Tropical Storm Ophelia
* TD Sixteen has been upgraded to Tropical Storm Ophelia overnight. Right now it has windspeeds of 40 mph and is slowly becoming better organized. The computer model guidance continues to do a number of things with Ophelia. The official forecast track from NHC has it hanging around off the east coast of Florida through the weekend.
Some models want to take it further out east into the Atlantic while others are having it do a loop back across Florida and then into the Gulf of Mexico.
The simple statement here is that Ophelia does not want to move and will not move much for several days, and until she does, it is hard to know exactly where it will go.
We will certainly be watching this one closely!
As for our weather today? Another beautiful day with highs in the upper 80s to near 90 and a comfortable breeze out of the NE.
Have a great day!
Tropics are Hot
* Very active weather continuing in the wake of historic Hurricane Katrina. I have heard a lot of bad information floating around out there about what's formed and a storm moving in our direction. We want to clear up all the rumors...Here's a rundown on what is out there and how it will impact us...
Tropical Storm Maria - just downgraded from hurricane status. This will continue curving out to sea over the open Atlantic, and will not impact the US mainland.
Tropical Storm Nate - moving very slowly and strengthening gradually. This will likely become a hurricane in the next day or two. It, like Maria, is expected to curve out to sea - also not a threat to us here.
Tropical Depression Sixteen - this one bears watching. Right now, it's in the formative stages and is located off the southeast coast of Florida. It will likely be upgraded to Tropical Storm Ophelia sometime during the next 24-36 hours. Its' forecast track is rather uncertain. There is some chance this could cross Florida and get into the Gulf of Mexico. Or, it could move into the Mid-Atlantic, well north of us. The official NHC track takes it into the east coast of Florida, near Jacksonville. We will watch this system like a hawk over the next few days.
* Was nice to rest and get away for the weekend. Thanks to all of you for your kind words of encouragement...They really go a long way...
* More tomorrow...
TD Sixteen
* Tropical Depression Sixteen has formed just to the east of Florida. At this time it is nearly stationary and the steering patterns are very weak. Although the NHC Official Forecast takes Sixteen north-northwest along the coast before eventual landfall, it must be stressed that with weak steering patterns Sixteen could do what it wants.
* It is expected to become TS Ophelia later today or tomorrow as it sits over the warm waters of the Gulf Stream in the Atlantic Ocean. This one will certainly bear watching!
* TS Nate is strengthening rapidly and should become a Hurricane soon but its moving away from the US. Hurricane Maria is slowly weakening as it moves well away from the US.
