Tropical Storm Lala Strengthens, Hurricane Warning for Hawaii

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Tropical Storm Lala strengthened on Thursday evening.  A Hurricane Warning was issued for the Big Island of Hawaii.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Lala was located at latitude 16.2°N and longitude 147.5°W which put the center about 555 miles (890 km) east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii.  Lala was moving toward the west-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 997 mb.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Hawaii County.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Maui County including Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe.

Reconnaissance aircraft found that Tropical Storm Lala had strengthened on Thursday evening.  Even though Lala was stronger, the distribution of thunderstorms was asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring mainly in bands north and east of the center of Tropical Storm Lala.  Bands in the southern and western parts of Lala’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Lala generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The strongest winds were occurring in the northern side of Tropical Storm Lala.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 275 miles (445 km) in the northern half of Lala’s circulation.   The winds in the southern half of Tropical Storm Lala were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Lala will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Lala will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C.  It will move under the eastern part of an upper level ridge that is east of Hawaii.  The upper level ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Lala’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.  Lala will move into a region of drier air as it approaches Hawaii.  Tropical Storm Lala is likely to intensify during the next 24 hours even with the effects of the wind shear and drier air.  Lala could strengthen to a hurricane during the next 48 hours.

Tropical Storm Lala will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Central Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Lala toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Lala will move toward Hawaii. The center of Lala’s circulation could reach the Big Island of Hawaii on within 48 hours.

Tropical Storm Lala could be a hurricane when it approaches the Big Island of Hawaii.  Lala will bring strong winds and heavy rain to the Big Island of Hawaii.  Lala could drop 10 to 15 inches (2554 to 380 mm) of rain on the eastern slopes where the wind blows of the slope.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Flood Watches are in effect for the Big Island of Hawaii and for Maui.

Tropical Storm Lala Forms, Hurricane Watch for Hawaii

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Tropical Storm Lala formed over the Central Pacific Ocean east-southeast of Hawaii on Thursday morning.  A Hurricane Watch was issued for the Big Island of Hawaii.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Lala was located at latitude 15.4°N and longitude 145.8°W which put the center about 680 miles (1095 km) east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii.  Lala was moving toward the west-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 1001 mb.

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Hawaii County.

More thunderstorms formed near the center of a low pressure system formerly called Potential Tropical Cyclone One-C on Thursday morning and the U.S. Central Pacific Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Lala.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Lala exhibited more organization on Thursday.  New thunderstorms were developing near the center of Lala’s circulation.  Other thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern and eastern parts of Tropical Storm Lala.  Storms near the center of Lala generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The strongest winds were occurring in the eastern half of Tropical Storm Lala.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) in the northeastern quadrant of Lala’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) in the southeastern quadrant of Tropical Storm Lala.  The winds in the western half of Lala’s circulation were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Lala will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Lala will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C.  It will move under the eastern part of an upper level ridge that is east of Hawaii.  The upper level ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Lala’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 Storm Lala will intensify during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Lala will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Central Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Lala toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Lala will move toward Hawaii.  Lala could reach the Big Island of Hawaii on Saturday.

Elsewhere, Tropical Storm Hernan strengthened a little as it moved far to the west of Baja California.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Hernan was located at latitude 18.0°N and longitude 131.9°W which put the center about 1460 miles (2350 km) west of the the southern tip of Baja California.  Hernan was moving toward the west-southwest at 3 m.p.h. (5 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 1004 mb.

Tropical Storm Hernan Forms West of Baja California

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Tropical Storm Hernan formed over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean west of Baja California on Wednesday night.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Hernan was located at latitude 18.1°N and longitude 131.9°W which put the center about 1460 miles (2350 km) west of the the southern tip of Baja California.  Hernan was moving toward the west at 2 m.p.h. (3 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.

A low pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean strengthened on Wednesday night and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Hernan.

The distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Hernan was asymmetrical.  An upper level trough near the West Coast of the U.S. was producing westerly winds that were blowing toward the top of Hernan’s circulation.  Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear.  The moderate vertical wind shear was causing the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Hernan.

Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Hernan.  Bands in the western side of Hernan’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Hernan generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the east of the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

Even though the thunderstorms were in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Hernan, the strongest winds were occurring in the western side of Hernan.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 40 miles (65 km) in the western side of Hernan’s circulation.  The winds in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Hernan were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Hernan will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Hernan will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 26°C.  However, the upper level trough near the West Coast of the U.S. will continue to cause moderate vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Hernan is unlikely to intensify during the next 24 hours because of the vertical wind shear.

Tropical Storm Hernan will move around the southern part of a high pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Hernan toward the southwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Hernan will remain far to the west of Baja California.

Elsewhere, Potential Tropical Cyclone One-C moved closer to Hawaii.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Potential Tropical Cyclone One-C was located at latitude 14.8°N and longitude 144.5°W which put the center about 775 miles (1250 km) east-southeast of Hilo,Hawaii.   It was moving toward the west 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 1002 mb.

Cristobal Weakens to a Tropical Depression

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Former Tropical Storm Cristobal weakened to a tropical depression early on Thursday.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Depression Cristobal was located at latitude 38.6°N and longitude 38.2°W which put the center about 610 miles (980 km) west of the Azores. Cristobal was moving toward the northeast at 16 m.p.h. (26 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 1014 mb.

A combination of cooler Sea Surface Temperatures and strong vertical wind shear caused former Tropical Storm Cristobal to weaken to a tropical depression early on Thursday.  Cristobal was moving over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 24°C.  An upper level trough that is northwest of the Azores was producing strong westerly winds that were blowing across the top of Cristobal’s circulation.  Those winds were causing strong vertical wind shear.

The combination of cooler Sea Surface Temperatures and strong vertical wind shear caused most of the thunderstorms in former Tropical Storm Cristobal to dissipate.  A few thunderstorms were still occurring in a band in the far eastern edge of Tropical Depression Cristobal.  The bands in the rest of Cristobal’s circulation consisted of showers and lower clouds.

Tropical Depression Cristobal will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Cristobal will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 23°C.  The upper level trough northwest of the Azores will continue to cause strong vertical wind shear.  Tropical Depression Cristobal will continue to weaken during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Depression Cristobal will move around the northern part of a high pressure system that is over the eastern Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Cristobal toward the northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Depression Cristobal will pass northwest of the western Azores.

Tropical Storm Cristobal Forms West of the Azores

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Tropical Storm Cristobal formed over the Atlantic Ocean west of the Azores on Wednesday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Cristobal was located at latitude 36.7°N and longitude 43.0°W which put the center about 880 miles (1420 km) west of the Azores.  Cristobal was moving toward the east at 25 m.p.h. (41 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 1008 mb.

A low pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean strengthened on Wednesday morning and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Cristobal.

A distinct low level center of circulation was visible at the center of Tropical Storm Cristobal.  However, the distribution of thunderstorms was asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southeastern part of Cristobal’s circulation.  Bands in the other parts of Tropical Storm Cristobal consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The strongest winds were occurring in the bands of thunderstorms in the southeastern quadrant of Tropical Storm Cristobal.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) in the southeastern quadrant of Cristobal’s circulation.  The winds in the other parts of Tropical Storm Cristobal were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Cristobal will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Cristobal will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 25°C. It will move under the southern part of a trough that is west of the Azores.  The trough will produce westerly winds that will blow toward the top of Cristobal’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate to strong vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Cristobal is likely to weaken during the next 24 hours because of the cool water and vertical wind shear.

Tropical Storm Cristobal will move around the northern part of a high pressure system that is over the eastern Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Cristobal toward the east-northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Cristobal will move closer to the western Azores.

Tropical Storm Chan-hom Brings Wind and Rain to Honshu

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Tropical Storm Chan-hom brought wind and rain to central Honshu on Tuesday morning.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Chan-hom was located at latitude 36.0°N and longitude 139.0°E which put the center about 25 miles (40 km) north of Tokyo, Japan.  Chan-hom was moving toward the west-southwest at 20 m.p.h. (32 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 994 mb.

The center of Tropical Storm Chan-hom crossed the coast of Honshu northeast of Tokyo on Tuesday morning.

The strongest winds were occurring in the northern side of Tropical Storm Chan-hom.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 45 miles in the northern half of Chan-hom’s circulation.  The winds in the southern half of Tropical Storm Chan-hom were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

An upper level low south of Japan will steer Tropical Storm Chan-hom toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Storm Chan-hom will move across central Honshu.

Tropical Storm Chan-hom will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to parts of central Honshu.  Heavy rain could cause floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Depression Peilou continued to weaken slowly northwest of Wake Island.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Depression Peilou was located at latitude 26.7°N and longitude 160.1°E which put the center about 645 miles (1035 km) northwest of Wake Island.  Peilou was moving toward the east-northeast at 17 m.p.h. (28 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 999 mb.

Tropical Storm Chan-hom Moves Toward Japan

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Tropical Storm Chan-hom was moving toward Japan on Monday morning.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Chan-hom was located at latitude 35.7°N and longitude 147.1°E which put the center about 460 miles (745 km) east of Tokyo, Japan.  Chan-hom was moving toward the northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 981 mb.

The surface center of Tropical Storm Chan-hom is under the eastern part of an upper level low.  The upper level low is producing southeasterly winds that are blowing toward the top of Chan-hom’s circulation.  Those winds are causing moderate vertical wind shear.  The circulation around Tropical Storm Chan-hom is also puling drier air into the southern and eastern parts of Chan-hom’s circulation.

The combination of the moderate vertical wind shear and the drier air is causing the distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Chan-hom to be asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms are occurring in bands in the western half of Chan-hom’s circulation.  Bands in the eastern part of Tropical Storm Chan-hom consist primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storm near the enter of Chan-hom generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The distribution of wind speeds in Tropical Storm Chan-hom was also asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 145 miles (235 km) in the northern half of Chan-hom’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force only extended out 70 miles (110 km) in the southern half of Tropical Storm Chan-hom.

Tropical Storm Chan-hom will move through an environment that will be somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Chan-hom will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 26°C.  However, the upper level low just to the west of the low level center of Chan-hom’s circulation will continue to cause moderate vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Chan-hom could intensify a little in spite of the moderate vertical wind shear.

The upper level low just to the west of the surface center of Tropical Storm Chan-hom will steer Chan-hom toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Storm Chan-hom will reach the coast of Honshu northeast of Tokyo in about 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Chan-hom will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to parts of central Honshu.  Heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.

Elsewhere, Tropical Storm Dolphin continued to drop heavy rain over parts of eastern China and former Tropical Storm Peilou weakened to a tropical depression.

At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Dolphin was located at latitude 29.0°N and longitude 117.9°E which put the center about 60 miles (95 km) southeast of Jingdezhen, China.  Dolphin was moving toward the north-northwest at 10 m.p.h. (16 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 990 mb.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Depression Peilou was located at latitude 22.1°N and longitude 153.6°E which put the center about 195 miles (315 km) south-southwest of Minami Tori Shima.  Peilou was moving toward the northeast at 20 m.p.h. (32 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 993 mb.

Typhoon Dolphin Hits Eastern China

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Typhoon Dolphin hit the coast of eastern China near Wenzhou early on Sunday.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Typhoon Dolphin was located at latitude 28.2°N and longitude 121.4°E which put the center about 50 miles (80 km) east of Wenzhou, China.  Dolphin was moving toward the west-northwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 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 954 mb.

Typhoon Dolphin made landfall on the east coast of China near Wenzhou early on Sunday.  Dolphin was a large typhoon.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the enter of Dolphin’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 295 miles (475 km) from the center of Typhoon Dolphin.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Dolphin is 12.7.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 16.7 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 29.4.  Typhoon Dolphin is similar in intensity to Hurricane Isaac when Isaac hit southeast Louisiana in 2012.  Typhoon Dolphin is much larger than Isaac was.

Typhoon Dolphin will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Dolphin toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Typhoon Dolphin will continue to move farther inland over eastern China during the next 24 hours.

Typhoon Dolphin will bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of eastern China.  Dolphin will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Zhejiang, Anhui, and Jiangsu.  Heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.  Typhoon Dolphin could also produce a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) along parts of the east coast of China.

Even though Typhoon Dolphin will weaken as it moves farther inland, Dolphin could also drop heavy rain over parts of Henan, Shandong, Hebei, and Shanxi as it moves farther inland.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Chan-hom was still churning east of Japan and Tropical Storm Peilou formed south of Iwo To.

At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Chan-hom was located at latitude 32.4°N and longitude 150.5°E which put the center about 650 miles (1050 km) east-southeast of Tokyo, Japan.  Chan-hom was moving toward the west-northwest at 4 m.p.h. (6 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 984 mb.

At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Peilou was located at latitude 21.0°N and longitude 143.6°E which put the center about 265 miles (425 km) south-southeast of Iwo To.  Peilou was moving toward the east-southeast at 15 m.p.h. (24 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 998 mb.

Typhoon Dolphin Approaches East Coast of China

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Typhoon Dolphin was approaching the east coast of China on Saturday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Typhoon Dolphin was located at latitude 27.9°N and longitude 122.7°E which put the center about 130 miles (210 km) east of Wenzhou, China.  Dolphin was moving toward the northwest 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 959 mb.

Typhoon Dolphin weakened gradually on Saturday as it approached the east coast of China.  Dolphin appeared to pull drier air from China into the western side of its circulation.  The drier air caused thunderstorms in bands in the western side of Typhoon Dolphin to weaken.  A small circular eye was still present at the center of Dolphin’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 still occurring in the eastern side of Dolphin’s circulation.  Storms near the core of Dolphin generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.  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 increased slowly on Saturday.

The area of stronger winds in Typhoon Dolphin decreased in size on Saturday.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the enter of Dolphin’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 310 miles (500 km) from the center of Typhoon Dolphin.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Dolphin is 11.5.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 17.0 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 28.5.  Typhoon Dolphin is similar in intensity to Hurricane Isaac when Isaac hit southeast Louisiana in 2012.  Typhoon Dolphin is much larger than Isaac was.

Typhoon Dolphin will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification during the next 12 hours.  Dolphin will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge that is over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  However, the circulation around Typhoon Dolphin will continue to pull drier air over China into its circulation.  Typhoon Dolphin is likely to continue to weaken gradually during the next 12 hours.

Typhoon Dolphin will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Dolphin toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Typhoon Dolphin will hit the east coast of China just to the north of Wenzhou in less about 12 hours.

Typhoon Dolphin will bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of eastern China.  Dolphin will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Zhejiang, Anhui, and Jiangsu.  Heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.  Typhoon Dolphin could also produce a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) along parts of the east coast of China.

Typhoon Dolphin could also drop heavy rain over parts of Henan, Shandong, Hebei, and Shanxi after it moves inland.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Chan-hom continued to spin east of Japan.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Chan-hom was located at latitude 32.2°N and longitude 150.8°E which put the center about 670 miles (1080 km) east of Tokyo, Japan.  Chan-hom was moving toward the west-southwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 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 987 mb.

Typhoon Dolphin Moves Toward Eastern China

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Typhoon Dolphin moved away from Okinawa and toward eastern China on Friday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Typhoon Dolphin was located at latitude 26.6°N and longitude 126.2°E which put the center about 350 miles (565 km) east-southeast of Wenzhou, China. Dolphin was moving toward the west at 11 m.p.h. (17 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 948 mb.

Typhoon Dolphin maintained its intensity as it moved away from Okinawa on Friday.  A small circular eye was visible at the center of Dolphin’s circulation.  A band of thunderstorms surrounded the eye and the strongest winds were occurring in that band of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Dolphin’s circulation.  Storms near the core of Dolphin generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.  The removal of mass in the upper levels was nearly equal to the convergence of mass in the lower levels of the atmosphere.  So, the surface pressure did not change much on Friday.

Typhoon Dolphin was a large typhoon.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 145 miles (235 km) in the northern half of Dolphin’s circulation.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 20 miles (30 km) in the southern half of Typhoon Dolphin.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 305 miles (490 km) from the center of Dolphin’s circulation.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Dolphin is 17.8.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 32.3 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 50.1.  Typhoon Dolphin is similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Frances when Frances hit South Florida in 2004.

Typhoon Dolphin will move through an environment that will become less favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Dolphin will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge that is over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  However, the circulation around Typhoon Dolphin could pull drier air over China into its circulation.  Typhoon Dolphin is likely to start to weaken gradually as it moved closer to eastern China.

Typhoon Dolphin will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Dolphin toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Typhoon Dolphin could hit the east coast of China in less than 48 hours.

The large circulation around Typhoon Dolphin will continue to produce strong winds and locally heavy rain to the Ryukyu Islands on Saturday.

Typhoon Dolphin will bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of eastern China by the end of the weekend.  Dolphin will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Zhejiang, Anhui, and Jiangsu.  Heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.  Typhoon Dolphin could also produce a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) along parts of the east coast of China.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Chan-hom weakened east of Japan.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Chan-hom was located at latitude 32.3°N and longitude 157.3°E which put the center about 1100 miles (1775 km) east of Tokyo, Japan.  Chan-hom was moving toward the northwest at 18 m.p.h. (30 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 990 mb.