Category-1 Hurricane Paulette is approaching Bermuda and expected to bring heavy rainfall, storm surge, and a period of prolonged strong winds.Elsewhere in the Atlantic at the peak of hurricane season, there are six active storms ranging from disturbances to tropical depressions to hurricanes.Tropical Storm Sally 5 day rainfall forecast Source: NOAA/NWS. Most likely arrival time for tropical storm force winds Source: NOAA/NHC. As has been the case all season, the actual intensity and track forecast is still highly uncertain, and interests along the entire Central Gulf Coast, including New Orleans, should be prepared for a hurricane landfall and associated risks.Įnsemble Track Forecast Source: Tropical Tidbits. The official intensity forecast is for Sally to strengthen to a category-1 hurricane prior to landfall in Louisiana.The water in the immediate coastal area is very warm if Sally slows and spends more time over warm water it could allow for additional strengthening. The gradual slowing of the system also increases the uncertainty in the intensity at landfall.The weakening steering currents mean the forward speed of the storm will slow, which is a concern for flooding from both storm surge and rainfall. Steering currents will gradually slow the system down and bring it onshore along the Central Gulf Coast.This type of set up, in combination with ocean heat content, could provide the ingredients for (rapid) intensification. High pressure aloft essentially acts as a vent for the outflow, which encourages warm air to rise at the surface. The ambient environment is conducive to strengthening as well, with an upper level high positioned over the Gulf.Satellite imagery indicates that thunderstorm activity is increasing near the center of the storm, which is typically a precursor to strengthening the storm is being fueled by waters that are a degree or two warmer than normal for this time of year.Peak winds are 50 mph, with a falling central pressure indicative of strengthening. Tropical Storm Sally is currently located about 45 miles due West of the Tampa Bay area and is moving slowly to the northwest in the Gulf of Mexico.Satellite loop (infrared) of Tropical Storm Sally in the Gulf of Mexico Source: NOAA/NESDIS. A hurricane landfall along the Central Gulf Coast, with the threat of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and a dangerous storm surge is now likely. Both of the best predictors for strengthening are present namely very warm waters and low wind shear. Tropical Storm Sally has been bringing heavy rainfall and winds to portions of Florida over the weekend, and is now emerging into the Gulf of Mexico.

Hurricane sally