MikeCAdministrator
(Admin)
Tue Jul 26 2011 11:11 AM
90L One to Watch in Yucatan, Western Gulf

2:00 PM CST Update 27July 2011
90L has nearly a 100% chance to develop in the next 48 hours, more likely when the aircraft recon plane currently en route finds a circulation center.

Since landfall is expected around Friday night, it is very likely Tropical Storm or Hurricane Watches could be issued for Texas as early as the first advisory of the system.

Those along the Texas coastline (particularly south Texas from Matagorda southward into Northeastern Mexico) may need to enact plans tomorrow, so listen closely to local media and officials if and when watches/warnings are issued.


7:00 AM EST Update 27July 2011
The wave in the Northwestern Caribbean (90L), inow with a 70% chance for development in the next 48 hours, may develop today when aircraft recon verify it.

It appears to be moving west northwest and may cross over the tip of the Yucatan peninsula tonight, beyond that it has a chance to affect the western Gulf coast.

I would not recommend using the models to guide any particular future track at present, with the relatively small size of the system and lack of recon data, it appears models are all a bit too far north. Those in the Gulf coast from Corpus Christi/Matagorda southward into Northeastern Mexico are still in the highest probability for some affects with this system. If you are there, better review your preparation plans.

It is still too early to be any more specific than that because of the small size. Those further north into Western Louisiana will want to monitor it also, in case a weakness in the ridge forms.



For track, the single largest factor will be the ridge, any any weaknesses, it is expected that the ridge strengthens, keeping the system more westward than north. This lessens the chance for further north in the Gulf/Texas greatly. It is still worth watching for those until official advisories and forecasts on the system are made, however.

If it does develop, it will likely become Tropical Storm Don, and has a shot, with marginally favorable conditions, to become a hurricane. Given the usual methods, it could become a strong tropical storm, or Category 1/2 hurricane. There always exists the possibility in the Gulf for rapid intensification, and is a worry with smaller systems (They can rise and fall quickly) So it will need to be monitored closely for that, but that is not likely in this case since there is still a bit of dry air in the southern Gulf.

For now Cancun Yucatan will be dealing with some nasty weather and rain today, but nothing terrible. How much it organizes today will be limited on if it crosses the tip of the Yucatan or not.

Northeast Mexico, and the Texas coastline will want to monitor for official statements when/if this system forms. Based on current information, landfall timeline is Friday evening.

Cancun radar recording of 90L approach

Webcam Recording: Cancun Beach Palace roof looking north northeast along the beach.

{{StormCarib}}

{{StormLinks|TD#4|04|4|2011|1|TD#4}}

{{TexasGulfRadar}}

7:45 PM EST Update 26 July 2011

The wave in the northwestern Caribbean continues to look better into the evening, but still lacks a defined low level circulation, if one to form it could develop within the next 48 hours. The national hurricane center gives the system a 40% chance for development, and barring a definite center forming overnight, it is unlikely to be upgraded until recon aircraft verify this during scheduled for a mission tomorrow, reach it.

Those in the extreme northern Yucatan in Mexco, and South Texas from Corpus Christi/Matagorda southward into Northeastern Mexico still need to continue to watch this system very closely, and those in the rest of the northwest Gulf should monitor it as well.


Original Update
90L may not be over, it is still worth watching.

With the wave dealing with land interaction the last few days, development chances were about nil (For the near term that the hurricane center keeps odds on, 48 hours). However, since the wave seems to be organizing in the Caribbean south of Cuba, and generally heading west, or slightly north of west, chances are rising again

Negative factors include some dry air, a short term upper level low to the west, and current lack of a defined low level circulation, but on the other hand shear is not really a factor, and will be less so as time goes on this week. The Upper level disturbance will likely dissipate before the end of the day, so that negative factor will likely disappear too.

As for the wave itself and the National Hurricane Center, during the day development chances will likely rise, and if the convection continues to persist like it is in the northwest Caribbean, it could even develop before approaches the Yucatan in the northwest Caribbean.




Which means, for those in the Yucatan (Around Cancun/Cozumel), Northeast Mexico, and south Texas (south of Corpus Christi), watch this system closely.

It will likely pass over the Yucatan briefly, and then into the southern Gulf, with northern Mexico the most likely place to eventually deal with it. It will bring quite a bit of rain areas it passes over. Most likely on Friday. Intensity is difficult to gauge with the Yucatan, warm water, dry air, and Northwestern Caribbean, so it could range from a nice rainstorm to a named system. Since the potential is there for that, those in the Yucatan, Northeast Mexico, and South Texas will want to watch this closely this week.

The zone in the Northwestern Caribbean is known for very favorable waters for developing systems, and this wave will be moving over part of that.



MikeCAdministrator
(Admin)
Tue Jul 26 2011 04:04 PM
Re: Wave in the Caribbean, Part II

Bouy observations are starting to signal possible low level development, it's starting to seem like development chances are going up. Being in a prime location (northwest Caribbean) for development is a concern. The NHC will likely raise chances at 2PM, and Hurricane Hunter aircraft are scheduled for tomorrow.

Those in northern Mexico and south Texas (Corpus Christi South) please watch this system closely for Friday.

How much it develops before it gets to the Yucatan may signal how much of a threat it could be to your area.

Tomorrow we'll probably turn on Cancun radar recording.


danielwAdministrator
(Moderator)
Tue Jul 26 2011 05:51 PM
Re: Wave in the Caribbean, Part II

I see a ship report of WNW at 29mph, pressure 29.85in, near 20.1N/ 83.6W.
This position is in the SW Quadrant of the disturbance.
Winds are currently from the SE at 16mph at Punta Del Este, Isla De La Juventud, 21.5N/ 82.5W.
This would be the NE Quadrant.


doug
(Weather Analyst)
Tue Jul 26 2011 06:10 PM
Re: Wave in the Caribbean, Part II

It has been my opinion that the lower level clouds have shown a cyclonic motion since yesterday along and near 20.0N and moving west. I just checked NRL and the latest picture they have is focused on 20.0N 83W, for what ever that is worth. The Drorak loop also reflects that too.

danielwAdministrator
(Moderator)
Tue Jul 26 2011 06:17 PM
Re: Wave in the Caribbean, Part II

I saw the same thing on the GHCC satellite site. Lower clouds are moving in a cyclonic motion. While the upper level high, thin cirrus are moving anticyclonic.
This would be somewhat favorable for development. I do think there is a low pressure trough line that extends to the south of the disturbance. Based on converging winds. This could be the lower tropical wave. I'm not an expert by any means.

Latest frame from Cuban radar.


Copyright © 1997-2011. INSMET ®


MikeCAdministrator
(Admin)
Tue Jul 26 2011 08:19 PM
Re: Wave in the Caribbean, Part II

Based on a few emails I have to reiterate, this system has not developed, yet. And hype and speculation is not what we do here (with the exception of the lounge). Currently with the wave in the northwest Caribbean it is important for those that could be affected to watch, but there is nothing to get worked up over yet.

If you have done the usual hurricane preparations for the season (see www.onestorm.org for more on that) then there is not much to do but watch to see what will happen over the next few days. Especially with a system that has not developed as of yet.

Those in Texas dealing with drought conditions could use some rain, but not a dangerous system.

Those from Corpus/Matagorda Bay southward into northeastern Mexico should be watching this closely, and those in the rest of the Texas and Gulf coasts should monitor it as well, but there is nothing suggesting any action other than usual preparations at this time.


MikeCAdministrator
(Admin)
Tue Jul 26 2011 11:51 PM
Re: Wave in the Caribbean, Part II

I went ahead and started the Cancun radar recording:
Cancun radar recording of 90L approach


danielwAdministrator
(Moderator)
Wed Jul 27 2011 12:30 PM
90L in the Yucatan Channel

Best web cam I can find, so far. This appears to be from the Cancun Omni Hotel roof looking NNE along the beach.



http://www.webcamcancun.com

Notice the lack of wave action in the Caribbean on the right and the Laguna Nichupte' on the left.

Same web camera 30 minutes later.



MikeCAdministrator
(Admin)
Wed Jul 27 2011 12:36 PM
Re: Wave in the Caribbean, Part II

The 8AM Tropical Weather outlook picked up on a possible center trying to form on the Cancun Radar about 50 miles northeast of Cancun, MX. The recon plane is scheduled to go out at 11:30 AM this morning, so if it continues, first advisory is likely to come this afternoon, unless Cancun radar/Satellite evidence is strong enough to support it earlier (which is borderline).

Actually dvorak T numbers are up to 1.5, so there is a good chance that this system may start advisories at 11, before the plane gets there.



WesnWylie
(Weather Guru)
Wed Jul 27 2011 12:39 PM
Re: Wave in the Caribbean, Part II

Here is a really good visible satellite image of 90L heading into the Gulf of Mexico. It looks very good on satellite, even infrared. I believe it has taken, at least a temporary, movement toward the west-northwest/northwest. I think it will skim by the Yucatan. http://climate.cod.edu/data/satellite/2km/Gulf_Mexico/current/Gulf_Mexico.vis.gif

MikeCAdministrator
(Admin)
Wed Jul 27 2011 12:47 PM
Re: 90L in the Yucatan Channel

Quote:

Best web cam I can find, so far. This appears to be from the Cancun Omni Hotel roof looking NNE along the beach.




I've got that recording now (currently on 3 minute intervals):


danielwAdministrator
(Moderator)
Wed Jul 27 2011 01:11 PM
Re: Wave in the Caribbean, Part II

Quote:

Here is a really good visible satellite image of 90L heading into the Gulf of Mexico.




Nice shot! Notice the curved lines to the NW of the Yucatan Peninsula. That appears to be the leading edge of the Tropical Wave. Waiting on a few more frames to see what it's doing.
Or it's the beginning of a surface low with a mid level center displaced to the south. I'll go with the former for now.



danielwAdministrator
(Moderator)
Wed Jul 27 2011 01:22 PM
Re: 90L in the Yucatan Channel




I've got that recording now (currently on 3 minute intervals):




Mike that is really nice. It's Almost better than radar!


MikeCAdministrator
(Admin)
Wed Jul 27 2011 01:29 PM
Re: 90L in the Yucatan Channel

Quote:




I've got that recording now (currently on 3 minute intervals):




Mike that is really nice. It's Almost better than radar!




I just bumped it to the max I can do (1 minute intervals) while the apparent center is nearest to Cancun.

Also: It's the roof of the Beach Palace Cancun, which I updated to reflect


WesnWylie
(Weather Guru)
Wed Jul 27 2011 01:57 PM
Re: Wave in the Caribbean, Part II

I agree. I think the circulation to the NE of the Yucatan is the LLC. It appears to be moving toward the west-northwest. If this is the surface low, it has got some work to do to fill in the northern side of the developing system.

danielwAdministrator
(Moderator)
Wed Jul 27 2011 02:03 PM
Re: Wave in the Caribbean, Part II

RECON scheduled to depart at 11:30 AM EDT this morning with arrival near 1:30 PM EDT.

CARCAH, NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER, MIAMI, FL.
1030 AM EDT TUE 26 JULY 2011
SUBJECT: TROPICAL CYCLONE PLAN OF THE DAY (TCPOD)
VALID 27/1100Z TO 28/1100Z JULY 2011
TCPOD NUMBER.....11-056

I. ATLANTIC REQUIREMENTS
1. SUSPECT AREA (NEAR TIP OF YUCATAN)
FLIGHT ONE -- TEAL 70
A. 27/1800Z
B. AFXXX 01DDA INVEST
C. 27/1530Z
D. 22.0N 87.0W
E. 27/1730Z TO 27/2130Z
F. SFC TO 10,000 FT

2. OUTLOOK FOR SUCCEEDING DAY: BEGIN 6-HRLY FIXES
AT 28/1200Z NEAR 23.0N 91.5W IF SYSTEM DEVELOPS.


doug
(Weather Analyst)
Wed Jul 27 2011 02:24 PM
Re: 90L in the Yucatan Channel

Good call on the location of the developing circulation center. This is a very interseting set up, with a sharp trough pushing down over Florida to its northeast.. Some of the convective activity on the east of the system seems to be influenced by that , which will only serve to retard development of a larger system in the short term. I think all that and the ridge to the north are supposed to pull out a bit today and perhaps, if the center can remain over water, the system will pull together a bt more.

MikeCAdministrator
(Admin)
Wed Jul 27 2011 02:41 PM
Re: 90L in the Yucatan Channel

22.0N 86.6W is probably the best guess for a center right now, on the northern side of all the cloud cover.
it's probably good enough to upgrade now, but recon will verify it. If it is forming further north well into the straits, then it opens up a bit of speculation on future track.


Wingman51
(Weather Guru)
Wed Jul 27 2011 03:28 PM
Re: 90L in the Yucatan Channel

Fascinating to see the cloud direction shift and show some banding - - great photo progression

WesnWylie
(Weather Guru)
Wed Jul 27 2011 04:21 PM
Re: 90L in the Yucatan Channel

The NWS in Houston/Galveston, TX stated in their AFD at 11:05 AM CDT that RECON was flying (more likely approaching) into 90L. Does anyone happen to know what are the max. sustained winds they are reporting?

danielwAdministrator
(Moderator)
Wed Jul 27 2011 04:56 PM
Re: 90L in the Yucatan Channel

They are supposed to be airborne right now. I've checked my email and multiple other sites for data and I don't see any.

No mention of a mission being scrubbed either.


MikeCAdministrator
(Admin)
Wed Jul 27 2011 05:35 PM
Re: 90L in the Yucatan Channel

It looks as if recon took off, then turned around and went back. Not sure why at the moment.

danielwAdministrator
(Moderator)
Wed Jul 27 2011 05:45 PM
Re: 90L in the Yucatan Channel

Strange, They were tasked with an 18Z center fix.
At the turn around they were 150 miles offshore at 1730.

I haven't seen the first HDOB from the aircraft. Stealth mode?

edit danielw ~ AF 300 is inbound. 17:18:00Z 28.550N 89.483W


JordanBell
(Registered User)
Wed Jul 27 2011 05:53 PM
Re: 90L in the Yucatan Channel

What is the best site to live track the flights. I am looking for path with meteorological data.

MikeCAdministrator
(Admin)
Wed Jul 27 2011 05:58 PM
Re: 90L in the Yucatan Channel

Quote:

What is the best site to live track the flights. I am looking for path with meteorological data.




Right now, probably http://tropicalatlantic.com/home/ more specifically http://tropicalatlantic.com/recon/


JordanBell
(Registered User)
Wed Jul 27 2011 06:01 PM
Re: 90L in the Yucatan Channel

Thank you! Literally after I posted that, the .kmz file from that site started working.

doug
(Weather Analyst)
Wed Jul 27 2011 06:44 PM
Re: 90L in the Yucatan Channel

the system looks like it is taking a hit, and does not look as well organized as it did this morning.

Hawkeyewx
(Weather Analyst)
Wed Jul 27 2011 06:52 PM
Re: 90L in the Yucatan Channel

Recon will likely find a TD when they arrive shortly. The system has a well-defined center, but it has been struggling with dry air in its northern half. Latest vis loop shows it trying to pull some moisture up the east side, but it's a slow process.

doug
(Weather Analyst)
Wed Jul 27 2011 07:04 PM
Re: 90L in the Yucatan Channel

Briefly, The system is showing the convection associated near the circulation center that was visualized on the Cancun radar has been diminished. There seems to be an infusion of dry air from the NE probably attributable to the trough there. The recon was to fix a center, and if they turned around, then an inference exists that the satellite presentation suggests that there is no center to fix. Hence they cancelled the mission. That is my take on the current situation.

hogrunr
(Weather Guru)
Wed Jul 27 2011 07:06 PM
Re: 90L in the Yucatan Channel

Recon is just really getting into the heart of the system right now. They should be in the process of trying to fix the center.

OK, make that 1006.4mb and 32.2 mph surface winds at 21.933N 86.933W


doug
(Weather Analyst)
Wed Jul 27 2011 07:09 PM
Re: 90L in the Yucatan Channel

Ok, If the mission was not cancelled then my bad. ( I was under the impression from reading above it was). The system is not as impressive as earlier either way.

Hawkeyewx
(Weather Analyst)
Wed Jul 27 2011 07:15 PM
Re: 90L in the Yucatan Channel

Recon finding a central pressure in the 1007-1009mb range with 35-40 kt west wind at flight level on the south side where the convection is. They didn't find much wind at all on the naked northwest side as they flew in. Definitely a TD.

MikeCAdministrator
(Admin)
Wed Jul 27 2011 07:15 PM
Re: 90L in the Yucatan Channel

Quote:

Ok, If the mission was not cancelled then my bad. ( I was under the impression from reading above it was). The system is not as impressive as earlier either way.


'

From what I could tell it was likely mechanical trouble, they headed back and then left out again not too long later, they are approaching the "center" right now.


danielwAdministrator
(Moderator)
Wed Jul 27 2011 07:32 PM
Recon

At the second Inbound point: Center Fix Area

Coordinates: 22.0N 87.0W
Location: 60 miles (96 km) to the N (350°) from Cancún, Quintana Roo, México.

Flight Level Wind: From 270° at 31 knots (From the W at ~ 35.6 mph)
- The above is a spot wind.
- Winds were obtained using doppler radar or inertial systems.

Estimated Surface Wind: From 250° at 25 knots (From the WSW at ~ 28.7 mph)


MikeCAdministrator
(Admin)
Wed Jul 27 2011 07:33 PM
Re: 90L in the Yucatan Channel

Tropical Depression #4 is pending (best track), looking from recon data so far, it's enough to support a Tropical Depression, but not quite storm (although it's borderline). Advisories should begin fairly soon (by 5PM EDT at the latest).

It is possible for the first advisory to be a Tropical Storm, if more recon data comes in that supports it.

Late Edit: The latest pass of recon is enough to make it Don, it's up to the NHC to make the call though.


danielwAdministrator
(Moderator)
Wed Jul 27 2011 07:49 PM
Re: 90L in the Yucatan Channel

MARINE WEATHER DISCUSSION
NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL
300 PM EDT WED JUL 27 2011

MARINE WEATHER DISCUSSION FOR THE GULF OF MEXICO...CARIBBEAN SEA
AND TROPICAL N ATLC...AND SOUTHWEST NORTH ATLC S OF 31N W OF 55W.

GULF OF MEXICO...
NORTHERN EXTENT OF TROPICAL WAVE MOVING INTO S CENTRAL GULF WITH
ASSOCIATED DEVELOPING SFC LOW JUST OFF NE TIP OF YUCATAN
PENINSULA...MOVING NW AROUND 10 KT. SEVERAL SHIP OBS THIS
MORNING ACROSS YUCATAN CHANNEL WITH 20 KT. SATELLITE SIGNATURE
CONTINUES TO IMPROVE AND CANCUN RADAR NOW SHOWING IMPROVED
BANDING AND THIS FEATURE LIKELY TO BECOME A TROPICAL CYCLONE
SOON.
HURRICANE RECON CURRENTLY INVESTIGATING SYSTEM. MODEL
GUIDANCE ALL MOVES THIS LOW OFF TO THE NW AND INLAND ACROSS
TEXAS OR NEAR TEXAS-MEXICO BORDER BY 72 HRS. WITH LIGHT WINDS
ALOFT AND WARM SST'S THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR INTENSIFICATION
INTO A STRONG T.S. BUT CURRENTLY SHIPS GUIDANCE BRINGS THIS
SYSTEM TO 66 KT AT 72 HRS AS IT MOVES INLAND.

HOWEVER...THAT
BEING SAID...WE ALL KNOW HOW QUICKLY GULF SYSTEMS CAN BLOW UP SO
CAUTION IS ADVISED WITH THIS FORECAST.

REFER TO LATEST
STATEMENTS FROM NHC WEB SITE.

THUS FAR THIS APPEARS TO HAVE A
SMALL INNER CORE WITH STRONGEST WINDS LIKELY TO INITIALLY REMAIN
WITHIN 60 NM OF CENTER. CURRENT OFFSHORE AND HighSeasForecast DO NOT ADDRESS
A TROPICAL CYCLONE AND WILL HAVE TO BE ADJUSTED UPWARDS.
USED
ECMWF WINDS AND WAVES TO NUDGE FORECAST AS THIS TRAJECTORY WAS
MORE IN LINE WITH INITIAL TC FORECASTS.


WeatherNut
(Weather Master)
Wed Jul 27 2011 07:56 PM
Re: 90L in the Yucatan Channel

Its now listed as 04L so they've up it to a depression

danielwAdministrator
(Moderator)
Wed Jul 27 2011 08:14 PM
Re: 90L in the Yucatan Channel

I believe this will be in the SE Quadrant. If the NE Quadrant comes in with higher wind speeds, which is normal, they might go straight to Tropical Storm Don.

Peak (10s) Flt. Lvl. Wind: 37 knots (~ 42.5 mph)
SFMR Peak (10s) Sfc. Wind: 48 knots* (~ 55.2 mph*)
SFMR Rain Rate: 15 mm/hr* (~ 0.59 in/hr*)

Data courtesy of tropicalatlantic.com and google.com


MikeCAdministrator
(Admin)
Wed Jul 27 2011 08:17 PM
Re: 90L in the Yucatan Channel

Pressure from recon 1000.9 mb, borderline TS/TD. It would be splitting hairs at either call by the NHC.

WesnWylie
(Weather Guru)
Wed Jul 27 2011 08:20 PM
Re: 90L in the Yucatan Channel

90L has definitely become a Tropical Depression with the NRL page showing Tropical Cyclone Four, but it will be interesting to see if the NHC goes ahead and increases it to a Tropical Storm for the 4:00 PM CDT update. TD 4 is looking very good on satellite.

MikeCAdministrator
(Admin)
Wed Jul 27 2011 08:25 PM
Re: 90L in the Yucatan Channel

Early word is it's Don at 5, going with that for now. Need to verify this though.

danielwAdministrator
(Moderator)
Wed Jul 27 2011 08:37 PM
Re: 90L in the Yucatan Channel

For those of you viewing the Recon through tropicalatlantic.com
Try using the googleearth link here. It's much faster and updates better.

http://tropicalatlantic.com/recon/live/


Ed DunhamAdministrator
(Former Meteorologist & CFHC Forum Moderator (Ed Passed Away on May 14, 2017))
Wed Jul 27 2011 08:39 PM
Re: 90L in the Yucatan Channel

Initial Vortex Message:

Vortex Data Message
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


000
URNT12 KNHC 272032
VORTEX DATA MESSAGE AL902011
A. 27/20:01:40Z
B. 22 deg 08 min N
086 deg 49 min W
C. NA
D. 29 kt
E. 336 deg 26 nm
F. 101 deg 34 kt
G. 329 deg 25 nm
H. EXTRAP 1001 mb
I. 22 C / 313 m
J. 26 C / 348 m
K. 16 C / NA
L. NA
M. NA
N. 12345 / 01
O. 0.02 / 3 nm
P. AF300 01DDA INVEST OB 09
MAX FL WIND 34 KT NW QUAD 19:49:40Z
SLP EXTRAP FROM BELOW 1500 FT

ED


danielwAdministrator
(Moderator)
Wed Jul 27 2011 09:22 PM
Re: 90L in the Yucatan Channel

New Thread for Tropical Storm Don is up.

Please post there.



Note: This is NOT an official page. It is run by weather hobbyists and should not be used as a replacement for official sources. 
CFHC's main servers are currently located at Hostdime.com in Orlando, FL.
Image Server Network thanks to Mike Potts and Amazon Web Services. If you have static file hosting space that allows dns aliasing contact us to help out! Some Maps Provided by:
Great thanks to all who donated and everyone who uses the site as well. Site designed for 800x600+ resolution
When in doubt, take the word of the National Hurricane Center