A significant storm is starting to brew in the Gulf. Potential tropical cyclone two, which will be named Barry when the time comes, is getting its act together in the northern gulf coast. While it will not impact us in the Mid-Atlantic it’s impacts will be far reaching and potentially catastrophic through Louisiana and Texas.Currently it’s more of a tropical disturbance than an organized storm but there are many favorable factors that will likely bring it to tropical storm status and might even bring it to hurricane status before it makes landfall. First off there’s the water temperatures. The average water temperature in the Gulf right now is 86 degrees, or about 2-3 degrees more than normal for this time of year, and some places of the gulf are 90 degrees or more. In order to fuel a tropical storm the water needs to be at least 80 degrees, so current temperatures are very favorable for a tropical storm or hurricane to develop. The second major factor that could cause a tropical storm or hurricane is wind shear. In this storm there’s very little wind shear which again is very favorable for storm development. The winds are blowing in the same direction through multiple levels of the atmosphere which is going to help the circulation of this storm and ultimately help it strengthen. The effects of this storm will be significant and widespread. Thunderstorms on the outside of this tropical disturbance have already caused major flooding in New Orleans. On top of that the Mississippi River is already running very high and projected rainfall totals of 1-2 feet in some places could cause major flooding. In New Orleans the levees protect the city as long as the Mississippi is under 20 feet. The current forecast has the river rising up to 20 feet not including storm surge which is definitely something to watch because any higher and water will spill over and cause major flooding in New Orleans. All in all this is definitely something to keep an eye on especially if you have friends or family down there.
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AuthorI'm Kyle Martin and I'm here to update you on your local central Maryland weather. Through this page and my instagram @kyletheweatherman you will know what's going on at all times. Archives
December 2020
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