Dr. Jeff Masters' WunderBlog

Not a trace of Don; What's next?
Posted by: Dr. Jeff Masters, 7:41 PM GMT on July 30, 2011 +33
Don is dead

Tropical Storm Don, the fourth named storm of the 2011 season, made landfall near Baffin Bay, Texas yesterday evening around 10pm CDT in less-than-grand fashion. The storm was looking very weak for the 24 hours before landfall, but fizzled rapidly after landfall, and by early Saturday morning, there was barely a trace of the storm to show that it even existed in the first place.

NHC Hurricane Specialist Eric Blake probably said it best in this mornings 5am EDT discussion on the storm:

THE DON IS DEAD. THE CYCLONE LITERALLY EVAPORATED OVER TEXAS ABOUT
AS FAST AS I HAVE EVER SEEN WITHOUT MOUNTAINS INVOLVED. DON HAS NO
CONVECTION...MEAGER RAINFALL...AND ONLY A SLIGHT SIGNATURE IN
SURFACE OBSERVATIONS AND RADAR DATA. THEREFORE...THIS IS THE LAST
ADVISORY ON THIS SYSTEM.


Figure 1. Total precipitation accumulation for the storm, estimated by radar.

The heaviest rainfall was falling south of the storm's center yesterday, so it wasn't surprising that Brownsville saw the most rain, 0.63 inches. KBRO also recorded 18 mph wind gusts. But to the north of the center, where many of the media were located, not a drop of rain fell. Corpus Christi saw zero inches of rain, but did record gale-force wind gusts (39 mph). Harlingen, near Baffin Bay, and close to where the center made landfall, saw 0.20 inches of rain and 18 mph wind gusts. This storm did very, very little to relieve any drought conditions in Southern Texas. And so it continues.

What's next: Invest 91L continues to impress

Invest 91L, which is located near 12°N 48°W in the central Atlantic, continues to impress today, and has shown signs of more organization over the past 24 hours. 91L will probably develop into a tropical cyclone before it reaches the Lesser Antilles, so residents of these islands should remain watchful and prepared. Satellite loops show not only organized thunderstorm activity, but also the makings of a surface circulation. Something this wave has working against it right now is dry air—there's a large mass of Saharan air on the north and east sides of the system, which could at least prevent significant intensification. Also, University of Wisconsin CIMSS analysis shows some strong wind shear (30-40 knots) to the north of the wave. However, I don't expect this to prevent development of the wave. Wind shear out ahead of the system is relatively low (5-15 knots). Moisture is plenty high within the system, and sea surface temperatures are warm and toasty (28°C+) and will only get warmer as 91L moves west into the Caribbean.


Figure 2. Infrared satellite of invest 91L taken at 1:15pm EDT today.

Forecast for 91L
Most of the reliable forecast models (GFS, CMC, FIM, and the ECMWF) have come to agree that 91L will develop, however, they differ on how long-lived that will be. Some of the models are suggesting it will be a short-lived tropical cyclone, not making it out of the Caribbean alive, and some suggest that it will hold together and intensify as it moves north of the Caribbean islands. The forecast track for the system will most likely be to the northwest through the Caribbean, at which point it will take a northeast turn near the Bahamas, never reaching the U.S. coast. HWRF agrees with this track (and also brings the system to category 2 strength by August 3rd). However, there is still some uncertainty that the system could track west, south of the Caribbean islands, and potentially into the Gulf of Mexico. However, none of the models that suggest this solution actually show that the wave will be a tropical cyclone at that point.

The National Hurricane Center is giving this wave an 80% chance of developing into at least Tropical Depression Five over the next 48 hours. Chances are we will see Emily out of this system. A Hurricane Hunter mission is scheduled for tomorrow at 2pm EDT, but I wouldn't be totally surprised to see them call this system this evening, given the threat to the Lesser Antilles.

Watching a northwest Caribbean disturbance

A broad area of disturbed weather is producing some heavy thunderstorms in the northwest Caribbean, southeast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Little to no low-level circulation exists with this feature, and none of the models are picking up on it. The Hurricane Center has "blobbed" this item (as I like to say) with a "near 0%" chance of developing over the next 48 hours. This disturbance could cause major flooding in the region given the amount of thunderstorm activity, and predictability for systems like this (potential Bay of Cempeche tropical cyclones) is very low. Models have a short lead time on development, and they spin up very fast once they enter the Bay of Campeche given the favorable topography of the land surrounding it. The difference between this system, though, and one like Arlene, is that there is very, very little low level circulation already present. Pre-Arlene was a bit more organized before it crossed the Yucatan, and so it's hard to imagine that this disturbance will be able to hold together, should it get that far.

If 91L develops, I'll be back tomorrow with a post.

Angela
Categories: Hurricane
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5551. 1344 4:41 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Quoting jasonweatherman2011:
Levi32 is lying i watch his video he said invest 91L IS GOING OUT TO SEA!


Are you kidding me?
Member Since: August 13, 2009 Posts: 1 Comments: 72
5552. scott39 4:41 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Barbados is the first land 91L will go over.
Member Since: June 13, 2009 Posts: 0 Comments: 6221
5553. Tazmanian 4:41 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Quoting JRRP:

ahora si te la ganaste...
eres el segundo que pongo en mi lista de ignorados



and Quoteing him is not helping
Member Since: May 21, 2006 Posts: 5089 Comments: 111615
5554. Tazmanian 4:42 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Quoting Levi32:


Watch it again and please stop putting words in my mouth. I'll have to ignore you if you don't.



lol do it now and get it done and overe with
Member Since: May 21, 2006 Posts: 5089 Comments: 111615
5555. nofailsafe 4:42 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Quoting j2008:

If there is one thing ive learned, its that Levi doesnt say something unless he thinks its true. I don't agree with what he says sometimes, but I always respect those observations and analysis. Jason you would be wise to do the same.


1+
Member Since: June 18, 2010 Posts: 3 Comments: 852
5556. Levi32 4:42 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Quoting scott39:
Barbados is the first land 91L will go over.


It's already north of Barbados' latitude. A direct hit is pretty unlikely.
Member Since: November 24, 2005 Posts: 593 Comments: 25604
5557. ProgressivePulse 4:42 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Quoting MississippiWx:
Way too close for comfort:




LOL, I thought you we're being sarcastic. The last image showed it east of Bermuda. Bad day in Jupiter for sure.
Member Since: August 19, 2005 Posts: 5 Comments: 4443
5559. j2008 4:43 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Quoting BenBIogger:
Nice seeing the overnight crew doing well.

91L is nearing TD status and should become Emily by Monday afternoon.

I fully agree, It should be back up to 100%, and then at the 5Am It will stay 100%, at 11PM it will be TD 5 or TS Emily.
Member Since: December 19, 2008 Posts: 1 Comments: 212
5560. Gearsts 4:43 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Quoting jasonweatherman2011:
Levi32 is lying i watch his video he said invest 91L IS GOING OUT TO SEA!
Stop trolling
Member Since: August 2, 2010 Posts: 0 Comments: 2143
5561. wxhatt 4:43 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Quoting jasonweatherman2011:
STOP LYING U SAY IT IN YOUR VIDEO.


Jason, if anyone has 'any' inconsistencies on this blog it's you!
Member Since: October 5, 2005 Posts: 2 Comments: 834
5562. texcane 4:43 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Quoting FrankZapper:
Would you please provide the blog with a list of your medications so we can better understand some of your posts.


Hilarious.
Member Since: August 24, 2010 Posts: 0 Comments: 15
5564. scott39 4:44 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Quoting Levi32:


It's already north of Barbados' latitude. A direct hit is pretty unlikely.
Im going off the current cordinates going due W.
Member Since: June 13, 2009 Posts: 0 Comments: 6221
5565. Levi32 4:44 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
I suggest we all press the ignore button and move on. I'm not about to have my evening ruined like this.
Member Since: November 24, 2005 Posts: 593 Comments: 25604
5566. hurricanehunter27 4:44 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Stop quoting Jason plz i have him ingnore.
Member Since: July 22, 2010 Posts: 1 Comments: 3673
5567. Tazmanian 4:44 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Quoting wxhatt:


Jason, if anyone has 'any' inconsistencies on this blog it's you!


ah ah ah now the ending part was funny
Member Since: May 21, 2006 Posts: 5089 Comments: 111615
5568. Tazmanian 4:45 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Quoting hurricanehunter27:
Stop quoting Jason plz i have him ingnore.



same here and i got like 13 other names
Member Since: May 21, 2006 Posts: 5089 Comments: 111615
5569. Levi32 4:45 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Quoting scott39:
Im going off the current cordinates going due W.


Well, those coordinates were issued when the system was still a mess, and the consolidating center appears to be a decent way northeast of those coordinates now. New ones will be out in 90 minutes. It will be interesting to see where they put it.
Member Since: November 24, 2005 Posts: 593 Comments: 25604
5571. TampaSpin 4:47 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Quoting Levi32:
I suggest we all press the ignore button and move on. I'm not about to have my evening ruined like this.


Brother you gotta be a thick skin person in this blog. Ignore and move on.......you gave 2 examples of possiblities which is totally correct!
Member Since: September 2, 2007 Posts: 176 Comments: 19767
5572. Hurricanes12 4:47 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Levi, can you give us a small summary on the current look of 91L? It looks like it's trying to get it's act together. Does it have any atmospheric features hindering current development? When do you think it will be classified, if any classification at all?
Member Since: June 21, 2010 Posts: 0 Comments: 528
5573. scott39 4:47 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Quoting Levi32:


Well, those coordinates were issued when the system was still a mess, and the consolidating center appears to be a decent way northeast of those coordinates now. New ones will be out in 90 minutes. It will be interesting to see where they put it.
Yes it will. Do you think if its farther S like they have it now, that PR is in the clear?
Member Since: June 13, 2009 Posts: 0 Comments: 6221
5574. Gearsts 4:47 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Quoting Levi32:


Well, those coordinates were issued when the system was still a mess, and the consolidating center appears to be a decent way northeast of those coordinates now. New ones will be out in 90 minutes. It will be interesting to see where they put it.
Levy when do you think watches and warnings will go up?
Member Since: August 2, 2010 Posts: 0 Comments: 2143
5575. MississippiWx 4:48 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Quoting scott39:
Im going off the current cordinates going due W.


Well you definitely can go off the coordinates. However, I believe it has redeveloped/consolidated further NE.
Member Since: July 15, 2006 Posts: 14 Comments: 8889
5576. Levi32 4:48 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Quoting Gearsts:
Levy when do you think watches and warnings will go up?


The minute they classify it as a tropical depression or storm.
Member Since: November 24, 2005 Posts: 593 Comments: 25604
5577. nigel20 4:48 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Good night everyone.
Member Since: November 6, 2010 Posts: 2 Comments: 4888
5578. CapeCoralStorm 4:49 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
I have been lurking, same as i have since 2004, but felt compelled to comment tonight. 91L may be the most intriguing storm I have ever seen. Between the models struggling so bad, what happened today with the HH data not coming through, the 3 circulations, etc..etc.. Its truly amazing. I cant wait to see what ultimately becomes of it.

I also feel like due to the massive amount of confusion and uncertainty with 91L, that there is a very real chance of some location being caught off guard with a large storm knocking on the doorstep.

Finally, Jason, you need to calm down a little. The constant production of graphics and WOW! or, LOOK AT THIS! or OUT TO SEA! needs to stop. If you want people to see what you have to say, you need to chill or youll find yourself on the wrong end of a lot of ignore buttons.

Stay safe everyone.
Member Since: May 16, 2009 Posts: 0 Comments: 213
5579. texcane 4:49 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Quoting Tazmanian:
befor jasone drive you guys too nutes put him on Ignore and all his post will go a way and you have a happy life on the blog


Aren't you both one in the same? I have thought that for the past two years.
Member Since: August 24, 2010 Posts: 0 Comments: 15
5580. 7544 4:49 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
91l is getting it act togehther at this hour and fast looks like a strom is brewing sooner than u think nhc may go with back to near 100 % on the next two imo
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5581. TampaSpin 4:49 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Quoting scott39:
Yes it will. Do you think if its farther S like they have it now, that PR is in the clear?


Certainly not answering for Levi......but PR i believe is in the clear. Looks to move South of PR......the DR and Jam. is another story.
Member Since: September 2, 2007 Posts: 176 Comments: 19767
5582. ncstorm 4:49 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
I wish people would wake up and see who Jason really is..too many coincidences on this blog when a certain person comes on the blog..Freud would had a field day with what goes on in here..everyone have a good night..
Member Since: August 19, 2006 Posts: 7 Comments: 8844
5583. hcubed 4:49 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Quoting PcolaDan:


No idea, but I evacuated Biloxi.......the first time.

DOH!


I was stationed at Keesler. Headed to the shelter twice - the second on my birthday, no less...
Member Since: May 18, 2007 Posts: 288 Comments: 1639
5585. nigel20 4:50 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    

91L is looking better tonight.
Member Since: November 6, 2010 Posts: 2 Comments: 4888
5586. Levi32 4:50 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Quoting scott39:
Yes it will. Do you think if its farther S like they have it now, that PR is in the clear?


Not necessarily, and honestly, if they keep the coordinates farther south, I'll still disagree with them.
Member Since: November 24, 2005 Posts: 593 Comments: 25604
5587. Tazmanian 4:50 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
jasoniscoolman2010x
jasoniscoolman09
jasoncoolman2010xx
jasoniscoolman10
jasoniscoolman2010xx
jason2010xxxx
jasoniscoolman2010xo
jasoniscoolman2011xz
jasoncoolman2010zz
jasonweatherman2010
JasonWeather2012
jasonweather11
jasonweatherman2011


all so guys now that you have him or will be here is a list of 13 other of his names that you may want too add too your Ignore has he may bypass the one you this put on
Member Since: May 21, 2006 Posts: 5089 Comments: 111615
5589. hurricanehunter27 4:50 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Quoting Levi32:


The minute they classify it as a tropical depression or storm.
Levi, its seems that you have aquired a large following over the years! Seems that you one of the few long time bloggers left...
Member Since: July 22, 2010 Posts: 1 Comments: 3673
5590. VAbeachhurricanes 4:51 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Quoting ncstorm:
I wish people would wake up and see who Jason really is..too many coincidences on this blog when a certain person comes on the blog..Freud would had a field day with what goes on in here..everyone have a good night..


who is jason?
Member Since: September 6, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 4878
5591. GTcooliebai 4:51 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Quoting Levi32:


It's already north of Barbados' latitude. A direct hit is pretty unlikely.
Hey Levi, I forgot to thank you for your response to the question I had about the NOGAPS model earlier. Keep up the good work man, I really appreciate reading your analysis and observations here on this blog :)
Member Since: August 31, 2009 Posts: 0 Comments: 5455
5592. ryang 4:51 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Levi, do u think a TS warning would be required for Barbados? Or is the system already too far north?
Member Since: August 25, 2006 Posts: 329 Comments: 12340
5593. Levi32 4:52 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Quoting hurricanehunter27:
Levi, its seems that you have aquired a large following over the years! Seems that you one of the few long time bloggers left...


I'm saddened that so many long-timers have left. I can understand why, though.
Member Since: November 24, 2005 Posts: 593 Comments: 25604
5594. JRRP 4:53 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
even better
Member Since: August 16, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 4358
5595. Levi32 4:53 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Quoting ryang:
Levi, do u think a TS warning would be required for Barbados? Or is the system already too far north?


I think it's too far north. Even if it makes a close pass, the westerly winds that will develop soon south of the center will take a while to get up to TS-force. All of the TS winds will be north of the center initially.
Member Since: November 24, 2005 Posts: 593 Comments: 25604
5596. Tazmanian 4:54 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Quoting Tazmanian:
jasoniscoolman2010x
jasoniscoolman09
jasoncoolman2010xx
jasoniscoolman10
jasoniscoolman2010xx
jason2010xxxx
jasoniscoolman2010xo
jasoniscoolman2011xz
jasoncoolman2010zz
jasonweatherman2010
JasonWeather2012
jasonweather11
jasonweatherman2011


all so guys now that you have him or will be here is a list of 13 other of his names that you may want too add too your Ignore has he may bypass the one you this put on
Member Since: May 21, 2006 Posts: 5089 Comments: 111615
5597. MississippiWx 4:54 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Much better looking vorticity associated with 91L. Not only is it less elongated, but it's much more stacked than earlier today when the 500mb vort was off to the east of the 850mb vort.

850mb:



500mb:



Also, this doesn't imply that 91L is sheared. I saw a post a couple of pages back that mentioned the convection we are seeing is associated with the mid-level circulation and that the actual surface circulation was further SW. That is incorrect as the system is stacked all the way through to 500mb.
Member Since: July 15, 2006 Posts: 14 Comments: 8889
5598. scott39 4:55 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Quoting Levi32:


Not necessarily, and honestly, if they keep the coordinates farther south, I'll still disagree with them.
I dont understand enough to know why you will disagree with them, although I do respect your call. You have taught me alot on here, and I look forward to learning more.
Member Since: June 13, 2009 Posts: 0 Comments: 6221
5599. hurricanehunter27 4:55 AM GMT on August 01, 2011    
Quoting Levi32:


I'm saddened that so many long-timers have left. I can understand why, though.
So am I. I remeber reading your guys post when i was 10 and 11, could not understand most of it but it got me intrested and thats all i needed to encourage me to learn.
Member Since: July 22, 2010 Posts: 1 Comments: 3673

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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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