Irma Has Changed Directions… Not So Fast My Friend
UPDATE: I may have spoke too soon. I was thinking that with the movement of the eye to the north-northwest direction for nearly 30 minutes was an actual change in direction. Well, Irma has tricked us with an eye-wobble and has resumed its movement to the west-northwest.
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After studying the last several images from the GOES-16 infrared band satellite and a few frames of the Key West radar, Irma’s eye has not starting moving in a general north-northwesterly direction. At this point, it looks to be making a B-line towards Big Pine Key on the western part of the keys. Now the eye may wobble a little, and don’t be surprised if an eyewall replacement cycle takes place, but for the last 30 minutes the general direction has been to the north-northwest. Once hitting more open waters, there could be some slow strengthening for a short bit, followed by some possible rapid intensification before crossing over the keys and heads towards the western side of the peninsula.
Even though the core of Irma still appears a little ragged, some intense convection has started appearing within the last several images from GOES-16, and intensification may have already started. Latest forecast track from the NHC has the expected landfall to occur around the Venice and Grove City area later on during the day on Sunday.
About the Author (Author Profile)
Scott Martin is an operational meteorologist, professional graphic artist, musician, husband, and father. Not only is Scott a member of the National Weather Association, but he is also the Central Alabama Chapter of the NWA president. Scott is also the co-founder of Racecast Weather, which provides forecasts for many racing series across the USA. He also supplies forecasts for the BassMaster Elite Series events including the BassMaster Classic.Subscribe
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