Dr. Jeff Masters' WunderBlog

97L more organized, could be a tropical depression by Wednesday
Posted by: Dr. Jeff Masters, 12:55 GMT le 05 octobre 2010 +3
A large region of disturbed weather (Invest 97L) is bringing heavy rain showers and strong wind gusts to the Lesser Antilles Islands and waters near Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the Dominican Republic. At 8:30am AST this morning, Charlotte Amalie in the Virgin Islands recorded a wind gust of 52 mph in a heavy rain squall. Long range radar out of Puerto Rico shows that the echoes associated with 97L are slowly growing more organized, and now have a broad circulation, centered just north of the Virgin Islands. This broad circulation is also suggested by recent visible satellite loops. Satellite imagery also shows that low-level spiral bands are slowly developing over the northern Lesser Antilles islands, to the east of the center of circulation. Martinique radar shows a modest amount of heavy thunderstorm activity over the Lesser Antilles, and rainfall amounts of 1 - 3 inches have been common in the islands over the past two days. An upper level trough of low pressure is contributing to the heavy rain showers by making the atmosphere more unstable. This same trough is also bringing moderate wind shear of 10 - 15 knots and pumping dry air into the west side of 97L. These impacts should keep 97L from developing into a tropical depression today.


Figure 1. Morning satellite image of Invest 97L.

Forecast for 97L
Tonight and Wednesday morning, the upper-level trough to 97L's west is forecast to weaken. This will significantly reduce the amount of dry and and wind shear affecting the storm, and 97L should be able to organize into a tropical depression by Wednesday afternoon, when the Hurricane Hunters are scheduled to pay their first visit. The SHIPS model predicts that wind shear over 97L will fall to the low range, 5 - 10 knots, by Wednesday. The current northwest motion of 97L should keeps its center from crossing Hispaniola. All of the major computer models show development of 97L into a tropical depression by Wednesday night, just north or northeast of Hispaniola. By Thursday, a passing trough of low pressure is expected to pull 97L to the northeast away from Hispaniola, and rains should end by Friday on the island. NHC is giving 97L a 60% chance of developing into a tropical depression by Thursday. Since the center of this potential Tropical Storm Otto is not expected to pass over any land areas, rainfall will be the primary threat. The Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico are most at risk of flooding rains from the storm, which could bring 3 - 6 inches of rain through Thursday. Haiti and the Turks and Caicos Islands are at less risk, since the dry air and lingering wind shear from the upper-level trough to 97L's west will keep heavy thunderstorm development lower on the west side of the storm. Flash flood watches are posted for the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico for today through Wednesday, and heavy rains will continue in the northern Lesser Antilles Islands through Wednesday.

Elsewhere in the tropics
Most of the models indicate the possibility that a strong tropical disturbance or tropical depression forming in the Southern Caribbean, off the coast of Nicaragua, 6 - 7 days from now.

"Hurricane Haven" airing this afternoon
My live Internet radio show, "Hurricane Haven", will be airing again today at 4pm EDT. The call in number is 415-983-2634, or you can post a question to broadcast@wunderground.com. Be sure to include "Hurricane Haven question" in the subject line.

Today's show will be about 20 minutes, and you can tune in at http://www.wunderground.com/wxradio/wubroadcast.h tml. The show will be recorded and stored as a podcast. I'll discuss 97L, and the odds of the U.S. getting a major hurricane strike during what remains of hurricane season.

Jeff Masters
Categories: Hurricane
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253. kshipre1 18:23 GMT le 05 octobre 2010    
Jeff,

if this is the case, then how could Florida even be at risk starting next week? If troughs become less present, then how would potential Paula be pulled NNE?

am I not understanding something?
Member Since: 12 juillet 2010 Posts: 0 Comments: 1130
254. sailingallover 18:25 GMT le 05 octobre 2010    
while you can point out waves in Africa and disturbances in the MDR also look at what a tough time these are having developing due to shear and also the tracks starting with Julia.
It's not that there are no waves it's that CLIMATOLOGY says conditions are usually very unfavorable for development..otherwise I would have a hurricane over me now instead of an 80% AIO
So yes we will get a weak TS out of it..where during the main CV season in Aug/Sept it would already be a CAT4 and I'd be hoping I was alive in the morning. THAT is why CV season is considered over. And of course every some number of years one pops up late but that's called an "anomaly" where a "season" is something that happens consistently over and over through the years. Yes the water is warm..never really gets that cold but that is not all it takes..
Member Since: 1 septembre 2009 Posts: 23 Comments: 982
255. Patrap 18:25 GMT le 05 octobre 2010    
Dayle White is a widow from Jacksonville, NC, who lost about 60% of her belongings and her landlord is unsure when or if she'll be able to return to her home. Her renters' insurance (Nationwide) is denying her coverage due to lack of flood coverage. She is on a limited fixed income. She is in need of a place to live...as well as clothes and furniture. We want to help her get another apartment, as well as some clothing and furniture. She is particularly upset over the loss of her recliner chair, which was destroyed.

Please help as you can. And know that Ms. White will be grateful.

We are identifying others in need and will post their stories as things come into focus.

From our conference call today ,,Presslord says..

Quoting Portlight:
Y'all rock!! We have enough in hand and pledged to get her some clothes and replace her recliner...and a good start on a security deposit on a place...


portlight.org

Member Since: 3 juillet 2005 Posts: 370 Comments: 111297
256. GTcooliebai 18:27 GMT le 05 octobre 2010    
Quoting cat5hurricane:

Hi Cat5hurricane, what do you think of the convection south of Hispaniola, is that 97L?
Member Since: 31 août 2009 Posts: 0 Comments: 5170
257. divdog 18:29 GMT le 05 octobre 2010    
Quoting kshipre1:
Jeff,

if this is the case, then how could Florida even be at risk starting next week? If troughs become less present, then how would potential Paula be pulled NNE?

am I not understanding something?
You don't understand how the jeffmeter works ??
Member Since: 22 août 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 755
258. tropicfreak 18:32 GMT le 05 octobre 2010    
97L isn't looking too bad. Any US threat from this?
Member Since: 2 septembre 2006 Posts: 110 Comments: 6566
259. myway 18:33 GMT le 05 octobre 2010    
Quoting divdog:
You don't understand how the jeffmeter works ??


I do....any cluster of clouds within 2000 miles will produce a threat to Florida on a sliding scale refernced by Charlie, Andrew, Wilma etc.
Member Since: 28 mai 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 442
260. FtMyersgal 18:34 GMT le 05 octobre 2010    
Quoting pottery:

That's too Tame...
You have eliminated all the Spectator Interest there.
We need Pain, Woe, Anguish. Gore even. And speaking of Al... well, nevermind THAT.


Agreed. They have to feel the DOOM
Member Since: 16 septembre 2010 Posts: 0 Comments: 990
261. GoodOleBudSir 18:34 GMT le 05 octobre 2010    
Quoting tropicfreak:
97L isn't looking too bad. Any US threat from this?


I'd say probably not
Member Since: 30 juillet 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 261
262. heavyweatherwatcher 18:35 GMT le 05 octobre 2010    
Though the Bjornmeter must be sounding loudly in Iceland!!!!!
Member Since: 15 juillet 2006 Posts: 0 Comments: 136
263. divdog 18:39 GMT le 05 octobre 2010    
Quoting myway:


I do....any cluster of clouds within 2000 miles will produce a threat to Florida on a sliding scale refernced by Charlie, Andrew, Wilma etc.
ding ding ding .. you r the winner .. you win a trip to central florida in september to test out the jeffmeter !!
Member Since: 22 août 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 755
264. Jax82 18:42 GMT le 05 octobre 2010    
Quoting GoodOleBudSir:


I'd say probably not


Not to the U.S., although if I lived in Bermuda i'd still watch it since its passing south of there in a few days, and may kick up some waves.
Member Since: 2 septembre 2008 Posts: 1 Comments: 1261
265. Neapolitan 18:42 GMT le 05 octobre 2010    
97L is down to 1004mb, a two-millibar drop from this morning (and ATCF has reclassified it as a low rather than a mere disturbance). Disorganized shrimp tail or not, it's slowly strengthening. I'll go with TD or SD by tonight...

AL, 97, 2010100518, , BEST, 0, 206N, 657W, 30, 1004, LO, 34, NEQ, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1009, 300, 50, 0, 0, L, 0, , 0, 0, INVEST, M,
Member Since: 8 novembre 2009 Posts: 4 Comments: 11148
267. myway 18:45 GMT le 05 octobre 2010    
Quoting divdog:
ding ding ding .. you r the winner .. you win a trip to central florida in september to test out the jeffmeter !!


Already saw it. Right next to Mr. Toad's wild ride.
Member Since: 28 mai 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 442
269. IKE 18:50 GMT le 05 octobre 2010    
192 hour 12Z ECMWF shows a 1009mb low in the SW Caribbean Sea...



216 hours...

Member Since: 9 juin 2005 Posts: 23 Comments: 37044
270. newenglandnative 18:57 GMT le 05 octobre 2010    
Maybe a disorganized shrimp tail in appearance but when you look at its movement in the loops it's actually quite organized and getting moreso.
Member Since: 24 septembre 2005 Posts: 0 Comments: 117
271. kshipre1 19:01 GMT le 05 octobre 2010    
when is the negative NAO supposed to begin? this season has been primarily positive NAO
Member Since: 12 juillet 2010 Posts: 0 Comments: 1130
272. ShenValleyFlyFish 19:06 GMT le 05 octobre 2010    
Quoting CaptnDan142:


Send a TV film crew with them, then when you finally do go pick them up, lock the tape up and wait for the networks to start calling with the offers.

Reality sells. Stupidity sells even better.
How come I'm not rich? I can be really stupid.
Member Since: 9 septembre 2007 Posts: 36 Comments: 4684
273. IKE 19:07 GMT le 05 octobre 2010    
Member Since: 9 juin 2005 Posts: 23 Comments: 37044
275. Jax82 19:08 GMT le 05 octobre 2010    
Quoting kshipre1:
when is the negative NAO supposed to begin? this season has been primarily positive NAO


Look @ post 174. Looks like we'll be in a Negative NAO soon. Also, during our long stretch of storms this season from mid-aug to mid-sept, we were in a Negative NAO, not positive.
Member Since: 2 septembre 2008 Posts: 1 Comments: 1261
276. sailingallover 19:10 GMT le 05 octobre 2010    
Quoting pottery:

Guyana Currency.
Currently about $200 to $1 US.
We have a long way to go...

Quoting stormpetrol:
Well the area south of DR didn't even get a yellow, lmao!! and 97L a lopsided shrimp tail at 80%, GO figure

That area south of the DR will probably become and out band of otto as it develops.. I expect it to get sucked into a band and taken right across PR and over me in Culebra...
Member Since: 1 septembre 2009 Posts: 23 Comments: 982
277. bird72 19:11 GMT le 05 octobre 2010    
Quoting Hurricanes101:
even looking at the satellite images, it is clear the convection south of DR is attached to 97L

there will be, and should not be, any mention of it until the 2 areas separate


It's actually separate. Looks how the pouch, south of The Hispaniola is going west.Link
Member Since: 5 août 2009 Posts: 0 Comments: 388
278. gordydunnot 19:12 GMT le 05 octobre 2010    
Ike how about Bill,George or anything but Sue.
Member Since: 18 août 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 3044
279. kshipre1 19:15 GMT le 05 octobre 2010    
oops! and thanks. so, I guess if the negative NAO is coming soon, then potential Paula should not be a problem for florida?

probably crazy to even ask this early
Member Since: 12 juillet 2010 Posts: 0 Comments: 1130
280. IKE 19:18 GMT le 05 octobre 2010    
Quoting gordydunnot:
Ike how about Bill,George or anything but Sue.


LOL. I see an Otto....maybe he's Sue's brother.

Here's the day 7 HPC map...

Member Since: 9 juin 2005 Posts: 23 Comments: 37044
283. Orcasystems 19:20 GMT le 05 octobre 2010    
Member Since: 1 octobre 2007 Posts: 77 Comments: 26077
286. rmbjoe1954 19:26 GMT le 05 octobre 2010    
Quoting IKE:
Complete 12Z ECMWF....no Wilma or Fred or anything affecting the lower 48 through October 15th...


That is a relief , Ike. Especially no BamBam!
Member Since: 16 juin 2005 Posts: 0 Comments: 726
287. Jax82 19:26 GMT le 05 octobre 2010    
Quoting kshipre1:
oops! and thanks. so, I guess if the negative NAO is coming soon, then potential Paula should not be a problem for florida?

probably crazy to even ask this early


too early to tell :) We havent even got Otto yet!
Member Since: 2 septembre 2008 Posts: 1 Comments: 1261
292. Patrap 19:37 GMT le 05 octobre 2010    
I smell.. Herb



Current Conditions

Uptown, New Orleans, Louisiana (PWS)
Updated: 1 min 7 sec ago


70.9 F

Smoke

Humidity: 35%
Dew Point: 42 F
Wind: 3.4 mph from the North
Wind Gust: 8.7 mph
Pressure: 30.24 in (Falling)
Heat Index: 77 F
Visibility: 10.0 miles
UV: 9 out of 16
Pollen: 7.50 out of 12
Pollen Forecast new!
Clouds:
Few 1000 ft
(Above Ground Level)
Elevation: 20 ft
Member Since: 3 juillet 2005 Posts: 370 Comments: 111297
293. Jax82 19:39 GMT le 05 octobre 2010    
New Vorticity. 1800UTC

850MB


500MB
Member Since: 2 septembre 2008 Posts: 1 Comments: 1261
295. xCat6Hurricane 19:40 GMT le 05 octobre 2010    
Season's a real bust, fish storm # 50 here we go
Member Since: 19 juillet 2010 Posts: 0 Comments: 111
299. Shaun Tanner, Senior Meteorologist (Admin)
19:43 GMT le 05 octobre 2010
   
You can listen to Dr. Masters on the Hurricane Haven by clicking here

http://www.wunderground.com/wxradio/wubroadcast.html

Questions for Dr. Masters can be asked by calling 415-983-2634 or by emailing questions to broadcast@wunderground.com
300. Waltanater 19:45 GMT le 05 octobre 2010    
No that will be 98L once separation takes place.
Member Since: 16 mai 2010 Posts: 0 Comments: 914

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About JeffMasters
Jeff co-founded the Weather Underground in 1995 while working on his Ph.D. He flew with the NOAA Hurricane Hunters from 1986-1990.

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