Monday, August 25, 2008

8/25 New Tropical Activity

We can't settle down very long because today we officially have another tropical storm to study.  Tropical Storm Gustav became organized rather quickly today to be the 7th named storm of the season.  Currently, Gustav sits SE of Port Au Prince Haiti in the Caribbean.

Stats:
Max Winds: 60mph
Direction: NW 12 mph
Min. Pressure: 996mb

We have followed this tropical wave for the past few days, but we were wanting to put more focus on our forecast with Fay.  Since the remnants of Fay is slowly moving out of our region, we can now put more time into Gustav's forecast.  
To be honest, Gustav is still a long way off.  Many things can happen in the next week to help change any model's forecast between now and next Monday.  One thing is for sure, Gustav is in position for a unsettling scnenario throughout the whole Gulf.  Models are showing two distinct tracks.  One track shows a strong High pressure over Florida kicking Gustav into the Yucatan Pennisula, but the 2nd model track leads Gustav into the eastern portion of the Gulf.  

The scene is set.  Now we will wait to see what unfolds.  I will always have my eye on Gustav as he slowly moves into warmer water and favorable environmental conditions within the next 24 hours.  In fact, I won't be surprised to see Gustav named as a Cat 1 Hurricane tomorrow morning.  Also, if Gustav is to influence our weather, we won't see influence from Gustav until Sunday/Monday.  

As for now...I know we will all enjoy the sunshine and muggy air throughout the Pine Belt


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