MikeCAdministrator
(Admin)
Fri Jun 25 2010 10:05 PM
Tropical Storm Alex Now in Gulf

9:00PM EDT 26 June 2010 Update
Recon aircraft in Alex has indicated that it may have regained Tropical Storm strength, and likely will be re-upgraded at 11PM.

8:00AM EDT 26 June 2010 Update

Alex has structurally held together quite well overnight, even being over land, but the max windspeed has lowered to a minimal Tropical Storm. There are two schools of thought, one is the more westwardly scenario (Which was talked about last night), which was based on the storm being weaker and the Euro, GFDL model trending, and one more northerly, which is based on the structure of the storm being stronger (GFS, Canadian).

Either way it will likely slow the forward motion over the storm quite a bit once back over water, and probably get enough of a chance to become a solid hurricane before landfall in Mexico. Those in the forecast cone will want to watch as the official forecast is forecasting a Category 2 hurricane, with a great deal of uncertainty either way. The potential for a major hurricane is there.

That said, the most likely scenario is that Alex makes a second landfall in Mexico. But confidence in that is low, and things could change. Those in the forecast cone need to watch Alex closely.



Key will be if it makes the left turn sooner or later, we probably won't know until Wednesday.

Belize Radar Recording (Flhurricane)
Belize City Webcam Recording(Flhurricane)
San Pedro Belize Webcam Recording(Flhurricane)
Weather at Belize City
Weather at Campeche, Mexico
Weather at Veracruz, Mexico
Weather at Poza Rica, Mexico
Weather at Tampico, Mexico

Flhurricane Facebook page

{{StormLinks|Alex|01|1|2010|1|Alex}}

11:00PM EDT 26 June 2010 Update
Official forecast keeps Alex over the Bay of Campeche long enough to regain strength to hurricane force. We will watch trends into tomorrow.


9:30PM EDT 26 June 2010 Update
Alex appears to be inland now in Belize, and convection is running away from the center, judging by the way it's moving now it may never totally get in the Bay of Campeche at all and stay inland for an extended period of time. Whatever time it does get over the Bay, it seems it won't have much time to organize. This is good news as it likely will not develop as much as previously thought. In short it will likely stay a Tropical Storm, or less.

The wave northeast of the Caribbean (was 94L) is disorganize and likely will not develop.

4PM 26 June 2010 Update


Tropical Storm Alex is nearing landfall in Belize, and is strengthening as it does.

It is moving further west than the forecast track indicated, that means it may spend more time over the Yucatan before it gets in the Bay of Campeche. For Texas, it looks like you are not going to see any landfall, but Mexico, around Tampico, may.

7 AM 26 June 2010 Update

Tropical Depression one was upgraded to this year's first named storm, Alex. In response, Belize has put up Tropical Storm warnings. Alex has a little more time to strengthen (probably a good amount) before reaching the coast somewhere near the Belize/Mexico border.



Once over the Yucatan the system will likely weaken some, and may return to tropical depression status. It is likely to re-emerge Monday in the Gulf in the Bay of Campeche and generally head northwest. The most likely scenario after that is that it will bend back left and possibly landfall south of the Texas/Mexico border. However, there is some variation of that with the models, and those in south Texas will also want to watch the system closely. Those in the rest of the Gulf probably will not have to deal directly with Alex, but should monitor it in case things change.

Belize Radar Recording (Flhurricane)
Belize City Webcam Recording(Flhurricane)
San Pedro Belize Webcam Recording(Flhurricane)
Weather at Belize City
Weather at Veracruz, Mexico
Flhurricane Facebook page

{{StormLinks|Alex|01|1|2010|1|Alex}}
Original Update
After careful recon, it appears 93L has formed well enough to become Tropical Depression #1. It is on the verge of becoming Tropical Storm Alex, and probably will before sometime tomorrow. Tomorrow night into Sunday early it will likely make landfall in the Yucatan

Then it is forecast to enter the Bay of Campeche Sunday night, and possibly reform into a Tropical Storm in the Western Gulf of Mexico.

Tropical Storm warnings are up in the Yucatan from Chetumal north to Cancun. They will likely see Tropical Storm Force winds and a lot of rain as it makes its way over the peninsula.



Those in the Western Gulf, from Louisiana, Texas and into Mexico will want to watch this system closely. Most likely scenario right now is that it stays further westward, but sits in the western central Gulf for a while--which complicates things. Landfall is a crapshoot, but south of the Texas/Mexico border as a Tropical Storm is the best guess. However, there is low confidence in that. This has more than enough time to change. Stronger windshear in the Gulf of Mexico and brisk upper level westerly winds could make for an interesting long range track (and weekend).

Where do you think it will go? If you want to discuss a guess or long range models, go to the lounge!

Those in the Gulf, especially Louisiana and Westward, need to watch this system over the next week.

94L northeast of the Caribbean has a 20% chance (and rising) to develop over the next 48 hours, but it is likely no threat to land at all.

More to come soon

Cancun Radar


{{StormLinks|Invest 94L|94|2|2010|2|94L}}
{{StormCarib}}


doug
(Weather Analyst)
Fri Jun 25 2010 10:58 PM
Re: Tropical Depression One forms in West Caribbean

Not going to take long for upgrading now, as TD1 gets its act together quickly, continuing the organization that began this morning. Very evident center now with active blow ups of convection on both east and west sides. Movement looks to be NW as it crosses over 84W. Probably Alex already, but we will have to wait until next update.

MikeCAdministrator
(Admin)
Fri Jun 25 2010 11:27 PM
Re: Tropical Depression One forms in West Caribbean

TD#1 is looking like it'll hit Alex tonight, there is some very high cloud tops near the center of the system right now.

Hugh
(Senior Storm Chaser)
Fri Jun 25 2010 11:31 PM
Re: Tropical Depression One forms in West Caribbean

Quote:

TD#1 is looking like it'll hit Alex tonight, there is some very high cloud tops near the center of the system right now.




You aren't joking. I've never seen cloud tops like this in a depression. I've rarely seem them in a tropical storm, in fact - they're normally not this high except in major hurricanes! And, it's HUGE.


WeatherNut
(Weather Master)
Fri Jun 25 2010 11:48 PM
Attachment
Re: Tropical Depression One forms in West Caribbean

This is going to ramp up quickly. There is an amazing amount of deep oceanic heat that is at record levels. I think there will be a better track forecast come morning once we see how quickly this develops.

Storm Hunter
(Veteran Storm Chaser)
Fri Jun 25 2010 11:51 PM
Re: Tropical Depression One forms in West Caribbean

Quote:

This is going to ramp up quickly. There is an amazing amount of deep oceanic heat that is at record levels. I think there will be a better track forecast come morning once we see how quickly this develops.




I agree..the sats are showing a huge blow-up of convection over center... Things may get ugly tonight... Upper Level conditions are almost perfect now and with the covection firing near center... its prolly a TS now!


Hugh
(Senior Storm Chaser)
Sat Jun 26 2010 12:06 AM
Re: Tropical Depression One forms in West Caribbean

Quote:


I agree..the sats are showing a huge blow-up of convection over center... Things may get ugly tonight... Upper Level conditions are almost perfect now and with the covection firing near center... its prolly a TS now!





NHC says it's still just barely below TS strength.


ftlaudbob
(Storm Chaser)
Sat Jun 26 2010 12:39 AM
Re: Tropical Depression One forms in West Caribbean

I have to say I'm also blown away by those cloud tops!It is wasting no time getting organized now.The ingredients are all there.The Yucatan is going to have a rough Sunday.Amazing to see what this system is doing now.

Hugh
(Senior Storm Chaser)
Sat Jun 26 2010 12:49 AM
Re: Tropical Depression One forms in West Caribbean

Quote:

I have to say I'm also blown away by those cloud tops!It is wasting no time getting organized now.The ingredients are all there.The Yucatan is going to have a rough Sunday.Amazing to see what this system is doing now.




The outer bands have already hit the Yucatan - this thing is that big.


Storm Hunter
(Veteran Storm Chaser)
Sat Jun 26 2010 12:58 AM
Re: Tropical Depression One forms in West Caribbean

00z data is coming out... most models shifted to the left!

Hugh
(Senior Storm Chaser)
Sat Jun 26 2010 01:13 AM
Re: Tropical Depression One forms in West Caribbean

Quote:

00z data is coming out... most models shifted to the left!




Good! From my standpoint, at least. I'm not sure one model run is a trend, though.


JordanBell
(Registered User)
Sat Jun 26 2010 01:17 AM
Re: Tropical Depression One forms in West Caribbean

Where are you getting this data?

Hugh
(Senior Storm Chaser)
Sat Jun 26 2010 01:24 AM
Re: Tropical Depression One forms in West Caribbean

Quote:

Where are you getting this data?




http://www.skeetobiteweather.com/picservice.asp?t=m&m=01

has most of the 00z runs.


danielwAdministrator
(Moderator)
Sat Jun 26 2010 02:06 AM
Re: Tropical Depression One forms in West Caribbean

Models.
The only model I personally give any credit at this point is the GFDL. Fluid dynamics model.
It hasn't changed much. No further east than Appalachicola,FL and no further west than South Marsh Island, LA.
Use the loop at SFWMD on the main page.

Have to wait and see what the 06 and 12Z models do with respect to consistancy.

The Yucatan Channel is roughly 600 miles from the mouth of the Mississippi River. Divide that by the storm movement speed and you get a rough estimate of landfall approximation.

600/ 15mph is 30 hours
600/ 10 mph is 60 hours

48 hours after the leading edge of the storm enters the GOM someone is going to be getting wet and windy. Exception at this point is Texas.

SATELLITE TROPICAL DISTURBANCE RAINFALL ESTIMATES
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL
0015 UTC SAT JUN 26 2010


SYSTEM NAME/IDENTIFIER...T.D. ONE (AL012010)

MAX RAINFALL
DATE/TIME LOCATION MOTION MEAN LAST
----------- ------------ ------ ------- -------
26/0015 UTC 16.6N 83.9W 295/07 14.3 IN 7.0 IN


LAST RAINFALL DISTRIBUTION...

DISTANCE LEFT OF CENTER RIGHT OF CENTER
------------- --------------- ---------------
0 TO 1 DEGREE 1.0 TO 3.5 IN 0.7 TO 2.2 IN
1 TO 2 DEGREE 1.1 TO 7.0 IN 0.1 TO 1.0 IN
2 TO 3 DEGREE 1.0 TO 3.2 IN 0.7 TO 3.3 IN
3 TO 4 DEGREE 0.0 TO 2.4 IN 0.0 TO 2.4 IN


mwillis
(Weather Hobbyist)
Sat Jun 26 2010 02:12 AM
Re: Tropical Depression One forms in West Caribbean

Its amazing the cloud presentation in this sat. image.
http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/tropic2/real-time/atlantic/images/xxirng8.GIF


Storm Hunter
(Veteran Storm Chaser)
Sat Jun 26 2010 02:15 AM
Re: Tropical Depression One forms in West Caribbean

00z NAM moves wnw then west after landfall on Yucatan. Interesting to watch the setup with the model and the first 24hrs on the run.

Hugh
(Senior Storm Chaser)
Sat Jun 26 2010 02:39 AM
Re: Tropical Depression One forms in West Caribbean

New advisory package is out. No significant changes. Forecast shifted slightly west at day 4/5, but not much else changed.

Storm Hunter
(Veteran Storm Chaser)
Sat Jun 26 2010 02:40 AM
Re: Tropical Depression One forms in West Caribbean

11pm Adv. is out., and no change in strength... still a TD.. but they did shift the track slightly left and at the end a turn toward the MX/TX border.

Unregistered User
(Unregistered)
Sat Jun 26 2010 05:16 AM
Re: Tropical Depression One forms in West Caribbean

I found a really nice site that give you a lot of information in one area. It maybe useful to many.

http://www.stormpulse.com/fullscreen/current


WeatherNut
(Weather Master)
Sat Jun 26 2010 05:32 AM
Re: Tropical Depression One forms in West Caribbean

Looks like latest recon has found 50mph winds SW of the center

berrywr
(Weather Analyst)
Sat Jun 26 2010 09:13 AM
TD1 Upgraded to TS Alex as of 5 am ET

Recon data from 0630Z and later clearly indicate Tropical Depression 1 is now a Tropical Storm and was officially upgraded as of 5 am ET June 26, 2010.

All models except the GFS have Alex on an intercept course with TX maybe the upper coast of MX in about 6 days. The GFDL has shifted to the upper TX coast and not FL in the new package.

Despite considerable shear near 22N latitude; Alex is expected to be escorted by an upper level ridge over the top of him which will negate the shear in the southern Gulf of Mexico.

We hope the folks over at NHC understand how important it is to get course trajectories as accurate as possible given the anxiety currently in the states of LA, MS, AL and FL. A FL landfall may have been a blessing for the oil spill; any turn to the right between now and landfall is just giong to be tough on all.


MikeCAdministrator
(Admin)
Sat Jun 26 2010 11:35 AM
Re: TD1 Upgraded to TS Alex as of 5 am ET

I added the Belize Radar Recording (Flhurricane)Belize radar to our image recording system.

Try this link if the above doesn't work.
http://flhurricane.com/imageanimator.php?73


WeatherNut
(Weather Master)
Sat Jun 26 2010 05:50 PM
Re: TD1 Upgraded to TS Alex as of 5 am ET

Alex is still not looking very organized but I think the center is consolidating farther north than was seen earlier.
Just as an side note to the people who post and who truly benefit from the knowledge provided here at no cost need to remember that the people who maintain this site do it out of their own pocket so, if you can...remember to visit that donate button on the left side of your screen if you can (FYI I have no financial interest in this site...I only enjoy using it...and there is no need to flood this thread with "I donated" posts.).


MikeCAdministrator
(Admin)
Sat Jun 26 2010 05:55 PM
Re: TD1 Upgraded to TS Alex as of 5 am ET

The outflow in Alex is impressive, it's a very good thing it's about to run out of water because otherwise it would have been in prime conditions for rapid intensification tomorrow.

Storm Hunter
(Veteran Storm Chaser)
Sat Jun 26 2010 06:34 PM
Re: TD1 Upgraded to TS Alex as of 5 am ET

recon is enterning the north side of Alex right now... so we should see prolly only see one or two center passes... Alex is close to the islands just off Belize City

typhoon_tip
(Meteorologist)
Sat Jun 26 2010 06:40 PM
Re: TD1 Upgraded to TS Alex as of 5 am ET

Indeed, obviously the stakes are very high for the coastal communities along the northern and eastern Gulf.

The destiny of Alex will depend upon the accurate handling of a large scale pattern change across North America. This pattern change is well agreed upon by the panoply of Global numerical guidance, and for the time being is encouraging.

Previously, ...the guidance' that were grabbing Alex and pulling the cyclone N through the Yucatán Strait were lowering heights farther south in latitude in association with a trough getting ready to incur into the Ohio Valley and East Coast. This was causing a weakness in the native heights throughout the Gulf - ultimately leading to an earlier polarward turn for Alex. Since, however, guidance is now restricting the lowering height anomalies primarily into the NE conus region, and the resulting loss of weakness over the Gulf is tremendously good news should it prevail (which it appears will be the case). That should keep the general steering field angled left and away from the ecological disaster unfolding in the NE Gulf of Mexico and adjacent areas.

As for populations along the Mexico and southern Texas coasts, these areas look for the time being to be the higher probability for impact.

As usual, the question becomes 'what is left of Alex upon traversing the Yucatan Peninsula?' A lot of that will come down to how strong Alex becomes prior to impact with land. A system with more integrated storm energy will quite naturally be more resistant at first to the hostility of land. One thing also to keep in mind is that the Yucatan Pen. is a very flat, humid land mass. Diurnal convection over the region keeps soil moisture content very high much of the time. While this could never serve physically to strengthen a TC, it may mitigate the rate of decay when comparing other land falling TCs. An example of this was across southern Florida when Katrina traversed; Katrina was strengthening to Cat 1 status upon entering the Atlantic-side Coast, and emerged with no detrimental effects for having spent time over land.

Other than the Yucatan region there does not appear to be any parameters that would interfere with intensification, and this appears to be true in the modeling for the surrounding region out through day 5. In fact, if it were not for the proximity to land one might be concerned that a Rapid Intensification cycle could take place. The probability for that is not 0 prior to land falling on the Yucatan, however, with landfall expected now ahead of schedule, the probability is approaching 0. NHC has noted that the inner core is less organized earlier this morning, but recent IR images of Alex show that a CDO feature may in fact be in the process of developing. The most recent advisory issued at 1pm is holding wind speed at 45mph, with BP of 1003mb. RECON is inbound so we shall soon see what they measure.


John.


danielwAdministrator
(Moderator)
Sat Jun 26 2010 06:42 PM
Re: TD1 Upgraded to TS Alex as of 5 am ET

I'm seeing preliminary flight level wind speed of 68mph and SFMR surface wind speeds of 77 mph... preliminary speeds.

URNT12 KNHC 261847
VORTEX DATA MESSAGE AL012010
A. 26/18:20:40Z
B. 17 deg 11 min N
087 deg 21 min W
C. 925 mb 669 m
D. 39 kt
E. 007 deg 18 nm
F. 175 deg 43 kt
G. 058 deg 74 nm
H. EXTRAP 998 mb
I. 24 C / 766 m
J. 23 C / 760 m
K. 21 C / NA
L. NA
M. NA
N. 134 / 09
O. 0.02 / 1 nm
P. AF302 0301A ALEX OB 07
MAX FL WIND 43 KT NE QUAD 17:52:20Z
MAX OUTBOUND FL WIND 59 KT S QUAD 18:26:10Z
SLP EXTRAP FROM 925 MB
MAX FL TEMP 25 C 008 / 19 NM FROM FL CNTR


MikeCAdministrator
(Admin)
Sat Jun 26 2010 06:48 PM
Re: TD1 Upgraded to TS Alex as of 5 am ET

Best track has winds for Alex at 50knots, (55-60MPH), Recon may verify it.

Storm Hunter
(Veteran Storm Chaser)
Sat Jun 26 2010 06:52 PM
Re: TD1 Upgraded to TS Alex as of 5 am ET

agree... Recon showing strong winds just south of center at the surface (within 25 miles of center on the south side). although based on my GE measurements... center is 70 Miles SE of Belize City

WeatherNut
(Weather Master)
Sat Jun 26 2010 06:54 PM
Re: TD1 Upgraded to TS Alex as of 5 am ET

The highest winds recon was showing were marked suspect, but they were showing consistent winds of 60mph. It also looks like the center is farther west than originally forecast. The lowest pressure I've seen was 998mb but they had not reached the center ans stopped reporting the pressure for some reason

WeatherNut
(Weather Master)
Sat Jun 26 2010 07:34 PM
Re: TD1 Upgraded to TS Alex as of 5 am ET

Second vortex msg indicates pressure down to 996 and max winds 56kts (64.4mph). Movement to the WNW from last vortex

danielwAdministrator
(Moderator)
Sat Jun 26 2010 07:35 PM
Re: TD1 Upgraded to TS Alex as of 5 am ET

Thanks, I missed the flags on the HDOB.
70 mph would't surprise me a lot. Given the behavior of this system.


WeatherNut
(Weather Master)
Sat Jun 26 2010 07:39 PM
Re: TD1 Upgraded to TS Alex as of 5 am ET

Seems like the NHC is playing this rather conservatively. The 2pm still had 45mph winds and 1003mb pressure when the aircraft was already reporting higher winds and lower pressure. In the 2.5hrs since pressure is down 7mb and winds are approaching 70mph. Lucky this is running out of water

Storm Hunter
(Veteran Storm Chaser)
Sat Jun 26 2010 08:08 PM
Attachment
Re: TD1 Upgraded to TS Alex as of 5 am ET

Alex made a strong run at trying to reach hurricane status before landfall in next few hrs... storm appears to make landfall just to the north of Belize City.

based on model trends.. i would expect the 3-day cone and on to shift left in the 5pm adv.


danielwAdministrator
(Moderator)
Sat Jun 26 2010 08:31 PM
TS Alex

You be the judge. It's not a jelly donut. Early eye characterisics???


berrywr
(Weather Analyst)
Sat Jun 26 2010 08:36 PM
Re: TD1 Upgraded to TS Alex as of 5 am ET

It never ceases to amaze me how such tiny adjustments here and there make a big, big difference in intensity and track and if you take a look over where Darby is; that system is tiny compared to this cyclone. The upper high is directly over Alex and yet not too far away to the north in the here and now is this speed shear and you say to yourself...no way...but if the upper high travels with Alex and it could stay over water for any length of time...goodness gracious what we'd be talking about in a few days..the circulation envelope almost encompasses Darby in the Eastern Pacific...it's huge.

berrywr
(Weather Analyst)
Sat Jun 26 2010 08:44 PM
Re: TD1 Upgraded to TS Alex as of 5 am ET

Agree! In fact the 4 pm CDT discussion confirms what recon data has observed. Our hearts and prayers are with MX, but I for one am grateful this is not paying the northern Gulf coast a visit...it's a big system. I wouldn't at all be surprised if Darby is pulled in; talk about a tiny system; it's a baby compared to Alex's envelope.

cieldumort
(Moderator)
Sat Jun 26 2010 08:58 PM
Attachment
Re: Tropical Storm Alex nears Landfall in Belize

One heck of a tropical cyclone for the Atlantic in June. Lots and lots of deeply warm tropical waters, and related very humid tropical air, to work with so early in a season. Alex looks a lot more like a TC one might more expect to see out in the deep tropical western Pacific during their peak times of year, than out here during our official first month of the season.

As sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words, I'll let the attached image do the rest of the talking.


Old Sailor
(Storm Tracker)
Sat Jun 26 2010 10:33 PM
Re: TD1 Upgraded to TS Alex as of 5 am ET

Alex looks to be heading for a land fall in MX/TX, but for those of you that can remember Yogi Berra,( It ain't over till it's over). been watching Hurricane for over 65 yrs that saying been true many times...

Storm Hunter
(Veteran Storm Chaser)
Sat Jun 26 2010 11:04 PM
Re: TD1 Upgraded to TS Alex as of 5 am ET

haha... luv the saying... the 18z GFS and NAM have caught my eye... until this gets into BOC... we want know for good where Alex is heading... mountains can do so much to system!

MikeCAdministrator
(Admin)
Sun Jun 27 2010 01:45 AM
Re: TD1 Upgraded to TS Alex as of 5 am ET

Those models are already too far east and north, it's going to be a struggle for Alex to hit the Bay of Campeche. It may get very little/no time over water now, and probably will not strengthen much when it does.

Ed DunhamAdministrator
(Former Meteorologist & CFHC Forum Moderator (Ed Passed Away on May 14, 2017))
Sun Jun 27 2010 02:01 AM
Re: TD1 Upgraded to TS Alex as of 5 am ET

Probably below 20N - if it makes it to any water at all its going to be in the very southern part of the Bay of Campeche. Strong blocking ridge to the north and perhaps some influence from Darby.

SSEC Steering Currents

ED


Storm Hunter
(Veteran Storm Chaser)
Sun Jun 27 2010 11:04 AM
Re: TD1 Upgraded to TS Alex as of 5 am ET

Thought so too but still there appears to be two sets of models to choose from... the left turn in BOC to landfall into MX or the right turn and landfall in the Gulf Coast... as of 6am CDT. Alex is about halfway across the landmass and should be make it into BOC later tonight. 00z GFS was a little concering... along with CMC 00z. I noticed a bend in the 00z GFDL... to me its appears there still a chance for Alex to get north... i thought the blocking would occur, but it appears to me it will just slow down Alex's forward speed and maybe leave a window open for alex to go further north then forecasted. I'm just not 100% confident on MX landfall after BOC. Until i see how Alex does returning into BOC late this evening.

PS: 4am disc. first paragraph is very detailing on how Alex is looking and doing!

IF THE RECENT NORTHWARD SHIFT IN THE
MODELS CONTINUES...THEN ALEX COULD REMAIN OVER WATER FOR THE NEXT 5
DAYS RESULTING IN A VERY POWERFUL HURRICANE.


did i mention i like when Capt. Stewart is working? lol


danielwAdministrator
(Moderator)
Sun Jun 27 2010 11:20 AM
TS Alex

Morning discussion is rather gloomy. Models have split. Mexico or La/Tx border. Eastern most model is over the Mississippi River just west of Baton Rouge,LA.

Quite a swing from yesterday and NHC is seeing an increase in convective bands with an eye like feature noted in the 4 AM discussion.

Have to check on RECON as Alex is over land and that normally prevents dropping dropsondes but they may be able to fly the storm anyway.
EDIT- RECON is not scheduled to depart until 5PM EDT this afternoon. New TCPOD should be out around 9 AM.

Belize and Mexican radar are being used by NHC to track Alex in the meanwhile.




MikeCAdministrator
(Admin)
Sun Jun 27 2010 12:03 PM
Re: TS Alex

Looks like I overdid the westward trend a bit last night, it's still looking Mexico, but I know the Hurricane Center is watching the model trends, too. Alex is pretty complex, weak system right now, with a great outflow and structure still. IT could rapidly restrengthen over the Gulf, and how much it does really determines how far north it may go. It's still mostly a Mexican problem, though. The westward trend is mostly Euro driven, sometime Tuesday Alex is likely to move more westward.

The system is still moving west of the forecast track.


MikeCAdministrator
(Admin)
Sun Jun 27 2010 12:45 PM
Re: TS Alex

Best track has it back to Tropical Depression status, it'll probably be so until it some good hours over water again.

At the rate Alex is moving, it will reemerge over water this afternoon.

The possibilities have opened up, it's a good bet nobody will have a good handle on where this system may go until Late Tuesday/Wednesday.

It currently is slightly further west and south than the forecasted track.




danielwAdministrator
(Moderator)
Sun Jun 27 2010 01:10 PM
Re: TS Alex

Looks like anyone west of the Mouth of the Mississippi River needs to keep one eye on Alex.
Weird situation and TS force winds out to 150 miles. Big Tropical Storm.


SeaMule
(Weather Hobbyist)
Sun Jun 27 2010 01:54 PM
forecast

about every 6 hours the 3 day cone changes quite a bit. Kinda lends one to believe that forecasting is sometimes, with some systems....tough to nail down.

anyone in the Gulf coast....to as far east as Destin....should consider what this storm might do. For one thing..it is a very large storm...and as was mentioned...had it been over water.....all the time....it'd be a major hurricane by now...i'd think. That being said....I don't rule out anything...from exiting in the Mexican coast...to looping north to the oil-laden northern gulf coast waters....

the trend toward the east....has begun,


Ed DunhamAdministrator
(Former Meteorologist & CFHC Forum Moderator (Ed Passed Away on May 14, 2017))
Sun Jun 27 2010 02:41 PM
Alex Continues Toward The WNW

First, a review of the last few position points:
27/06Z 18.0N 89.0W
27/09Z 18.3N 89.4W
27/12Z 18.4N 89.9W
27/15Z 18.6N 90.6W (projected)

At 14Z the storm is already probably close to the projected 15Z position, so its a conservative estimate.

At 27/09Z, the forecast position for 27/18Z was 19.1N 90.6W, but the storm center is already south of that point by about 30 miles. Thats only a 9-hour forecast, but the 9-hour point has consistently been too far to the north. If you miss the 9-hour point by a half degree, the entire forecast track is off. Sometimes when you forecast by the models rather than the meteorology you lose - but thats a subject for another time.

Since 27/09Z, Alex has been moving more to the west to west northwest rather than the northwest - perhaps just a wobble (although I doubt it since wobbles are normally seen in strong systems). For Alex, even a wobble at this time is important since it could influence just how much time Alex will have over the GOM.
ED


hogrunr
(Weather Guru)
Sun Jun 27 2010 02:48 PM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

The NHC noted this track variance in its 10 am CDT discussion:

WHILE THE SHORT-TERM MOTION OF ALEX APPEARS ALMOST DUE WEST...A
LONGER-TERM INITIAL MOTION ESTIMATE IS TOWARD THE WEST-NORTHWEST...
295 DEGREES AT 10 KNOTS....A LITTLE TO THE LEFT OF THE PREVIOUS
FORECAST TRACK. .....

ALL THAT BEING SAID...THE NEW
OFFICIAL FORECAST IS ADJUSTED A LITTLE TO THE LEFT OF THE PREVIOUS
ONE THROUGH 36 HOURS DUE TO THE INITIAL MOTION...AND BEYOND THAT
TIME IS A LITTLE TO THE RIGHT OF THE PREVIOUS PACKAGE AND CLOSE TO
THE TVCN MULTI-MODEL CONSENSUS.

ALL OF THE MODEL UNCERTAINTY WITH THE TRACK OF ALEX OFFERS A
REMINDER TO NOT TO FOCUS ON THE EXACT FORECAST TRACK...PARTICULARLY
IN THE EXTENDED PART OF THE FORECAST PERIOD...WHERE AVERAGE
FORECAST ERRORS CAN BE 200 TO 300 MILES.


stormtiger
(Weather Hobbyist)
Sun Jun 27 2010 02:52 PM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

Alex has even as 93L has been going more West and South than thought. I believe it will continue to do so and follow a typical late June track into central Mexico instead of a track similar to Audrey.

But everyone should be careful. If Alex lingers and gets stronger and has a longer period of time over water, it could still be a problem for Texas (Brownsville/Corpus).

It is fortunate that Alex formed later than sooner, he is a big storm and with a lot of ingredients are there for strengthening. If alex would have made the Yucatan channel or even futher North of the Yucatan peninsula, the oil retrieving efforts would surely have suffered.


danielwAdministrator
(Moderator)
Sun Jun 27 2010 03:00 PM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

NHC is reading ED's posts.

hogrunr
(Weather Guru)
Sun Jun 27 2010 03:06 PM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

Stolen from hurricantrack.com's facebook page from last night:



Here is what our colleague Mike Watkins had to say about it all on Storm2k.org this evening: Mark and I were talking today about that giant low that develops in the GFS that runs up the coast like a summer nor'easter later in the week. After thinking about this today, I think the GFS is simply having trouble dealing with all of the heat in this region, so it's creating a feedback low in the Gulf of Mexico.... See More Looking for confirmation on this thinking, I checked the Wilmington NWS AFD, since they would have to deal with this system, and here's what they said: Quote: GFS DEVELOPS A FEEDBACK LOW ALONG THE GULF COAST WHICH IT THEN MOVES EAST ACROSS FL AND UP THE SOUTHEAST COAST. PARALLEL GFS DOES NOT SHOW THIS LOW...FURTHER ADDING CONFIDENCE THAT THE FEATURE WILL NOT EXIST. The GFS has never handled heat like this very well, and I think the problem with the 18Z gfs and the other models that feed from it (HWRF and GFDL to name a couple) is this: The "feedback low" is busting out just enough of the Gulf ridge at 500mb. This allows steering north of Alex (in the model) to break down enough to let Alex catch the trough coming through. Oh, there's no doubt that trough is going to come through, but odds of it digging Alex out on it's own are slim, Alex is too far south and it's almost July. So...the GFS gives the trough help with it's famous create-a-storm feature. Seriously, watch this nonsense in the 500MB loop: http://www.nco.ncep.noaa.gov/pmb/nwprod ... loop.shtml If you really, really want to see if the GFS is on the right track, look for unusual development of some sort of deep-layer low pressure system in the NE Gulf in 2-3 days. If this feature shows up, then maybe GFS scores a coup. However, I think the GFS can't handle the heat properly, creates a phantom system, and pulls Alex up incorrectly.

Then as noted in a later discussion...there is an upper level low coming into play in East Texas as we speak.


mcgowanmc
(Weather Hobbyist)
Sun Jun 27 2010 04:20 PM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

http://www.nco.ncep.noaa.gov/pmb/nwprod/analysis/carib//gfs/12/gfs_pcp120126_l.shtml

This is where I put it. Louisiana gets a scare Wednesday pm, and then
Alex goes into Matagordo Bay as a strong Cat 2.

The heat of the GoM is not being factored in.


WeatherNut
(Weather Master)
Sun Jun 27 2010 04:28 PM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

I've heard that same complaint from other forecasters about the GFS not handling heat very well and feeding back

Unregistered User
(Unregistered)
Sun Jun 27 2010 04:37 PM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

Nah....This is a Tex/Mex problem. Cat 2....eh maybe but doubtful.

danielwAdministrator
(Moderator)
Sun Jun 27 2010 04:48 PM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

If the GFS is correct with the timing. The intensity won't make a whole lot of difference at this point.
3 days of steady rain will allow winds above 40 mph to lay down trees. Lots of trees.
Once the wind speeds increase ... many more trees will fall and creeks will rise.
Tropical Depression or not.

Not quite the Allison scenario but warming up toward it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical_Storm_Allison

IF the GFS does verify.

Long ways off from the latest run. 36 hours before the forecast rainfall begins and 5 days before it hits the proverbial fan.


typhoon_tip
(Meteorologist)
Sun Jun 27 2010 06:38 PM
Re: TS Alex

The 12z guidance: I don't believe the models are doing a very good job with Alex, despite seeing a reasonably well clustered vision by the various model types (sans the Euro), for a vestigial circulation to re-emerge over the eastern Cam. Bay on a NW trajectory. Looking at the observed deep layer steering field it would seem such a motion would be premature - we'll see. Also, it almost appears that what a few of these models, HWRF and GFDL for example, are doing is actually shearing off a piece of the llv vorticity and using that to redevelop, which does not seem too plausible given to the current singularly cohesive circulation structure. That aside, I am finding it intriguing where the models are getting this NW motion from, which if it is going to work out that way we would probably be seeing that beginning to materialize this afternoon. The deep layer steering field shows fairly impressive ridge curvature to the N of Alex, which counters that expectation.

I was just studying the high resolution visible loops, as well as IR, and the best observation I could make has Alex on due west motion ...almost ever so slightly south of W if imagination got in the way. It also appears to be wobbling some, though.

Alex has a very good circulation presentation that does not appeal as one that is to be dismantled before potentially tapping into the BOC fuel source. All other parameters actually support TC genesis, as others have noted. From my perspective, given the in tact structure and assuming this doesn't stall before getting what remains of a "core" nearer to the coast I see restrengthening a real possibility.

Also, seeing as the models are going S Texas to the upper TX Coast (per the CMC), it is obviously a good idea to keep an eye on this.


danielwAdministrator
(Moderator)
Sun Jun 27 2010 06:39 PM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

Still south of a due west track as Ed suggested earlier. I believe.

At the current forward speed the center of the tightly wrapped spiral should be in the BOC in 3 hours.


SeaMule
(Weather Hobbyist)
Sun Jun 27 2010 06:50 PM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

looking at the RGB loop...there is a wnw movement. i see NO south at all. imho

once it gets into the water, it will ramp up quickly. the forecast to a cat 2 is easily plausible. we better hope it doesn't stall...or turn northerly too fast.

oilageddon


berrywr
(Weather Analyst)
Sun Jun 27 2010 06:54 PM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

Latest loops as of 19Z have Alex moving WNW with a slight right turn as it now is about to re-emerge over the GOM though continuing to weaken. I don't know what to think about the models but unlike two days ago when it was only the GFS and GFDL in the poleward camp today both have company. TX/LA? It's hard to bite on that left turn at the end of the forecast period looking at how the longwave trough over the east and upper ridge over the center of the country sets up...but damn those models. Strong shear is migrating northward now near 24N latitude so it appears the upper ridge over Alex is a long for the ride and that's not good. A forecast is only as good as consistent model to model run....I'm not comfortable speculating about anything.

SirCane
(Storm Tracker)
Sun Jun 27 2010 07:06 PM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

Man the models seemed so sure of themselves yesterday and now all bets are off it looks like. This is not good for the oil cleanup efforts at all.

LoisCane
(Veteran Storm Chaser)
Sun Jun 27 2010 07:26 PM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

Well you know Sir... until it's back over water and has a well defined center and we get a good indication of how it's doing and which way it is going, the models can be nothing more than overcooked spaghetti...

long range ensemble models have it moving over Ok City and up towards the Great Lakes...

http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/tracking/at201001_ensmodel.html#a_topad

Interesting considering the path is NOT through Mexico...

so.... I suggest we wait a few hours and get data from the planes (which I believe found low pressure and stronger winds) and then see how the next model runs go

...wouldn't you agree Berry?


LoisCane
(Veteran Storm Chaser)
Sun Jun 27 2010 07:28 PM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

ps would be hard to buy that hard a left turn.. aside from the ridge "breaking down" there's been some strange wrong way movement of clouds and weather over Ms/La and Tx today ... almost as if an ULL was forming tho think its more an Eddy of sorts temporary and not a real factor but a lot going on out there

danielwAdministrator
(Moderator)
Sun Jun 27 2010 07:51 PM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

Noticed earlier that both the Slidell,LA and Brownsville,TX radars at 248 nm had rain moving toward the shoreline. Appeared to be storm connected but with the ULLs all over the place it is a bit hard to tell.

Is the GFS picking up on the ULL to the East of the Bahamas? Or is it trying to spin off a bit of energy as mentioned in an above post?


typhoon_tip
(Meteorologist)
Sun Jun 27 2010 09:09 PM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW


It does appear that last 2 hours worth of images are showing more northward jog. We'll see if it holds on the 6 hourly mean.


Unregistered User
(Unregistered)
Sun Jun 27 2010 09:16 PM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

Interesting 5pm discussion from the NHC:

"...THIS TRACK FORECAST IS THOUGHT TO BE OF BELOW-AVERAGE CONFIDENCE."

Will they fly another recon trip tonight to try and get a handle on the track?


Storm Hunter
(Veteran Storm Chaser)
Sun Jun 27 2010 09:19 PM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

last check... recon should depart around 5pm... by time the flight arrives in area of Alex.. the coc should be back over water. I just did a google earth measurement and it appears to me Alex coc is less then 25 miles from coast.

WeatherNut
(Weather Master)
Sun Jun 27 2010 09:21 PM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

There is an ULL digging into the 4 corners region right now. I think that might be starting to have an effect on Alex

WeatherNut
(Weather Master)
Sun Jun 27 2010 09:25 PM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

I believe it is moving offshore now. The more northerly component cut down on the amount of time over land

Ed DunhamAdministrator
(Former Meteorologist & CFHC Forum Moderator (Ed Passed Away on May 14, 2017))
Sun Jun 27 2010 09:38 PM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

I think that it might be more of an apparent northward jog rather than an actual one. At 19Z the low-level circulation was at about 18.8N 91.1W and at 21Z it is near 18.8N 91.3W. A few hours earlier I noticed a second center of circulation, perhaps mid-level, to the NNE of the surface center. Keeping in mind that TD Alex is now a lot weaker, a weakening of the original surface center and development of a new one more in line with the mid-level circulation is probably what has evolved. I had located the mid-level at 19.3N 90.9W at 21Z - pretty close, and it also helps with the verification of your last initial forecast point

On another subject, I've added a few Mexico observation links on the Main Page. At 21Z the wind at Campeche was out of the east northeast at 20 knots and the SLP was 998mb.
ED


Unregistered User
(Unregistered)
Sun Jun 27 2010 09:41 PM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

GFS has been pretty consistent in wanting to spin off a low and basically wanting to take that low on a tour of the northern gulf coast. I believe a lot of the models are run off the GFS which is why there could be such a split in the models camp.

Storm Hunter
(Veteran Storm Chaser)
Sun Jun 27 2010 10:20 PM
Attachment
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

there did appear to be a spilt.. a mid to upper part of the COC west a little went and the surface COC went NW... very close to the coast.. based on the last few images, i say Alex is entering the GOM now... and convection close to the NW side of the COC is firing up in a feeder band.

http://rammb.cira.colostate.edu/products...01006252203.GIF

attached i did a little drawing... (threw my eyes... not official)
Red - low level COC
Orange - mid to upper level
light blue - new convection... points to center


Hugh
(Senior Storm Chaser)
Sun Jun 27 2010 10:34 PM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

Quote:

there did appear to be a spilt.. a mid to upper part of the COC west a little west and the surface COC went NW... very close to the coast.. based on the last few images, i say Alex is entering the GOM now... and convection close to the NW side of the COC is firing up in a feeder band.






and the outflow from Alex is tremendous.... stretching all the way to just offshore of here (Florida Panhandle).
I suspect that by the 11pm advisory, Alex will have easily regained tropical storm intensity, although the winds at the LLC may take some time to ramp up. The recon reports earlier indicated tropical storm force winds at flight level in the outer bands well away from the storm.


Storm Hunter
(Veteran Storm Chaser)
Sun Jun 27 2010 10:47 PM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

Recon 304 is about 100 miles north of the yucatan. Pretty sure by the time the turn SW and arrive at Alex... the COC will be back over water

Hugh
(Senior Storm Chaser)
Sun Jun 27 2010 11:09 PM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

Quote:

Recon 304 is about 100 miles north of the yucatan. Pretty sure by the time the turn SW and arrive at Alex... the COC will be back over water




Uh, since the COC has been back over water for at least an hour, I'd say it's a pretty good bet that it will still be over water when the plane gets there

Edit: Looking at the approaching trough... I'm beginning to think one of two scenarios will unfold...
1) Alex misses the trough, and heads basically due west into Mexico - not like, in my opinon
2) The trough picks Alex up and moves it almost due north, toward the central Gulf Coast. In this scenario, the westward movement would, in my view, end rather abruptly... putting Alex onshore no further west than Galveston, and I think closer to the TX/LA border. The trough axis seems almost verticle to me.


TheOtherRick
(Weather Watcher)
Sun Jun 27 2010 11:15 PM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

Yeah, it's lighting up in the last satellite frame, sniffing that warm water, and the pressure dropped, and the models are all over the map as to where it's going, but shifting to the east.

If memory serves, they said it would take 5 days to prepare for a hurricane in the runaway BP oil well. Getting pretty close to decision time. We may be about to see the effect of not pumping millions of gallons of dispersant into the oil, which they've been doing non-stop from day one.


Hugh
(Senior Storm Chaser)
Sun Jun 27 2010 11:20 PM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

Quote:

Yeah, it's lighting up in the last satellite frame, sniffing that warm water, and the pressure dropped, and the models are all over the map as to where it's going, but shifting to the east.

If memory serves, they said it would take 5 days to prepare for a hurricane in the runaway BP oil well. Getting pretty close to decision time. We may be about to see the effect of not pumping millions of gallons of dispersant into the oil, which they've been doing non-stop from day one.




The time to prepare is, unfortunately, now. Even if the current forecast doesn't move a mile further east (which, I believe, it will have to), the storm will still cause upwelling in the area of the oil slick. If the storm stays over the Gulf longer and strengthens more than the current forecast calls for... it's going to be a very messy situation.


Ed DunhamAdministrator
(Former Meteorologist & CFHC Forum Moderator (Ed Passed Away on May 14, 2017))
Sun Jun 27 2010 11:23 PM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

I think that this is a good time to remind everyone to be mindful of someone else's opinion. At 23Z I place the center at 19.0N 91.3W, or right on the coast - which means that an hour ago it was still over land - but that is just my opinion based on high res satellite.
Cheers,
ED


Hugh
(Senior Storm Chaser)
Sun Jun 27 2010 11:31 PM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

Quote:

I think that this is a good time to remind everyone to be mindful of someone else's opinion. At 23Z I place the center at 19.0N 91.3W, or right on the coast - which means that an hour ago it was still over land - but that is just my opinion based on high res satellite.
Cheers,
ED




Very true, Ed. The basis for my opinion is the rather impressive blowup of convection near the LLC in the 2245z AVN image, compared to the 2215z image. That indicates to me that the LLC moved offshore sometime in that 30 minute interval - so it looks like my previous opinion was a bit off. Having said that, the big blowup of convection is evidence to me that the LLC is at least partially now over the Bay of Campeche, as of 2245.


SeaMule
(Weather Hobbyist)
Sun Jun 27 2010 11:39 PM
zoom in on the RGB

and tell me this thing is moving nw...maybe even a tad more north than that. It's sure what I see. someone work with me here...do ya see it?

oilageddon....i sure hope not


Storm Hunter
(Veteran Storm Chaser)
Sun Jun 27 2010 11:51 PM
Re: zoom in on the RGB

if you take a look at Hi-Res close-up sats in last two hrs... the storms that fired on the northern side of coc... got strong enough to send a downburst to the north... u gotta look close, cus sun is fading, but clearly there is a downburst from the storms that just fired off the center... which to me means that Alex is cooking again... recon within 25 miles of center. NE side

WeatherNut
(Weather Master)
Sun Jun 27 2010 11:51 PM
Re: Tropical Storm Alex Landfalls in Belize

Recon has recorded 3 consecutive pressure reading in the 991mb range. Thats quite a bit deeper and there are vast areas of TS force winds

Storm Hunter
(Veteran Storm Chaser)
Sun Jun 27 2010 11:54 PM
Re: Tropical Storm Alex Landfalls in Belize

see that... and i as wrote.. new data supports that Alex appears to be a TS again... SMFR data shows 40mph surface winds east and north of center

Ed DunhamAdministrator
(Former Meteorologist & CFHC Forum Moderator (Ed Passed Away on May 14, 2017))
Mon Jun 28 2010 12:01 AM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

Try this one (before it gets too dark):

http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/PS/TROP/float1.html

Click on visible - short loop. Bring up to maximum speed. Click on Zoom. Click on the area that you want to magnify (at least six times). Center is pretty easy to locate.
ED


Storm Hunter
(Veteran Storm Chaser)
Mon Jun 28 2010 12:01 AM
Re: Tropical Storm Alex Landfalls in Belize

recon did a loop on coc at 2kft... its within 10 miles off the coast.. they hit flight level center at 19.2167N 91.0833W... appears to the flight level center is very small.. maybe 15 miles wide at 2k ft. with a flight level temp in middel at 71F, dew pt. 57F

Hugh
(Senior Storm Chaser)
Mon Jun 28 2010 12:02 AM
Re: Tropical Storm Alex Landfalls in Belize

Curious flight pattern.... it looks like they circled the LLC, but didn't go into it. They're headed outbound now. Will they make another pass?

Storm Hunter
(Veteran Storm Chaser)
Mon Jun 28 2010 12:14 AM
Re: Tropical Storm Alex Landfalls in Belize

so far the data i have seen supports a TS with winds of 40mph... haven't seen anything that would show higher... the max winds appears to be on the north side... maybe NW, but only 25 miles or less from center... Recon is approaching the heavy feeder band to the NW of COC.

SeaMule
(Weather Hobbyist)
Mon Jun 28 2010 12:20 AM
convection firing 360

degrees around the COC. Doesn't take much imagination to see Alex gettin it going pretty quick.

typhoon_tip
(Meteorologist)
Mon Jun 28 2010 12:33 AM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW



Interesting Ed, this may atone for the odd model behavior I noted earlier, of the 12z guidance. They were showing a broadened llv pressure pattern and weakening wind field, and then out of now where a closure took place along the NW Yucatan Penn - it was as though the vorticity sheared out and severed into a newly developing system! Fascinating, but perhaps it was the displaced(ing) mlv center then drilling down when/if new convection develops as the overall lower pressure core goes back over the hot waters of the Bay.


typhoon_tip
(Meteorologist)
Mon Jun 28 2010 12:38 AM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW


It appears there was some recent rejuvenation of convective banding. Also, Alex has slowed some this evening in his forward motion. This could be a concern that a track change is about to take place.


Storm Hunter
(Veteran Storm Chaser)
Mon Jun 28 2010 12:41 AM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

Center fix from dropsonde shows 991mb

A. Time of Center Fix: 27th day of the month at 23:45:00Z
B. Center Fix Coordinates: 19°13'N 91°06'W (19.2167N 91.1W)
B. Center Fix Location: 58 miles (93 km) to the SW (221°) from Campeche, Campeche, México.


Storm Hunter
(Veteran Storm Chaser)
Mon Jun 28 2010 12:56 AM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

Appears 00z Data went with TS Alex...

Date: Jun. 28, 2010 0:00 Z (Monday)
Coordinates: 19.2N 91.1W
Pressure (MSLP): 991 mb (29.27 inHg | 991 hPa)
Wind speed (1 min. avg.): 35 knots (40 mph | 18 m/s | 65 km/h)
Location: 59 statue miles (94 km) to the SW (220°) from Campeche, Campeche, México.
Isobar details: The last closed isobar has a pressure of 1004 mb. (29.65 inHg | 1004 hPa) The radius of the last closed isobar is 200 nautical miles (230 miles | 370 kilometers).
Radius of Max Winds: 20 nautical miles (23 miles | 37 kilometers)
System Depth: Deep


WeatherNut
(Weather Master)
Mon Jun 28 2010 12:56 AM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

They confirmed 991mb pressure and 47mph winds...so looks like it is a TS again

TheOtherRick
(Weather Watcher)
Mon Jun 28 2010 01:06 AM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

This thing is a lot more impressive leaving the land than when it entered it.

Hugh
(Senior Storm Chaser)
Mon Jun 28 2010 01:07 AM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

47 mph? Is that sfc or fl?

Either way, it's enough to upgrade... but that would be a big jump at the surface.


Storm Hunter
(Veteran Storm Chaser)
Mon Jun 28 2010 01:16 AM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

00z data did go with TS Alex. Recon is making second pass and prolly last pass on center as i write this.

Alex 00z data:

...INITIAL CONDITIONS...
LATCUR = 19.2N LONCUR = 91.1W DIRCUR = 300DEG SPDCUR = 7KT
LATM12 = 18.6N LONM12 = 90.1W DIRM12 = 299DEG SPDM12 = 9KT
LATM24 = 17.5N LONM24 = 88.1W
WNDCUR = 35KT RMAXWD = 20NM WNDM12 = 30KT
CENPRS = 991MB OUTPRS = 1004MB OUTRAD = 200NM SDEPTH = D
RD34NE = 150NM RD34SE = 20NM RD34SW = 20NM RD34NW = 60NM


Storm Hunter
(Veteran Storm Chaser)
Mon Jun 28 2010 01:35 AM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

recon recent pass shows flight level center... sw of last fix... 10 miles or so... but winds seemed to have increased... i saw a peak SMRF of 56mph... alot of SMFR winds in 45-50 mph range to the ene of COC...

mwillis
(Weather Hobbyist)
Mon Jun 28 2010 01:39 AM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

Is this a new recon report? winds are higher than last?
This is only first part of the message


Storm ALEX: Observed By Air Force #304
Storm #01 in Atlantic Ocean
Maximum Flight Level Winds Were 42KT (48.3mph 77.8km/h) In N Quadrant At 23:19:50Z
Estimated Max Surface Winds 37.8KT (43.5mph 70.0km/h) *
Misc Remarks: SLP EXTRAP FROM 925 MB ;
Date/Time of Recon Report: Sunday, June 27, 2010 9:12:00 PM (Mon, 28 Jun 2010 01:12:00 UTC)


MikeCAdministrator
(Admin)
Mon Jun 28 2010 02:32 AM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

Forward motion of Alex has really slowed down a lot, to be almost stationary.

Hugh
(Senior Storm Chaser)
Mon Jun 28 2010 02:35 AM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

Quote:

Forward motion of Alex has really slowed down a lot, to be almost stationary.




Maybe it's waiting for the trough to arrive to pick it up?

Actually, wasn't it supposed to move QUICKER, not SLOWER?


MikeCAdministrator
(Admin)
Mon Jun 28 2010 02:40 AM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW

Still about 7MPH according to NHC, there is a new main page article.

typhoon_tip
(Meteorologist)
Mon Jun 28 2010 02:42 AM
Re: Alex Continues Toward The WNW


Agreed, closed to stationary.. Also, noting some some impressively cold cloud top eruptions now closer to the center.



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