolina.  The Tropical Storm Warning included Charleston, South Carolina.

A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Surf City to Beaufort Inlet, North Carolina.

Bands in the northern part of Tropical Storm Debby dropped heavy rain on eastern South Carolina and eastern North Carolina.  There were Flood Warnings for a number of rivers in eastern South Carolina and eastern North Carolina including the Cape Fear River, the Lumber River, the Little Pee Dee River and the Great Pee Dee River.

Drier air was still present near the center of Tropical Storm Debby.  There were a few thunderstorms near the center of Debby, but much of the middle of Debby’s circulation consisted of showers and lower clouds.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the outer parts of the circulation in northern side of Tropical Storm Debby.  Thunderstorms were also occurring in bands in outer parts of the circulation in the southern side of Debby.

The distribution of winds in Tropical Storm Debby continued to be asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 185 miles (300 km) in the eastern side of Debby’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 105 miles (165 km) in the southwestern quadrant of Tropical Storm Debby.  The winds in the northwestern quadrant, which was mostly over land, were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Debby will move through an environment marginally favorable for intensification during the next few hours.  Debby will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge over the southeastern U.S.  The upper level winds are weak near the center of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  The drier air in the middle part of Debby’s circulation will inhibit intensification. Tropical Storm Debby is likely to maintain its intensity during the next few hours.

Tropical Storm Debby will move around the western side of high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Debby slowly toward the north during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Storm Debby will cross the coast of South Carolina on Wednesday night.  An upper level trough approaching the Great Lakes will steer Debby more quickly toward the northeast on Friday.

Tropical Storm Debby will continue to drop heavy rain on parts of South Carolina and North Carolina on Thursday.  Since Debby will move slowly, persistent heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.  Tropical Storm Debby will drop heavy rain on the eastern slopes of the Appalachian Mountains on Friday.

Flood Watches are in effect for parts of South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, western Maryland, eastern West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

Southerly winds blowing around the eastern side of Tropical Storm Debby will continue to push water toward the coast of South Carolina and North Carolina.  Debby could cause a storm surge of up to 4 feet (1 meter).

 

The wind

Tropical Storm Ophelia Brings Wind and Rain to Eastern North Carolina, Virginia

Tropical Storm Ophelia brought wind and rain to eastern North Carolina and Virginia on Saturday morning. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Ophelia was located at latitude 35.1°N and longitude 77.0°W which put it about 40 miles (65 km) northwest of Cape Lookout, North Carolina. Ophelia was moving toward the north at 13 m.p.h. (21 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 983 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Cape Fear, North Carolina to Fenwick Island, Delaware. The Tropical Storm Warning included Albemarle Sound and Pamlico Sound. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for Chesapeake Bay south of North Beach. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the Tidal Potomac south of Cobb Island.

Tropical Storm Ophelia brought wind and rain as it moved inland over eastern North Carolina on Saturday morning. The circulation around Ophelia was large. Tropical Storm Opehila was interacting with a high pressure system over eastern Canada to produce strong winds northeast of the center of circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 310 miles (500 km) in the northeastern quadrant of Ophelia’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) in the other parts of Tropical Storm Ophelia.

A weather station in Cape Lookout, North Carolina reported a sustained wind speed of 47 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and a wind gust of 71 m.p.h. (115 km/h). A weather station in Morehead City, North Carolina reported a sustained wind speed of 43 m.p.h. (68 km/h) and a wind gust of 53 m.p.h. (85 km/h). NOAA buoy 41037 near Wrightsville Beach reported a sustained wind speed of 54 m.p.h. (87 km/h) and a wind gust of 83 m.p.h. (134 km/h).

Tropical Storm Ophelia will move around the western side of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Ophelia toward the north during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Ophelia will move inland over eastern North Carolina and Virginia. Ophelia will bring strong, gusty winds and locally heavy rain to eastern North Carolina, eastern Virginia, southeastern Maryland and southern Delaware.

The heaviest rain was falling in bands in the northern and western parts of Tropical Storm Ophelia. Bands in the eastern and southern parts of Ophelia’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Locally heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Flood Watches were in effect for eastern North Carolina, eastern Virginia, Maryland and Delaware.

Easterly winds in the northern side of Tropical Storm Ophelia will blow water toward the coast. A storm surge of up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) could occur in some locations. A Storm Surge Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Bogue Inlet, North Carolina to Chincoteague, Virginia. The Storm Surge Warning included Albemarle Sound, Pamlico Sound, the Pamlico River and the Neuse River. A Storm Surge Warning was in effect for Chesapeake Bay south of Colonial Beach, Virginia. Large waves will also cause significant beach erosion.

Tropical Storm Ophelia Develops South of Cape Hatteras

Tropical Storm Ophelia developed south of Cape Hatteras on Friday afternoon. At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Ophelia was located at latitude 32.7°N and longitude 76.0°W which put it about 185 miles (295 km) south of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Ophelia was moving toward the north-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 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.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Cape Fear, North Carolina to Fenwick Island, Delaware. The Tropical Storm Warning included Albemarle Sound and Pamlico Sound. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for Chesapeake Bay south of North Beach. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the Tidal Potomac south of Cobb Island.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center designated a low pressure system south of Cape Hatteras as Tropical Storm Ophelia on Friday afternoon. Drier air was wrapping around the southern and eastern sides of Ophelia’s circulation. The drier air was making the distribution of thunderstorms asymmetrical. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the northern and western parts of Tropical Storm Ophelia. Bands in the southern and eastern parts of Ophelia consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms north and west of the center of Ophelia’s circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. The circulation around Tropical Storm Ophelia was large, Winds to tropical storm force extended out 275 miles (445 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Ophelia will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Ophelia will move over the Gulf Stream where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move under the eastern side of an upper level trough over the eastern U.S. The upper level trough will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Ophelia’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. However, the flow of air in the upper levels will also provide divergence aloft that will pump mass away from the tropical storm. The removal of mass will cause the surface pressure to decrease. The drier air in the southern and eastern parts of Tropical Storm Ophelia will inhibit the formation of thunderstorms in those regions. Tropical Storm Ophelia could intensify during the next 12 hours, while it is over the Gulf Stream.

Tropical Storm Ophelia will move around the western side of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Ophelia toward the north-northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Ophelia will approach the coast of North Carolina on Friday night. Ophelia will bring strong, gusty winds and locally heavy rain to eastern North Carolina, eastern Virginia, southeastern Maryland and southern Delaware. NOAA buoy 41025 at Diamond Shoals, North Carolina reported a sustained wind speed of 47 m.p.h. (76 km/h) and a wind gust of 60 m.p.h. (97 km/h). A NOAA C-MAN station at Cape Lookout, North Carolina reported a sustained wind speed of 45 m.p.h. (72 km/h) and a wind gust of 53 m.p.h. (83 km/h)

Locally heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Flood Watches were in effect for eastern North Carolina, eastern Virginia, Maryland and Delaware.

Easterly winds in the northern side of Tropical Storm Ophelia will blow water toward the coast. A storm surge of up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) could occur in some locations. A Storm Surge Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Beaufort Inlet, North Carolina to Chincoteague, Virginia. The Storm Surge Warning included Albemarle Sound, Pamlico Sound, the Pamlico River and the Neuse River. A Storm Surge Warning was in effect for Chesapeake Bay south of Colonial Beach, Virginia. Large waves will also cause significant beach erosion.

Low Pressure System Prompts Tropical Storm Warnings for Mid-Atlantic Coast

A low pressure system formed over the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of the southeast U.S. on Thursday morning. The U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the low pressure system as Potential Tropical Cyclone Sixteen and issued Tropical Storm Warnings for portions of the Mid-Atlantic coast. At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Potential Tropical Cyclone Sixteen was located at latitude 29.0°N and longitude 75.9°W which put it about 430 miles (690 km) south of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Potential Tropical Cyclone Sixteen was moving toward the north at 9 m.p.h. (15 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 1012 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Cape Fear, North Carolina to Fenwick Island, Delaware. The Tropical Storm Warning included Albemarle Sound and Pamlico Sound. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for Chesapeake Bay south of Smith Point.

A low pressure system formed over the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of the southeast U.S. on Thursday morning. The low pressure system formed as an extratropical cyclone. There was a large counterclockwise circulation around the low pressure system. There was not a well formed, distinct low level center of the circulation. Thunderstorms were occurring in a band that wrapped around the eastern and northern side of the low pressure systems. Fragmented bands in other parts of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Sixteen will move through an environment favorable for intensification of an extratropical cyclone during the next 24 hours. The low pressure system 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 U.S. The upper level trough will produce southwesterly winds that will blow across the top of Potential Tropical Cyclone Sixteen. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. However, the flow of air in the upper levels will also provide divergence aloft that will pump mass away from the surface low pressure system. The removal of mass will cause the surface pressure to decrease. Potential Tropical Cyclone Sixteen is likely to intensify during the next 24 hours. The low pressure system could make a transition to a tropical storm later on Friday when it moves over the warmer water in the Gulf Stream.

The upper level trough over the eastern U.S. will steer Potential Tropical Cyclone Sixteen toward the north during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Potential Tropical Cyclone will approach the coast of North Carolina on Friday night. The low pressure system will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to eastern North Carolina, eastern Virginia, southeastern Maryland and southern Delaware. The gusty winds will blow water toward the coast. A storm surge of up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) could occur in some locations. Large waves will cause significant beach erosion. Locally heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Hurricane Nigel was speeding toward the northeast as it passed southeast of Newfoundland. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Hurricane Nigel was located at latitude 42.2°N and longitude 45.0°W which put it about 505 miles (815 km) southeast of Cape Race,, Newfoundland. Nigel was moving toward the northeast at 30 m.p.h. (48 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 977 mb.

Hurricane Idalia Brings Wind and Rain to Southeast U.S.

Former Hurricane Idalia brought wind and rain to southeast U.S. on Wednesday. Idalia weakened to a tropical storm on Wednesday afternoon as it moved across southeastern Georgia. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Idalia was located at latitude 32.2°N and longitude 81.7°W which put it about 40 miles (65 km) west of Savannah, Georgia. Idalia was moving toward the northeast at 21 m.p.h. (33 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 961 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from the Flagler/Volusia County Line, Florida to the North Carolina/Virginia border. The Tropical Storm Warning included Charleston, South Carolina. The Tropical Storm Warning also included Pamlico Sound and Albemarle Sound.

Former Hurricane Idalia made landfall on the west coast of Florida near Keaton Beach on Wednesday morning. A NOAA C-MAN station at Keaton Beach (KTNF1) measured a sustained wind speed of 61 m.p.h. (98 km/h) and a wind gust of 77 m.p.h. (124 km/h). Idalia moved northeast across northern Florida and southeastern Georgia during Wednesday. The center of Idalia passed just to the southeast of Perry, Florida. A weather station in Perry (KFPY) measured a sustained wind speed of 62 m.p.h. (100 km/h) and a wind gust of 85 m.p.h. (137 km/h). Idalia weakened steadily as it moved over land. The center of Idalia’s circulation passed southeast of Valdosta, Georgia. A weather station in Valdosta (KVLD) measured a sustained wind speed of 39 m.p.h. (63 km/h) and a wind gust of 67 m.p.h. (108 km/h).

An upper level trough over the eastern U.S. will steer Tropical Storm Idalia toward the northeast during the next 12 hours. The upper level trough will pass north of Idalia on Thursday. The trough will steer Tropical Storm Idalia toward the east-northeast on Thursday. On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Storm Idalia will move near the coast of South Carolina and North Carolina.

Tropical Storm Idalia will weaken gradually during the next 24 hours. The strongest winds in Idalia will occur over the Atlantic Ocean and along the coast of South Carolina and North Carolina. The winds will be weaker in parts of South Carolina and North Carolina that are farther inland. The southerly winds in the eastern part of Idalia will blow water toward the coast. Those winds will cause a storm surge along the coast of up to 7 feet (2 meters). A Storm Surge Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from St. Catherine’s Sound, Georgia to South Santee River, South Carolina.

The southerly winds blowing in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Idalia will converge with northerly winds blowing around a high pressure system over the Great Lakes. The low level convergence of air will enhance rising motion and prolonged rainfall could occur over inland parts of South Carolina and North Carolina. Flood Watches are in effect for parts of eastern Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, bands in the eastern side of Hurricane Franklin were producing gusty winds in Bermuda. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Franklin was located at latitude 34.2°N and longitude 65.9°W which put it about 145 miles (235 km) north-northwest of Bermuda. Franklin was moving toward the northeast at 13 m.p.h. (21 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 961 mb. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for Bermuda.

Hurricane Idalia Hits North Florida

Hurricane Idalia hit North Florida on Wednesday morning. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Idalia was located at latitude 29.9°N and longitude 83.5°W which put it about 10 miles (15 km) south-southeast of Perry, Florida. Idalia was moving toward the north-northeast at 18 m.p.h. (30 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 140 m.p.h. (220 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 950 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Indian Pass to the middle of Longboat Key, Florida. The Hurricane Warning included Tampa Bay. A Hurricane Warning was also in effect for the portion of the coast from Altamaha Sound, Georgia to Edisto Beach, South Carolina. . A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from the Mouth of the St. Mary’s River, Florida to Altamaha Sound, Georgia. A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Edisto Beach to South Santee River, South Carolina. The Hurricane Watch included Charleston, South Carolina. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Bonita Beach to the middle of Longboat Key, Florida. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for the portion of the coast from Indian Pass to Mexico Beach, Florida. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Sebastian Inlet, Florida to Altamaha Sound, Georgia. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Edisto Beach, South Carolina to the North Carolina/Virginia border. The Tropical Storm Warning included Charleston, South Carolina, Pamlico Sound and Albemarle Sound.

The center of Hurricane Idalia made landfall on the coast of Florida near Keaton Beach on Wednesday morning. The maximum sustained wind speed was 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h) at the time of landfall. Winds to hurricane force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Hurricane Idalia. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) in the eastern side of Idalia’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) in the western side of Idalia. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) was 23.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 9.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 33.2. Hurricane Idalia was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Dennis when Dennis hit Northwest Florida in 2005.

The winds in Hurricane Idalia were blowing water toward the west coast of Florida. Those winds were causing a storm surge along the coast. A Storm Surge Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Englewood to Indian Pass, Florida. The Storm Surge Warning included Tampa Bay. A Storm Surge Warning was also in effect for the portion of the coast from St. Catherine’s Sound, Georgia to South Santee River, South Carolina. The Storm Surge Warning included Charleston, South Carolina.

Hurricane Idalia was dropping heavy rain over parts of northern Florida, southern Georgia and southwestern South Carolina. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations. Flood Watches were in effect for parts of northern Florida, southern Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.

An upper level trough over the central U.S. will steer Hurricane Idalia toward the northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Hurricane Idalia will move inland over northern Florida and southeastern Georgia. The center of Idalia will be near Charleston, South Carolina on Wednesday night. Hurricane Idalia will weaken gradually as the center of circulation moves farther inland. Idalia will bring strong gusty winds to northern Florida, southeastern Georgia, coastal South Carolina and coastal North Carolina. Widespread electricity outages could occur. The wind will continue to blow water toward the west coast of Florida during the next few hours and the storm surge will continue. Hurricane Idalia will continue to drop locally heavy rain over parts of northern Florida, and southern Georgia. Heavy rain will spread over parts of South Carolina and North Carolina.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Hurricane Franklin was west-northwest of Bermuda. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Franklin was located at latitude 33.3°N and longitude 67.6°W which put it about 180 miles (290 km) west-northwest of Bermuda. Franklin was moving toward the northeast at 13 m.p.h. (21 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 110 m.p.h. (175 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 956 mb. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for Bermuda.

Hurricane Idalia Strengthens to Cat. 2

Hurricane Idalia strengthened to Category 2 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Tuesday afternoon. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Hurricane Idalia was located at latitude 26.1°N and longitude 84.8°W which put it about 195 miles (310 km) southwest of Tampa, Florida. Idalia was moving toward the north at 16 m.p.h. (26 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.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Indian Pass to the middle of Longboat Key, Florida. The Hurricane Warning included Tampa Bay. A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from the Mouth of the St. Mary’s River, Florida to South Santee River, South Carolina. The Hurricane Watch included Charleston, South Carolina. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Chokoloskee to the middle of Longboat Key, Florida. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for the portion of the coast from Indian Pass to Mexico Beach, Florida. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the Dry Tortugas. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Sebastian Inlet, Florida to Surf City, North Carolina. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the Lower Florida Keys west of Seven Mile Bridge. A Tropical Storm Watch was also in effect for the portion of the coast from Surf City, North Carolina to the North Carolina/Virginia border. The Tropical Storm Watch included Pamlico Sound and Albemarle Sound.

Hurricane Idalia intensified steadily during Tuesday afternoon. A circular eye with a diameter of 30 miles (50 km) was at the center of Idalia’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 Idalia’s circulation. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane.

The circulation around Hurricane Idalia grew larger when Idalia intensified. Winds to hurricane force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Idalia’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) in the eastern side of Hurricane Ida. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles in the western side of Ida’s circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Ida was 16.5. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 8.0 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 24.5.

Hurricane Idalia will move through an environment that will be favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Idalia will be over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move into a region between an upper level ridge over the Yucatan Peninsula and an upper level trough over the central U.S. The upper level winds are weaker between the ridge and the trough and there will be little vertical wind shear during the next 12 hours. The upper level winds will be stronger when Idalia moves closer to the upper level trough on Wednesday morning. Hurricane Idalia will intensify during the next 12 hours. Idalia could rapidly intensify at times. Hurricane Idalia is likely to strengthen to a major hurricane.

Hurricane Idalia will move around the western end of high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system and the upper level trough over the central U.S. will steer Idalia toward the north-northeast during the next 12 hours. The upper level trough will turn Idalia toward the northeast on Wednesday. On its anticipated track, Hurricane Idalia will likely to make landfall on the coast of the northeast Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday morning. Idalia is likely to make landfall as a major hurricane.

Hurricane Idalia is forecast to be a major hurricane when it reaches the coast of Florida. Idalia could be similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Dennis when Dennis hit Northwest Florida in 2005. Hurricane Idalia is likely to make landfall in an area where high storm surges can occur. Idalia could cause a storm surge of up to 15 feet (4.5 meters) near where the center makes landfall. A Storm Surge Warning has been issued for the portion of the coast from Englewood to Indian Pass, Florida. The Storm Surge Warning includes Tampa Bay. Hurricane Idalia will bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of central and northern Florida. Idalia will be capable of causing major damage over parts of northern and northeastern Florida. Widespread outages of electricity are likely. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Strong winds and heavy rain will spread over eastern Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina when Idalia moves toward the northeast. Flood Watches are in effect for parts of northern Florida, eastern Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.

Elsewhere, Hurricane Franklin was west of Bermuda. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Hurricane Franklin was located at latitude 31.4°N and longitude 69.9°W which put it about 305 miles (490 km) west of Bermuda. Franklin was moving toward the northeast at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 947 mb. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for Bermuda.

Tropical Depression Nicole Drops Heavy Rain over Southeast U.S.

Tropical Depression Nicole dropped heavy rain over parts of the southeastern U.S. on Friday morning. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Depression Nicole was located at latitude 34.2°N and longitude 84.3°W which put it about 35 miles (55 km) north of Atlanta, Georgia. Nicole was moving toward the north-northeast at 23 m.p.h. (37 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 1001 mb.

Tropical Storm Nicole dropped heavy rain over parts of the southeastern U.S. on Friday morning. Heavy rain was falling over eastern Tennessee and eastern Kentucky. Bands in the far eastern side of Nicole’s circulation contained thunderstorms that were dropping heavy rain over parts of eastern South Carolina, eastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia. Easterly winds blowing around the northern side of Nicole’s circulation were enhancing convergence and rising motion ahead of a cold front moving toward the eastern U.S. The enhanced convergence and rising motion was contributing to rain that was falling in the region from Delaware to Ohio.

The cold front approaching the eastern U.S. and an upper level trough over the central U.S. will steer Tropical Depression Nicole quickly toward the north-northeast during Friday. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Depression Nicole will be over West Virginia by Friday evening. Heavy rain falling over parts of the southeastern U.S. and Appalachians could cause flooding. Flood Watches were in effect for parts of northern South Carolina, western North Carolina and southern Virginia. There could be enough low level wind shear for tornadoes to develop in the bands on the far eastern side of the circulation around Tropical Depression Nicole. A Tornado Watch was in effect for eastern South Carolina, eastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia.