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
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3601. Tazmanian 7:55 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Quoting jonelu:

Arlene? Was that June? My bad... Thanks for the correction.


nop late june going in too july
Member Since: May 21, 2006 Posts: 5088 Comments: 111359
3602. PRZEDCASTER 7:55 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Quoting TORMENTOSO83:
This invest91L will not affect PR as any tropical cyclone


THANKS !!!
3603. tiggeriffic 7:56 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Quoting Tazmanian:
3594. TORMENTOSO83 12:53 PM PDT on July 31, 2011 +0 Hide this comment.
This invest91L will not affect PR as any tropical cyclone


and POOF you go


just do it, you dont have to announce it...everyone knows who the trolls are
Member Since: September 16, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 3592
3604. hurricaneben 7:56 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
So classification of TD at 5 PM...or not?
Member Since: May 15, 2009 Posts: 330 Comments: 598
3605. washingtonian115 7:56 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Quoting GHOSTY1:


OR maybe they'll fix there differences and hug, creatiing one giant happy storm family! (and a happy ending for them but maybe not whoever they run into in the future)
Or maybe it'll out run future Emily and be a totally independent feature on it's own.The models were developing a system in the Carribean while developing Emily at the same time.Well who knows...
Member Since: August 14, 2010 Posts: 5 Comments: 10668
3606. jpsb 7:56 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Quoting GHOSTY1:


I never heard of one can you remember when a system like that happened before?
Last year, I think, maybe the year before last a HUGE TS in the GOM, sucked up a hurricane in the Pacific. Was pretty amazing to watch.
Member Since: June 30, 2009 Posts: 0 Comments: 578
3607. aspectre 7:57 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    

11.2n45.5w, 12.1n46.5w, 12.7n48.2w, 12.8n49.8w, 12.9n51.2w, 13.2n51.5w have been re-evaluated&altered by the NHC for the 6pmGMT ATCF
11.4n45.5w, 12.0n46.8w, 12.4n47.9w, 12.7n49.1w, 12.9n50.3w, 13.2n51.5w, 13.5n52.8w are now the most recent positions

Copy&paste 11.4n45.5w-12.0n46.8w, 12.0n46.8w-12.4n47.9w, 12.4n47.9w-12.7n49.1w, 12.7n49.1w-12.9n50.3w, 12.9n50.3w-13.2n51.5w, 13.2n51.5w-13.5n52.8w, bqn, dom, 13.2n51.5w-15.27n61.26w into the GreatCircleMapper for more info

Using straightline projection of the travel-speed&heading derived from the ATCF coordinates for 12pmGMT then 6pmGMT :
91L was headed toward crossing over Dominica in ~36hours43minutes from now
Member Since: August 21, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 4846
3608. Fleetfox 7:57 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Quoting tiggeriffic:


there is a name for when two systems combine...can't remember but think it is fugi something or another


Looks like it might be called the Fujiwhara effect, not sure that is what you are looking for or not.
Member Since: July 28, 2011 Posts: 0 Comments: 13
3609. jonelu 7:57 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Quoting washingtonian115:
Their's always the 11:00pm advisory.

True...IMO it is unlikely that 91L will get it together by 11:00pm to be a named storm...time will tell.
Member Since: October 31, 2007 Posts: 2 Comments: 882
3610. washingtonian115 7:57 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Quoting DFWjc:


The last time i watched with Don, they were on for 95 seconds.
That was only because he was near land.
Member Since: August 14, 2010 Posts: 5 Comments: 10668
3611. HCW 7:57 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Quoting yonzabam:
WTF are the modellers taking? See that little white dot below the forecast tracks and east of the Antilles? That's Barbados. And that's where 91L is currently approaching in a due west movement. Sheesh!




The white line is just showing this history of 91L
Member Since: August 10, 2002 Posts: 0 Comments: 1280
3612. Tazmanian 7:57 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Quoting hurricaneben:
So classification of TD at 5 PM...or not?


no TD at 5 wait in tell 11pm
Member Since: May 21, 2006 Posts: 5088 Comments: 111359
3613. TropicalAnalystwx13 7:58 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Quoting TORMENTOSO83:
This invest91L will not affect PR as any tropical cyclone


It's premature to say something like that. There is a really high chance that this will affect Puerto Rico as a tropical storm at the very least.
Member Since: July 6, 2010 Posts: 89 Comments: 25335
3614. tiggeriffic 7:58 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Quoting GHOSTY1:


Thanks for that information now i can leave later today a little more knowledgable about hurricanes. :P


terms are most important...even if you jot them down you can look them up by double tabbing while on the computer...and no problem... :)
Member Since: September 16, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 3592
3615. ProgressivePulse 7:58 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Finally starting to see the low level winds swinging around just in front of the eastern low.

Member Since: August 19, 2005 Posts: 5 Comments: 4330
3616. gorillasurfmonkey 7:58 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Quoting tiggeriffic:


there is a name for when two systems combine...can't remember but think it is fugi something or another

It is called Fugiwara effect I do believe...
Member Since: August 23, 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 8
3617. stormwatcherCI 7:58 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Quoting washingtonian115:
Their's always the 11:00pm advisory.
But that wouldn't be July since they go by UTC which is 4 hours later than EDT.
Member Since: October 9, 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 8040
3618. yonzabam 7:58 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
WTF are the modellers taking? See that little white dot to the south of the forecast tracks and east of the Antilles? That's Barbados, and that's where 91L is currently headed (due west and not WNW).


Member Since: July 20, 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 1734
3619. ackee 7:58 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
I am out guess see TD 11pm or 5am
Member Since: July 15, 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 1194
3620. JupiterFL 7:59 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Quoting TORMENTOSO83:
This invest91L will not affect PR as any tropical cyclone


Does preparing for Hurricane Season now require removal or ones shirt?
Member Since: August 10, 2005 Posts: 0 Comments: 2146
3621. PRZEDCASTER 7:59 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Quoting Tazmanian:


no TD at 5 wait in tell 11pm


ok !
3622. TropicalAnalystwx13 7:59 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Quoting hurricaneben:
So classification of TD at 5 PM...or not?


We do not know yet. Recon is outside investigating the system. While we aren't getting the data, I'm pretty sure the NHC is. They will make the call soon enough, and if it is a TD, we will see it appear on the NHC website as such.

If recon is having troubles, and it isn't in the system yet, and then recon does find a TD once it is going again, they will do a Special Advisory declaring it as a TD.
Member Since: July 6, 2010 Posts: 89 Comments: 25335
3623. washingtonian115 7:59 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
So far both the tropical experts at TWC have been taking the storms so far this year as a joke.I'm afraid that won't last long.
Member Since: August 14, 2010 Posts: 5 Comments: 10668
3624. DFWjc 8:00 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Is it possible the wave in front could help 91L develop faster and stronger rather than hinder it?
Member Since: July 19, 2011 Posts: 1 Comments: 967
3626. MonkeyMan504 8:00 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Invest 91 has been at near %100 for 8 hours. I think it now has a 175% chance of becoming a depression sometime yesterday.
Member Since: July 7, 2010 Posts: 0 Comments: 1
3627. BahaHurican 8:00 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Somebody was talking about what this would be the year of.... I'm beginning to think this is going to be the year of twin circulations / multi-vortices.... don't forget that's what held Don up.
Member Since: October 25, 2005 Posts: 19 Comments: 17673
3628. HurricaneDean07 8:01 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Jason, you do realize thats 110 knots, not 110 mph, BIG DIFFERENCE...
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3629. tiggeriffic 8:01 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Quoting gorillasurfmonkey:

It is called Fugiwara effect I do believe...


yeah, found it...fujiwhara correct spelling...but gotta love google, lol, gives you everything even close to what ya put in ...
Member Since: September 16, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 3592
3630. PRZEDCASTER 8:01 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Quoting JupiterFL:


Does preparing for Hurricane Season now require removal or ones shirt?


You betcha ~~~~~~
3632. TropicalAnalystwx13 8:02 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Quoting JupiterFL:


Does preparing for Hurricane Season now require removal or ones shirt?


Definitely. They mean business!

lol.
Member Since: July 6, 2010 Posts: 89 Comments: 25335
3633. TropicalAnalystwx13 8:03 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Quoting P451:


Yeah, and it has "CHANGED LITTLE IN ORGANIZATION".

9.9
Member Since: July 6, 2010 Posts: 89 Comments: 25335
3634. gorillasurfmonkey 8:03 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
IMO 91L will be classified as a TD at 5pm and possible TS by 11pm. It is slowly going to get its act together while pulling in the energy from the wave to the west. I do not trust any of the forecasting direction at this point but feel that we will have a much clearer view of direction soon.
Member Since: August 23, 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 8
3635. GHOSTY1 8:03 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
aspectre, ur username reminds me of that Spectre gunship or the spooky gunship the military use, you should get a picture for your tag, their badass planes,jmo, not saying you have to, now back to weather. :P
Member Since: July 25, 2011 Posts: 0 Comments: 452
3636. Gearsts 8:05 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Quoting P451:
looking better and better.
Member Since: August 2, 2010 Posts: 0 Comments: 2012
3637. HurricaneSwirl 8:05 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Quoting MonkeyMan504:
Invest 91 has been at near %100 for 8 hours. I think it now has a 175% chance of becoming a depression sometime yesterday.


It's actually been near 100% for 14 hours. Code red for 38 hours. Whether it develops or not, it sure has been a big tease haha.
Member Since: July 7, 2008 Posts: 2 Comments: 3237
3638. washingtonian115 8:05 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Quoting stormwatcherCI:
But that wouldn't be July since they go by UTC which is 4 hours later than EDT.
Ah damn.I was going by my time.Lol.
Member Since: August 14, 2010 Posts: 5 Comments: 10668
3639. Tazmanian 8:05 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
am starting too wounder if the recon got called back
Member Since: May 21, 2006 Posts: 5088 Comments: 111359
3640. PRZEDCASTER 8:05 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Quoting Gearsts:
looking better and better.


Agree
3641. wxgeek723 8:06 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Welp 91L is running out of time on being a July/August crossover storm. It has until 8pm.
Member Since: August 28, 2008 Posts: 79 Comments: 2350
3642. Levi32 8:06 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Quoting DFWjc:
Is it possible the wave in front could help 91L develop faster and stronger rather than hinder it?


The only positive effect I see it really having on 91L is that it is clearing out some of the dry air ahead of the main low. Otherwise, it is serving as competition for the low, which is a negative impact on the system.
Member Since: November 24, 2005 Posts: 586 Comments: 25459
3643. floridaboy14 8:06 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Quoting Levi32:
The tropical wave is over the Antilles islands now. The eastern low is still way off to the east. It won't reabsorb the wave axis itself, but it may eventually absorb the western low that is currently attached to the southern end of the wave axis.

correct the axis is ocer the islands while the low to the south still isnt. looks like 91L will absorb it
Member Since: July 25, 2011 Posts: 0 Comments: 978
3644. HurricaneDean07 8:07 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
p451, Anyone up for some Popcorn?(Pop up Convection burst occuring)
Member Since: October 3, 2010 Posts: 39 Comments: 4053
3645. washingtonian115 8:07 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Quoting washingtonian115:
Or maybe it'll out run future Emily and be a totally independent feature on it's own.The models were developing a system in the Carribean while developing Emily at the same time.Well who knows...
This seems to be an interesting idea.But tropical cyclones always spawn off convection.
Member Since: August 14, 2010 Posts: 5 Comments: 10668
3646. palmasdelrio 8:08 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Quoting TORMENTOSO83:
This invest91L will not affect PR as any tropical cyclone


And what are you basing that forecast on?
Member Since: May 22, 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 178
3647. blueafuze 8:08 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
I believe that 91L is just shy of TD and recon is staying with it a longer to get the latest data in. They dont want to wait till the last min to put up advisories, but also dont want premature panic. Shes no doubt getting her act together as we watch and be patient, Emily is with out a doubt comming soon.
Member Since: August 18, 2010 Posts: 0 Comments: 45
3648. TropicalAnalystwx13 8:09 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Quoting wxgeek723:
Welp 91L is running out of time on being a July/August crossover storm. It has until 8pm.


Yes...It will be close. Probably an August storm though.
Member Since: July 6, 2010 Posts: 89 Comments: 25335
3649. Gearsts 8:09 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
Quoting blueafuze:
I believe that 91L is just shy of TD and recon is staying with it a longer to get the latest data in. They dont want to wait till the last min to put up advisories, but also dont want premature panic. Shes no doubt getting her act together as we watch and be patient, Emily is with out a doubt comming soon.
Yep i agree.
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3650. tiggeriffic 8:10 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
almost seems as tho the HH are stuck in the BT....almost a creepy feeling that info is not being filtered in like normal...
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3651. hunkerdown 8:10 PM GMT on July 31, 2011    
You kids on here really crack me up. You ask the most mindless questions or make the most mindless statements, then somebody posts something, whether correct or incorrect, and you agree with it and give some cockamamie reasoning why....
Member Since: August 15, 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 2514

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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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