Reconnaissance is Flying Through Delta; Rapid Intensification Continues to be Expected

The Hurricane Hunter Aircraft is currently on its way through the first mission of the day on Tropical Storm Delta. They have not reached the center as of yet, so we do not have a good measurement of winds and pressure. We should have that information within the next 60-90 minutes.

The latest SHIPS model run on Tropical Storm Delta has odds for the potential of the storm to increase wind speeds by 45 knots within the next 36 hours at a whopping 87%. Current maximum wind speeds are at 60 MPH and with that amount of increase, that would bring the maximum sustained winds above 111 MPH… making Delta a major hurricane at category three strength. With that data in from the model run, we will more than likely have a hurricane in the Caribbean Sea later this afternoon or into the evening hours.

IMPORTANT STATEMENT FOR THE NORTHERN GULF COAST: Delta is forecast to approach the northern Gulf Coast late this week as a hurricane. While there is large uncertainty in the track and intensity forecasts at these time ranges, there is an increasing risk of dangerous storm surge, wind, and rainfall hazards along the coast from Louisiana to the western Florida Panhandle. Residents in these areas should monitor the progress of Delta and check for updates to the forecast during the week.

Category: ALL POSTS, Severe Weather, Tropical