Tropical Cyclone Grant Weakens

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Tropical Cyclone Grant weakened as it moved over the South Indian Ocean northeast of Rodrigues on Thursday.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Grant was located at latitude 15.7°S and longitude 67.1°E which put the center about 370 miles (600 km) northeast of Rodrigues.  Grant was moving toward the west-northwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 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.

Tropical Cyclone Grant weakened rapidly on Thursday.  An upper level ridge over the South Indian Ocean produced easterly winds that blew toward the top of Grant’s circulation.  Those winds caused strong vertical wind shear.  The strong wind shear caused Tropical Cyclone Grant to weaken rapidly.

The strong vertical wind shear also affected the structure of Tropical Cyclone Grant.  Thunderstorms were still occurring in bands in the western half of Grant’s circulation.  Bands in the eastern half of Grant consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Grant still generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the tropical cyclone.  However, the removal of mass in the upper levels was much less than the convergence of mass in the lower levels of the atmosphere.  So, the surface pressure increased rapidly on Thursday.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Grant was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of Grant’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Grant will move through an environment that will be marginally favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Grant will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the northern part of an upper level ridge over the South Indian Ocean.  The upper level ridge will continue to produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Grant’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The moderate wind shear will inhibit intensification.  Tropical Cyclone Grant is likely to maintain its intensity during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Grant will move around the northern side of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Grant toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Grant will pass north of Rodrigues on Saturday.  Grant will pass north of Mauritius and La Reunion on Monday.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Iggy moved farther away from Christmas Island.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Iggy was located at latitude 15.4°S and longitude 106.5°E which put the center about 425 miles (685 km) south-southeast of Christmas Island.  Iggy was moving toward the south-southeast at 8 m.p.h. (13 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 1000 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Iggy Forms Southeast of Christmas Island

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Tropical Cyclone Iggy formed over the South Indian Ocean southeast of Christmas Island on Wednesday evening.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Iggy was located at latitude 12.5°S and longitude 107.9°E which put the center about 200 miles (320 km) southeast of Christmas Island.  Iggy was moving toward the south-southeast at 11 m.p.h. (17 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 998 mb.

A low pressure system over the South Indian Ocean southeast of Diego Garcia strengthened on Wednesday evening and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Iggy.

More thunderstorms developed near the center of Tropical Cyclone Iggy on Wednesday evening.  Thunderstorms also formed in bands revolving around the center of Iggy’s circulation.  Storms near the center of Iggy began to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

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

Tropical Cyclone Iggy will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Iggy will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the southwestern part of an upper level ridge that is northwest of Australia.  The upper level ridge will produce northwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Iggy’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Cyclone Iggy will intensify during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Iggy will move around the southwestern side of a high pressure system that is northwest of Australia.  The high pressure system will steer Iggy toward the southeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Iggy will move farther away from Christmas Island.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Grant weakened as it moved farther away from Diego Garcia.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Grant was located at latitude 16.2°S and longitude 68.5°E which put the center about 670 miles (1080 km) south-southwest of Diego Garcia.  Grant was moving toward the west-southwest at 11 m.p.h. (17 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 984 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Grant Passes South of Diego Garcia

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Tropical Cyclone Grant passed south of Diego Garcia on Tuesday night.  At 10:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Grant was located at latitude 15.8°S and longitude 69.2°E which put the center about 625 miles (1005 km) south-southwest of Diego Garcia.  Grant was moving toward the west at 26 m.p.h. (43 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 145 m.p.h. (235 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 958 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Grant weakened as it passed south of Diego Garcia on Tuesday night.  An eye was no longer visible on satellite images of Grant.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Grant’s circulation.  Storms near the center of Grant generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.  The removal of mass in the upper levels was less than the convergence of mass in the lower levels of the atmosphere.  So, the surface pressure was increasing.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Grant was still very small.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Grant’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Grant.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Grant was 20.6.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 8.9 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 29.5.

Tropical Cyclone Grant will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Grant will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the northern part of an upper level ridge over the South Indian Ocean. The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Grant’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The moderate wind shear will cause Tropical Cyclone Grant to continue to weaken during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Grant will move around the northern side of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Grant toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Grant will move farther away from Diego Garcia.  Grant will pass north of Rodrigues in 48 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Hayley Brings Wind and Rain to Western Australia

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Tropical Cyclone Hayley brought wind and rain to Western Australia on Tuesday.  At 10:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Hayley was located at latitude 16.7°S and longitude 123.7°E which put the center about 50 miles (80 km) north-northwest of Derby, Australia.  Hayley was moving toward the east at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 969 mb.

A Warning was in effect for the region from north of Beagle Bay to south of Kuri Bay, Australia.

Tropical Cyclone Hayley made landfall on the coast of Western Australia south of Lombadina on Tuesday morning.  Hayley moved across the northern part of the Dampier Peninsula.  Tropical Cyclone Haley was currently over King Sound.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Hayley was small.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 20 miles (30 km) from the center of Hayley’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Hayley.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Hayley was 12.7.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 7.9 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 20.6.

Tropical Cyclone Hayley will move around the northeastern part of an upper level trough over Western Australia.  The upper level trough will steer Hayley toward the east during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Hayley will make another landfall in Western Australia north of Derby in a few hours.

Tropical Cyclone Hayley will bring strong winds and locally heavy to parts of Western Australia north and east of Derby.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations,

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall for parts of the Kimberley District.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Grant was moving south-southeast of Diego Garcia.  At 10:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Grant was located at latitude 14.8°S and longitude 75.1°E which put the center about 565 miles (910 km) south-southeast of Diego Garcia.  Grant was moving toward the west-southwest at 16 m.p.h. (26 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 950 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Hayley Rapidly Intensifies to Equivalent of Hurricane/Typhoon

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Tropical Cyclone Hayley rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon northwest of Australia early on Monday.  At 10:00 a.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Hayley was located at latitude 15.8°S and longitude 120.3°E which put the center about 210 miles (340 km) northwest of Broome, Australia.  Hayley was moving toward the southeast at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 976 mb.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a Warning for the portion of the coast from north of Broome to Cockatoo Island.  The Warning included the Dampier Peninsula and Derby.

The Australia Bureau of Meteorology issued a Watch for the region from east of Derby to Kuri Bay.

Tropical Cyclone Hayley rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon early on Monday.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Hayley’s circulation.  A small eye with a diameter of 10 miles (16 km) formed at the center of Tropical Cyclone Hayley.  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 Hayley’s circulation.  Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Hayley was very small.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 20 miles (30 km) from the center of Hayley’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 65 miles (105 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Hayley.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Hayley was 12.7.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 7.1 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 19.8.

Tropical Cyclone Hayley will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours.  Hayley will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the middle of a small upper level ridge that is northwest of Australia.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Hayley is likely to continue to  intensify during the next 12 hours. Hayley could intensify rapidly because its circulation is so small.  Tropical Cyclone Hayley will move under the northeastern part of an upper level trough that is near the west coast of Australia in about 12 hours.  The upper level trough will produce northwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Hayley’s circulation.  Those winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase.  Tropical Cyclone Hayley will start to weaken when the vertical wind shear increases.

The upper level trough will steer Tropical Cyclone Hayley toward the east-southeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Hayley will make landfall in the northern part of the Dampier Peninsula between Beagle Bay and Cape Leveque in 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Hayley is likely to be the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon at the time of landfall.  Hayley will bring strong winds and heavy rain to the Dampier Peninsula and parts of Western Australia.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.  Tropical Cyclone Hayley could also cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) along portions of the coast near where the center makes landfall.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Grant intensified to the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale southeast of Diego Garcia.  At 10:00 a.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Grant was located at latitude 13.8°S and longitude 80.0°E which put the center about 710 miles (1145 km) southeast of Diego Garcia.  Grant 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 944 mb.

The Hurricane Intensity Index for Tropical Cyclone Grant was 28.3.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 10.4 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 38.7.  Tropical Cyclone Grant was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Charley when Charley hit Southwest Florida in 2004.

Tropical Cyclone Grant Rapidly Intensifies to Equivalent of a Major Hurricane

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Tropical Cyclone Grant rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane over the South Indian Ocean southeast of Diego Garcia on Sunday.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Grant was located at latitude 13.6°S and longitude 82.0°E which put the center about 810 miles (1305 km) southeast of Diego Garcia.  Grant was moving toward the west-southwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 957 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Grant rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane on Sunday.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Grant’s circulation.  A small circular eye with a diameter of 10 miles (16 km) formed at the center of Tropical Cyclone Grant.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Grant’s circulation.  Storms near the center of Grant generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Grant was very small.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Grant’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Grant.

Tropical Cyclone Grant will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Grant will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge over the South Indian Ocean.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Grant is likely to continue to intensify during the next 24 hours unless the inner end of a rainband wraps around the existing eye and eyewall.  If concentric eyewalls form, then Grant will weaken.

Tropical Cyclone Grant will move around the northern side of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Grant toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Grant will pass south of Diego Garcia in 48 hours.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Hayley was intensifying as it moved toward the coast of Western Australia.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Hayley was located at latitude 15.0°S and longitude 119.5°E which put the center about 290 miles (465 km) northwest of Broome, Australia.  Hayley was moving toward the south at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 988 mb.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a Warning for the portion of the coast from north of Broome to Cape Leveque.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a Watch for the zone from Broome to Kuri Bay.  The Watch included Derby and Cockatoo Island.

 

Tropical Cyclone Hayley Forms Northwest of Australia

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Tropical Cyclone Hayley formed over the South Indian Ocean northwest of Australia on Sunday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Hayley was located at latitude 14.4°S and longitude 119.5°E which put the center about 320 miles (520 km) northwest of Broome, Australia.  Hayley was moving toward the south at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 993 mb.

A low pressure system over the South Indian Ocean strengthened on Sunday and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Hayley.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a Watch for the portion of the coast of Western Australia from Broome to Cockatoo Island.  The Watch includes Derby.

A small low pressure system northwest of Australia strengthened to Tropical Cyclone Hayley.  Thunderstorms developed near the center of the low pressure system.  Thunderstorms also formed in bands in the western side of Hayley’s circulation.  Bands in the eastern side of Tropical Cyclone Hayley consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Hayley generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the tropical cyclone.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Hayley was very small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Hayley’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Hayley will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Hayley will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the middle of a small upper level ridge that is northwest of Australia.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Hayley will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Hayley could intensify rapidly because its circulation is so small.  Tropical Cyclone Hayley is likely to strengthen to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon.

Tropical Cyclone Hayley will move around the western end of a high pressure system that is over northern Australia.  The high pressure system will steer Hayley toward the southeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Hayley will move toward the coast of Western Australia.  Hayley is likely to reach the coast east of Broome in less than 48 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Hayley will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to the coast of Western Australia east of Broome.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Gran continued to intensify.  At 1:00 p.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Grant was located at latitude 13.3°S and longitude 83.5°E which put the center about 900 miles (1450 km) east-southeast of Diego Garcia.  Grant was moving toward the west-southwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 110 m.p.h. (175 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 978 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Grant Intensifies to Equivalent of Hurricane/Typhoon

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Tropical Cyclone Grant intensified to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon on Saturday.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Grant was located at latitude 12.4°S and longitude 86.3°E which put the center about 1030 miles (1660 km) east-southeast of Diego Garcia.  Grant was moving toward the west-southwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 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 986 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Grant continued to intensify slowly on Saturday.  The circulation around Grant became more symmetrical.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Grant’s circulation.  Storms near the center of Grant generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease slowly.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Grant continued to be small. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 20 miles (30 km) from the center of Grant’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Grant.

Tropical Cyclone Grant will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Grant will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the western part of an upper level ridge over the South Indian Ocean.  The upper level ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will cause some vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear may not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Cyclone Grant is likely to continue to intensify during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Grant will move around the northern side of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Grant toward the west-southwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Grant will pass south of Diego Garcia in three days.

Tropical Cyclone Grant Churns West

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Tropical Cyclone Grant continued to churn westward over the South Indian Ocean on Friday.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Grant was located at latitude 11.8°S and longitude 89.7°E which put the center about 460 miles (740 km) west of the Cocos Islands.  Grant was moving toward the west at 9 m.p.h. (15 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 989 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Grant strengthened a little more on Friday.  Even though Grant strengthened, the structure of its circulation did not change much.  Thunderstorms were still occurring near the center of Grant’s circulation.  Thunderstorms were also occurring in bands in the southern and western parts of Tropical Cyclone Grant.  Bands in the northern and eastern part of Grant’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Grant generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease slowly.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Grant continued to be small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 50 miles (80 km) from the center of Grant’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Grant will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Grant will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the northwestern part of an upper level ridge over the South Indian Ocean.  The upper level ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will cause some vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear may not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Cyclone Grant could intensify a little more during the next 24 hours.  Grant could strengthen to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon during the weekend.

Tropical Cyclone Grant will move around the northern side of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Grant toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Grant will pass south of Diego Garcia in four days.

Tropical Cyclone Grant Moves West of Cocos Islands

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Tropical Cyclone Grant moved west of the Cocos Islands on Thursday.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Grant was located at latitude 12.4°S and longitude 93.0°E which put the center about 235 miles (380 km) west of the Cocos Islands.  Grant was moving toward the west at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 993 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Grant strengthened a little on Thursday as is moved west of the Cocos Islands.  Thunderstorms were occurring near the center of Grant’s circulation.  Thunderstorms were also occurring in bands in the southern and western parts of Tropical Cyclone Grant.  Bands in the northern and eastern part of Grant’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Grant generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease slowly.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Grant continued to be small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of Grant’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Grant will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Grant will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the northwestern part of an upper level ridge over the South Indian Ocean.  The upper level ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will cause some vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear may not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Cyclone Grant could intensify a little more during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Grant will move around the northern side of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Grant toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Grant will move farther from the Cocos Islands.  Grant is likely to pass south of Diego Garcia in a few days.