Dr. Jeff Masters' WunderBlog

Congressional NHC hearing tomorrow; Hawaii eyes Cosme
Posted by: Dr. Jeff Masters, 2:38 PM GMT on July 18, 2007 +3
There are no areas of interest to talk about in the tropical Atlantic today, and none of the reliable computer models are forecasting tropical storm formation during the coming week. We will need to watch the waters off the Carolina coast on Saturday, when a cold front is expected to push off the coast. The tail end of this front could serve as the focus for development of a tropical disturbance.

Hawaii eyes Cosme
Residents of the Hawaiian Islands need to keep an eye on Tropical Storm Cosme, which is headed towards the islands and may impact their weather by Saturday. Cosme is a not-too-impressive 40 mph tropical storm now, thanks to 15 knots of wind shear and ocean temperatures about 25 degrees C. However, satellite imagery of the storm shows that it is maintaining a solid amount of heavy thunderstorm activity despite the wind shear and cool SSTs. I expect Cosme will be a tropical depression or weak tropical storm on Saturday when it passes close to the Hawaiian Islands, since SSTs are expected to increase and wind shear should decrease over the storm on Friday.


Figure 1. Sea Surface temperatures beneath Cosme were about 25 C (78 F), just below the 26 C threshold favorable for tropical cyclones. Cosme will be traversing a region of 24-25 C SSTs through Friday, then SSTs will warm to 25-26 as it reaches the Hawaiian Islands on Saturday.

Congressional hearing on the National Hurricane Center
On Thursday, July 19, from 10am until 12pm EDT, the House Committee on Science and Technology is holding a hearing called, "Tracking the Storm at the National Hurricane Center". You can check out some of the press releases and listen to a webcast of the hearing at the Committee web site. The Miami Herald, Orlando Sentinel, and Houston Chronicle have interesting stories on the upcoming hearing. The list of people testifying include Bill Proenza; QuikSCAT expert Dr. Robert Atlas; an emergency management official from the Gulf Coast states; and the head of NOAA, Admiral Lautenbacher. There may be others testifying, including Dr. Jim Turner, deputy director of the federal agency NTIS (National Technical Information Service), who led the inspection team that showed up at NHC without notice on July 2. Dr. Turner's report was scheduled to be completed this Friday, July 20, but is now scheduled to be released to the Congressional panel tomorrow. Notably absent from the list of people called to testify thus far: anyone from the National Hurricane Center, and a QuikSCAT science expert besides Dr. Atlas, who has thus far not addressed in his public comments--that I have seen--the very high uncertainties surrounding the impact of QuikSCAT data on track forecasts of landfalling hurricanes. I'll be sure to present a full analysis of the science presented--and the science left unsaid.

Jeff Masters
Categories: Politics
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551. Patrap 12:35 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
These boomers MichealSTL showed us are now doing the nasty. Winds to 88knts here. Link
Member Since: July 3, 2005 Posts: 372 Comments: 111607
552. Patrap 12:36 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
The Quad Cities Radar composite loop Link
Member Since: July 3, 2005 Posts: 372 Comments: 111607
553. Patrap 12:37 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    

483
WFUS53 KDVN 190035
TORDVN
IAC105-190115-
/O.NEW.KDVN.TO.W.0025.070719T0035Z-070719T0115Z/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
TORNADO WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE QUAD CITIES IA IL
735 PM CDT WED JUL 18 2007

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN THE QUAD CITIES HAS ISSUED A

* TORNADO WARNING FOR...
JONES COUNTY IN EAST CENTRAL IOWA...

* UNTIL 815 PM CDT.

* AT 732 PM CDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
TORNADO NEAR OLIN...OR ABOUT 6 MILES SOUTHEAST OF ANAMOSA...MOVING
SOUTHEAST AT 40 MPH.

* THE TORNADO WILL BE NEAR...
7 MILES SOUTHWEST OF ONSLOW AROUND 740 PM CDT...
WYOMING AROUND 745 PM CDT...
OXFORD JUNCTION AROUND 750 PM CDT...

THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE IN A TORNADO IS IN A BASEMENT OR INTERIOR ROOM
OR HALLWAY ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF A BUILDING.

DAMAGING STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS ARE LIKELY IN ADDITION TO TORNADOES.

A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 100 AM CDT
THURSDAY MORNING FOR EASTERN IOWA.

LAT...LON 4227 9136 4196 9136 4195 9091 4216 9091
Member Since: July 3, 2005 Posts: 372 Comments: 111607
554. JLPR 12:39 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
Even if it doesn't have a circulation it sure looks better that 96l.
i wonder what would have happed if 96l had this much convection.
jum
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555. Patrap 12:39 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
Zoomed. the cell has Big Time rotation Link
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556. Drakoen 12:42 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
if it doesn't gain some latitude in the next few hours its gonna run into South America.
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557. PalmHarbor 12:43 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
My daughter is in the middle of that mess just south of of I80 :(
558. moonlightcowboy 12:43 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
.
Member Since: July 9, 2006 Posts: 179 Comments: 28121
559. IKE 12:43 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
I notice the latest GFS run has a system make it all the way across the Atlantic...I know it's 1 to 2 weeks out, but that's the first time I've seen that this season....

Link
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560. LadyMacbeth 12:43 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
My friend just called; she's about a half an hour away from Iowa City and said her sister called from Cedar Rapids to give my friend her insurance information because they had three tornados on the ground in the immediate area.

This is a dangerous storm system; if you have friends or family in the path of the storm you should check in with them.
561. Patrap 12:44 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
Cedar Rapids Webcam..Link
Member Since: July 3, 2005 Posts: 372 Comments: 111607
562. moonlightcowboy 12:44 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
A Cat 1 or 2 landfalling storm on the MS coast, or at NO could be as devastating as a Cat 3, or 4 storm.

a. Storm surge would be even greater, as waters are shallower from sediment produced by Katrina.

b. Surge would also go further inland, as the resistant areas of land/buildings were blown away, leaving holes for surges to effect life and property further inland.

c. Number of people from other areas there working, living that have little or no hurricane experience

d. Number of people still, now living in FEMA trailers post Katrina.

e. Cat 1, 2 "won't evacuate" apathy.

info was from some report I read a month or so ago-to validate it, I'd have to go back and look for it; but, that's the theory. So, no, we DEFINITELY, don't want ANY storm.
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563. Chicklit 12:44 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
Houston Chronical excerpt on Proenza debacle:

Despite rumors that the staff was coerced by NOAA management into signing the complaint — the letter from Lampson and other congressmen suggests the staff might have been "pressured" — Franklin said nothing of the kind happened.
In fact, forecasters were increasingly eager for a change in leadership, Franklin said, because Proenza had little experience in forecasting hurricanes and the peak of hurricane season, from August to September, was coming soon. In the past, Franklin said, forecasters would often use the director as a final check on a forecast before sending it out.
There was never any thought of doing the same with Proenza, as he wasn't a tropical cyclone expert, Franklin said
.

Looks like "The Peter Principle" was in effect here and Proenza was promoted to his level of incompetence.

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564. Drakoen 12:45 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
good call IKE. looks interesting. It maybe associated with the next wave of Africa or something fron the ITCZ.
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565. Wishcasterboy 12:45 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
Have any of those cells produced any tornados yet?
566. PalmHarbor 12:46 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
I just spoke with my daughter in North English Ia
tornadoes to the east and north of them, they were headed to the basement. NE is about half hour south west of of Iowa City
567. Wishcasterboy 12:47 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
That is to say; have there been any sightings?
568. Patrap 12:47 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
Multiple rotating cells with TVS..

5
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570. Patrap 12:48 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
Monticello taking the Bad cell....
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571. Wishcasterboy 12:48 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
What do the numbers around the cells stand for?
572. PalmHarbor 12:48 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
That is to say; have there been any sightings?

according to her and kcrg tv there have been reports of tornadoes on the ground:(
573. IKE 12:49 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
That's some nasty storms!
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574. Patrap 12:49 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
Cedar Rapids TV webcam..KGAN CBS2

Link
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575. Wishcasterboy 12:49 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
It looks like a derecho.
576. charley04survivor 12:50 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
Florida should hope the GFS is wrong!
577. Drakoen 12:50 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
SAL breaking up; new wave of Africa. You guys wanted some action and you could see it with that new wave of Africa. You can thank that 1012 mb low and the ITCZ for basically giving the NEW wave a SAL free path.
Member Since: October 28, 2006 Posts: 57 Comments: 29010
578. PalmHarbor 12:50 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
Tornado currently on the ground in Anamosa Ia, near Monticello according to my information.

579. Patrap 12:51 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
Quad Cities TV KWOC TV-6 webcam

Link
Member Since: July 3, 2005 Posts: 372 Comments: 111607
580. IKE 12:51 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
Posted By: charley04survivor at 7:50 PM CDT on July 18, 2007.
Florida should hope the GFS is wrong!


The seasons fixin to bust loose.
Member Since: June 9, 2005 Posts: 23 Comments: 37044
581. Chicklit 12:51 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
Holy crap...At least people had plenty of notice about the derecho, if they'd listened!
Member Since: July 11, 2006 Posts: 14 Comments: 10254
582. Wishcasterboy 12:51 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
Those are baleful skies pat!
583. charley04survivor 12:52 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
Yes it is IKE. And of course I'll be out of town in Dallas.
584. scwindsaloft 12:52 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
Patrap

That cell A7 has big big time rotation
Member Since: May 6, 2007 Posts: 1 Comments: 396
586. Wishcasterboy 12:53 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
It would be interesting if a tornado actually passed by one of those cams.
587. Drakoen 12:53 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
Member Since: October 28, 2006 Posts: 57 Comments: 29010
588. Wishcasterboy 12:55 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
The wave coming off Africa I presume.
589. KoritheMan 12:56 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
It would be interesting if a tornado actually passed by one of those cams.

Tell me about it.
Member Since: March 7, 2007 Posts: 410 Comments: 15463
590. Chicklit 12:56 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
Drak, I'd say it's 'ramping up' wouldn't you?
Member Since: July 11, 2006 Posts: 14 Comments: 10254
591. SAINTHURRIFAN 12:56 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
well pat just one last thought for the night. at least no will get lucky and be rid of blanco and nagin before the next bad storm. we in ms count our blessings for haley barbour great who has done a wonderfull job. hey looks like bobby gindle will be your next gov that should be a major upgrade to blanco good night god bless
Member Since: August 20, 2005 Posts: 5 Comments: 668
592. KoritheMan 12:56 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
It will have more of a chance than the last ones, that's for sure. Most are too far south this season, and SAL has been a problem. All of that looks to change soon as we get into the heart of the season.
Member Since: March 7, 2007 Posts: 410 Comments: 15463
593. Wishcasterboy 12:59 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
I don't know. The only thing this wave looks to be doing is pulling out more dust into the Atlantic.
594. KoritheMan 12:59 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
Looks like damaging winds along the derecho as well as tornadoes along the leading edge of it. Even if the tornadoes don't touch down, damaging wind is still gonna be a problem, as is heavy rainfall in eastern Iowa. Time to hunker down anyone who lives in eastern Iowa.
Member Since: March 7, 2007 Posts: 410 Comments: 15463
595. Wishcasterboy 12:59 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
Afternoon, Kor.
596. KoritheMan 1:00 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
Well, I don't see that much dust right now wishcasterboy... It has to die eventually, and it will. It can't stay forever, or the Atlantic will be a desert.
Member Since: March 7, 2007 Posts: 410 Comments: 15463
597. KoritheMan 1:00 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
Good evening, wishcasterboy (it's evening here, it's 6:00 for you). :)
Member Since: March 7, 2007 Posts: 410 Comments: 15463
598. PalmHarbor 1:02 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
Ok Now that I know my Daughter and family are ok at least for the time being what am I missing on the gfs that I should be concerned about? I'm not seeing anything that's scary.Can someone help me out?
599. Wishcasterboy 1:02 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
Yep. It's just that where she's at right now and how strong she is is a good indicator of what she'll do. I've seen it a thousand times. Well see though.
600. charley04survivor 1:03 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
The GFS puts a Hurricane off of S. Florida.
601. moonlightcowboy 1:04 AM GMT on July 19, 2007    
This Link shows that there is considerably less SAL.
Member Since: July 9, 2006 Posts: 179 Comments: 28121

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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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