Dr. Jeff Masters' WunderBlog

Not a trace of Don; What's next?
Posted by: Dr. Jeff Masters, 7:41 PM GMT op 30 juli 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
  Permalink | A A A
Reader Comments
Display: 0, 50, 100, 200 Sort: Newest First - Order Posted
Viewing: 5551 - 5601

Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 | 51 | 52 | 53 | 54 | 55 | 56 | 57 | 58 | 59 | 60 | 61 | 62 | 63 | 64 | 65 | 66 | 67 | 68 | 69 | 70 | 71 | 72 | 73 | 74 | 75 | 76 | 77 | 78 | 79 | 80 | 81 | 82 | 83 | 84 | 85 | 86 | 87 | 88 | 89 | 90 | 91 | 92 | 93 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 97 | 98 | 99 | 100 | 101 | 102 | 103 | 104 | 105 | 106 | 107 | 108 | 109 | 110 | 111 | 112 | 113 | 114 | 115 | 116 | 117 | 118 | 119 | 120 | 121 | 122 | 123 | 124 | 125 | 126 | 127 | 128 | 129 | 130 | 131 | 132 | 133 | 134 | 135 | 136 | 137 | 138 | 139Blog Index

5551. 1344 4:41 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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: 13 augustus 2009 Posts: 1 Comments: 72
5552. scott39 4:41 AM GMT op 01 augustus 2011    
Barbados is the first land 91L will go over.
Member Since: 13 juni 2009 Posts: 0 Comments: 6207
5553. Tazmanian 4:41 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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: 21 mei 2006 Posts: 5088 Comments: 111341
5554. Tazmanian 4:42 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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: 21 mei 2006 Posts: 5088 Comments: 111341
5555. nofailsafe 4:42 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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: 18 juni 2010 Posts: 3 Comments: 830
5556. Levi32 4:42 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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: 24 november 2005 Posts: 586 Comments: 25446
5557. ProgressivePulse 4:42 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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: 19 augustus 2005 Posts: 5 Comments: 4326
5559. j2008 4:43 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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: 19 december 2008 Posts: 1 Comments: 204
5560. Gearsts 4:43 AM GMT op 01 augustus 2011    
Quoting jasonweatherman2011:
Levi32 is lying i watch his video he said invest 91L IS GOING OUT TO SEA!
Stop trolling
Member Since: 2 augustus 2010 Posts: 0 Comments: 1994
5561. wxhatt 4:43 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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: 5 oktober 2005 Posts: 2 Comments: 834
5562. texcane 4:43 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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: 24 augustus 2010 Posts: 0 Comments: 15
5564. scott39 4:44 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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: 13 juni 2009 Posts: 0 Comments: 6207
5565. Levi32 4:44 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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: 24 november 2005 Posts: 586 Comments: 25446
5566. hurricanehunter27 4:44 AM GMT op 01 augustus 2011    
Stop quoting Jason plz i have him ingnore.
Member Since: 22 juli 2010 Posts: 1 Comments: 3466
5567. Tazmanian 4:44 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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: 21 mei 2006 Posts: 5088 Comments: 111341
5568. Tazmanian 4:45 AM GMT op 01 augustus 2011    
Quoting hurricanehunter27:
Stop quoting Jason plz i have him ingnore.



same here and i got like 13 other names
Member Since: 21 mei 2006 Posts: 5088 Comments: 111341
5569. Levi32 4:45 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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: 24 november 2005 Posts: 586 Comments: 25446
5571. TampaSpin 4:47 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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: 2 september 2007 Posts: 175 Comments: 19747
5572. Hurricanes12 4:47 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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: 21 juni 2010 Posts: 0 Comments: 528
5573. scott39 4:47 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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: 13 juni 2009 Posts: 0 Comments: 6207
5574. Gearsts 4:47 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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: 2 augustus 2010 Posts: 0 Comments: 1994
5575. MississippiWx 4:48 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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: 15 juli 2006 Posts: 13 Comments: 8550
5576. Levi32 4:48 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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: 24 november 2005 Posts: 586 Comments: 25446
5577. nigel20 4:48 AM GMT op 01 augustus 2011    
Good night everyone.
Member Since: 6 november 2010 Posts: 2 Comments: 4519
5578. CapeCoralStorm 4:49 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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: 16 mei 2009 Posts: 0 Comments: 213
5579. texcane 4:49 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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: 24 augustus 2010 Posts: 0 Comments: 15
5580. 7544 4:49 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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
Member Since: 6 mei 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 5925
5581. TampaSpin 4:49 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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: 2 september 2007 Posts: 175 Comments: 19747
5582. ncstorm 4:49 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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: 19 augustus 2006 Posts: 7 Comments: 8414
5583. hcubed 4:49 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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: 18 mei 2007 Posts: 286 Comments: 1639
5585. nigel20 4:50 AM GMT op 01 augustus 2011    

91L is looking better tonight.
Member Since: 6 november 2010 Posts: 2 Comments: 4519
5586. Levi32 4:50 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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: 24 november 2005 Posts: 586 Comments: 25446
5587. Tazmanian 4:50 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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: 21 mei 2006 Posts: 5088 Comments: 111341
5589. hurricanehunter27 4:50 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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: 22 juli 2010 Posts: 1 Comments: 3466
5590. VAbeachhurricanes 4:51 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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: 6 september 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 4801
5591. GTcooliebai 4:51 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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: 31 augustus 2009 Posts: 0 Comments: 5174
5592. ryang 4:51 AM GMT op 01 augustus 2011    
Levi, do u think a TS warning would be required for Barbados? Or is the system already too far north?
Member Since: 25 augustus 2006 Posts: 329 Comments: 12333
5593. Levi32 4:52 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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: 24 november 2005 Posts: 586 Comments: 25446
5594. JRRP 4:53 AM GMT op 01 augustus 2011    
even better
Member Since: 16 augustus 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 4305
5595. Levi32 4:53 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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: 24 november 2005 Posts: 586 Comments: 25446
5596. Tazmanian 4:54 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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: 21 mei 2006 Posts: 5088 Comments: 111341
5597. MississippiWx 4:54 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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: 15 juli 2006 Posts: 13 Comments: 8550
5598. scott39 4:55 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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: 13 juni 2009 Posts: 0 Comments: 6207
5599. hurricanehunter27 4:55 AM GMT op 01 augustus 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: 22 juli 2010 Posts: 1 Comments: 3466

Viewing: 5551 - 5601

Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 | 51 | 52 | 53 | 54 | 55 | 56 | 57 | 58 | 59 | 60 | 61 | 62 | 63 | 64 | 65 | 66 | 67 | 68 | 69 | 70 | 71 | 72 | 73 | 74 | 75 | 76 | 77 | 78 | 79 | 80 | 81 | 82 | 83 | 84 | 85 | 86 | 87 | 88 | 89 | 90 | 91 | 92 | 93 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 97 | 98 | 99 | 100 | 101 | 102 | 103 | 104 | 105 | 106 | 107 | 108 | 109 | 110 | 111 | 112 | 113 | 114 | 115 | 116 | 117 | 118 | 119 | 120 | 121 | 122 | 123 | 124 | 125 | 126 | 127 | 128 | 129 | 130 | 131 | 132 | 133 | 134 | 135 | 136 | 137 | 138 | 139Blog Index

New Comment
Community Standards Policy Comments will take a few seconds to appear.
Post Your Comments
Please sign in to post comments.
Not only will you be able to leave comments on this blog, but you'll also have the ability to upload and share your photos in our Wunder Photos section.
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.

Local Weather
Overcast
79 °F
Geheel bewolkt
Community Activity