Dr. Jeff Masters' WunderBlog

Not a trace of Don; What's next?
Posted by: Dr. Jeff Masters, 07:41 PM GMT am 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
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5602. nigel20 04:57 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    

TCHP is really increasing across the carib.
Member Since: November 6, 2010 Posts: 2 Comments: 4541
5603. Cayman2010 04:57 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
Quoting Levi32:


I'm saddened that so many long-timers have left. I can understand why, though.

I think we can all understand why! Those of you that remain are very much appreciated by the sane readers of this blog though. Thanks for your insights.
Member Since: August 31, 2010 Posts: 0 Comments: 77
5605. TampaSpin 04:57 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    


This speaks volumes........91L is heading into the Caribbean......well south of Puerto Rico it appears to me....
Member Since: September 2, 2007 Posts: 175 Comments: 19747
5606. ProgressivePulse 04:57 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
Quoting MississippiWx:
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.



Not at 15N, IMO.
Member Since: August 19, 2005 Posts: 5 Comments: 4326
5607. reedzone 04:58 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
Does anyone have the 00z GFS run?
Member Since: Juli 1, 2008 Posts: 13 Comments: 7247
5609. Tropicsweatherpr 04:58 AM GMT am 01. August 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 am missing at this moment Drakoen. I have followed all his analysis and yes,sometimes debates with Levi.
Member Since: April 29, 2009 Posts: 64 Comments: 8207
5610. mikatnight 04:58 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
Quoting Levi32:


I'm saddened that so many long-timers have left. I can understand why, though.


Hey Levi -
We're still around...just lurking.
Member Since: Oktober 18, 2005 Posts: 0 Comments: 1973
5611. Tazmanian 04:59 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
guys plzs SEE THIS POST


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: Mai 21, 2006 Posts: 5088 Comments: 111355
5612. MississippiWx 04:59 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
Quoting ProgressivePulse:



Not at 15N, IMO.


The 15N that I stated was more of a rounded number. It's actually closer to 14.5N on satellite.
Member Since: Juli 15, 2006 Posts: 13 Comments: 8604
5614. quakeman55 05:00 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
Quoting Tropicsweatherpr:


I am missing at this moment Drakoen. I have followed all his analysis and yes,sometimes debates with Levi.

I also like IKE and hurricane23. I still see them pop up every now and then, but not as often as I'd like. Oh and there's also lefty...he was great as well.
Member Since: März 31, 2002 Posts: 1 Comments: 1276
5615. philliesrock 05:01 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
Deep convection is beginning to fire around the center while the western blob is quickly fading. You can also see banding trying to form on the southern side. If this persists, I expect a TD by 11am tomorrow and a TS 24 hours from now.

Link
Member Since: Juni 29, 2006 Posts: 65 Comments: 3197
5616. ProgressivePulse 05:01 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
Quoting ProgressivePulse:



Not at 15N, IMO.



My comment was towards Levi stating the center around 15N. I noted 20kts of Swrly wind shear that could be displacing the MLC up to 15N. Both images you posted clearly show the strongest turning at the ATCF coordinates.
Member Since: August 19, 2005 Posts: 5 Comments: 4326
5617. scott39 05:01 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
Its like swattin flys....smack...ignore..ahh!
Member Since: Juni 13, 2009 Posts: 0 Comments: 6207
5618. hurricanehunter27 05:01 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
Quoting quakeman55:

I also like IKE and hurricane23. I still see them pop up every now and then, but not as often as I'd like. Oh and there's also lefty...he was great as well.
They were both on the blog today! IKE can get kinda annoying and rude.
Member Since: Juli 22, 2010 Posts: 1 Comments: 3471
5619. TampaSpin 05:01 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
Quoting P451:


I was finally forced to do the same - to several names on here in the past day - obviously the ones here just to upset the blog and be of no other use. Tired of it.

Problem is those same keep tricking others into replying so you still see them ignored or not.

Admin needs to get more involved and see whats going on.



Well said!!!! And you know where i am coming from.
Member Since: September 2, 2007 Posts: 175 Comments: 19747
5621. Boco12 05:01 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
Might seem a bit off-topic, but why are WPAC storms seemingly so much larger than those from the EPAC or the CATL waves?
Member Since: Juli 28, 2011 Posts: 0 Comments: 0
5622. jonelu 05:02 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
Quoting quakeman55:

I also like IKE and hurricane23. I still see them pop up every now and then, but not as often as I'd like. Oh and there's also lefty...he was great as well.
Yep I remember all of them including Drak...those were the days.
Member Since: Oktober 31, 2007 Posts: 2 Comments: 882
5623. Tazmanian 05:02 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
oh well i feel like hafe have me on Ignore not sure if any one seeing me post


if you are say some in
Member Since: Mai 21, 2006 Posts: 5088 Comments: 111355
5624. ackee 05:03 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
what time in morning will recon investigate 91L ?
Member Since: Juli 15, 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 1194
5625. nofailsafe 05:03 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
The last two days of frames from the MIMIC-TPW show something interesting between the moisture fields for 91L's 'center' and its distanced wave.

Here's the synthetic image from 30. July at 1900 UTC.



Compare the region along the leeward islands it to the synthetic image from today at 200 UTC.



The field appears to be splitting up and if you watch the animation CIMSS MIMIC-TPW you'll perhaps see some interaction between the wave and the center. So perhaps with less interference from the wave out ahead of 91L's center it can finally gather up some circulation.
Member Since: Juni 18, 2010 Posts: 3 Comments: 833
5626. ProgressivePulse 05:03 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
Trying to pick off a center relocation in the middle of the night is "Tough".
Member Since: August 19, 2005 Posts: 5 Comments: 4326
5628. 7544 05:04 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
100 % at 2am ?
Member Since: Mai 6, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 5925
5629. Dennis8 05:04 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
Any full grown men on here or just cry babies....SERIOUSLY. Is this blog your lives? Read it, make weather related comments and enjoy your life. The sad thing is most really enjoy the drama as it is the only excitement besides watching every movement of the satellite or counting minutes until the next update or model run. STARING at satellite frames OBSESSED AND or drunk and emotionally bankrupt. This does NOT upset ypu UNLESS it is ALL you have folks!
Member Since: August 15, 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 441
5630. wxhatt 05:04 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
Quoting TxHurricanedude11:
I ingored one jason handle but need to do more...hes talking with himself now goodbye second one


having the same problem. need rid X
Member Since: Oktober 5, 2005 Posts: 2 Comments: 834
5631. KoritheMan 05:04 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
Quoting Levi32:


I'm saddened that so many long-timers have left. I can understand why, though.


I for one have no intentions of leaving.
Member Since: März 7, 2007 Posts: 409 Comments: 15445
5632. OUSHAWN 05:04 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
Post #5604...you just copied Levi's post and put it as if you had said it...word for word. You are now on my ignore...the only person I have on it.
Member Since: September 20, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 44
5633. JeffM 05:04 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
Quoting mikatnight:


Hey Levi -
We're still around...just lurking.


Old school here as well. Seems this same stuff happens EVERY year. Its rather annoying.
Member Since: August 19, 2005 Posts: 0 Comments: 137
5634. hurricanehunter27 05:04 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
Its funny everything went down hill when i decided to make an account. I was very upset that i did not get a real disscusion with StormW. (well i did but that was over email trying to get him back.)
Member Since: Juli 22, 2010 Posts: 1 Comments: 3471
5635. KoritheMan 05:05 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
Member Since: März 7, 2007 Posts: 409 Comments: 15445
5637. IceCoast 05:05 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
Quoting reedzone:
Does anyone have the 00z GFS run?

Link
Member Since: Oktober 17, 2010 Posts: 0 Comments: 1254
5638. Tazmanian 05:05 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
Quoting TxHurricanedude11:
Hey taz


hey


plzs see post 5611
Member Since: Mai 21, 2006 Posts: 5088 Comments: 111355
5639. Levi32 05:06 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
Quoting mikatnight:


Hey Levi -
We're still around...just lurking.


Well I'm glad at least some are.
Member Since: November 24, 2005 Posts: 586 Comments: 25456
5640. j2008 05:06 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
Quoting Tazmanian:
oh well i feel like hafe have me on Ignore not sure if any one seeing me post


if you are say some in

I see ya Taz.
Quoting Boco12:
Might seem a bit off-topic, but why are WPAC storms seemingly so much larger than those from the EPAC or the CATL waves?

Its not off topic, its tropical. I think IMO that WPAC storms have more warm open water, thats why they are larger. I Could be wrong, feel free to correct me anybody.
Member Since: Dezember 19, 2008 Posts: 1 Comments: 204
5641. MississippiWx 05:06 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
I really wonder in my mind all of the time what makes people come on this blog just to be jackasses. I get into quarrels with some on here every now and then, but it's no harm, no foul. Also, it's usually a healthy debate. I shouldn't have to have over 70 people on my ignore list. Admin really needs a full-time person. Even still, this is my favorite site and the majority of the posters here are great.
Member Since: Juli 15, 2006 Posts: 13 Comments: 8604
5642. scott39 05:06 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
Quoting KoritheMan:


I for one have no intentions of leaving.
Good, lets put the tissue away and get back to 91L.
Member Since: Juni 13, 2009 Posts: 0 Comments: 6207
5643. EricSFL 05:06 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
What is this? Attack of the Jason clones?
Member Since: Mai 26, 2010 Posts: 0 Comments: 759
5644. 7544 05:06 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
hey this is the night shift time where everyone is nice i had to check the time tho lol
Member Since: Mai 6, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 5925
5645. JRRP 05:07 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
Member Since: August 16, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 4314
5646. TampaSpin 05:07 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
Conditions at 41101 as of
(12:00 am EDT)
0400 GMT on 08/01/2011:


Atmospheric Pressure (PRES):

1010.2 mb

Pressure Tendency (PTDY):

-0.4 mb ( Falling )



Still very high pressure and not falling much. We must be seeing a very Strong Middle to Lower Level Spin with not much of a CLOSED Surface Low yet.
Member Since: September 2, 2007 Posts: 175 Comments: 19747
5647. hurricanehunter27 05:07 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
Quoting Tazmanian:


hey


plzs see post 5611
Taz i like the fact that your on the blog, but please just stop. You made your point and he is all on our ignore!
Member Since: Juli 22, 2010 Posts: 1 Comments: 3471
5648. KoritheMan 05:08 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
Quoting j2008:

I see ya Taz.
Its not off topic, its tropical. I think IMO that WPAC storms have more warm open water, thats why they are larger. I Could be wrong, feel free to correct me anybody.


That's it in the simplest sense, yes. It is also because of the relatively steep pressure gradient typically found in that basin due to predominantly warm water.
Member Since: März 7, 2007 Posts: 409 Comments: 15445
5649. Tazmanian 05:08 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
Quoting j2008:

I see ya Taz.
Its not off topic, its tropical. I think IMO that WPAC storms have more warm open water, thats why they are larger. I Could be wrong, feel free to correct me anybody.



cool



any one else plzs say some in
Member Since: Mai 21, 2006 Posts: 5088 Comments: 111355
5651. JRRP 05:08 AM GMT am 01. August 2011    
Member Since: August 16, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 4314

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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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