Tropical Update: Tropical Storm Erika Named
I was excited when I received the 5pm bulletin from the National Hurricane Center letting me know that they have categorized the storm as Tropical Storm Erika. This was a result of the recon collected by U.S. Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft that conducted a fly through earlier today. Based on the data they have confirmed that Erika is at tropical storm status with winds at 50mph with higher gusts, and with minimal central pressure of 1004mb.
The projected path of Erika takes it quite possibly into Florida and up the east coast. I am not particularly worried about this storm strengthening too much more and definitely not to a major Hurricane by any chance. The pattern we are seeing is just not supportive of a Hurricane making it up the coast and staying together enough to be of any significance. Therefore I feel that Florida should worry about a Tropical Storm making landfall possibly by early next week or this weekend.
As you can see from the projected path there is no point in that path where Erika is listed as a Hurricane. Conditions are not as favorable for tropical cyclone intensification where it is heading. Further intensification of Erika will be slow and no explosive intensification will be expected. The storm has moved out of the environment in which was ideal for cyclone development and into an area where chances of further development are lessened.
-- Weather When Posted --
- Temperature: 55°F;
- Humidity: 86%;
- Heat Index: 55°F;
- Wind Chill: 55°F;
- Pressure: 30.28 in.;
Short URL: http://weatherinformant.com/?p=380
Posted by Tim Pandajis
on Sep 1 2009. Filed under Hurricane Season.
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