NOAA’s most recent P-3 mission provided scientists and forecasters measurements indicating that Tropical Storm Isaias maintains its strength as it contends with an environment that is unfavorable for development. Scientists processed these data in real-time, and weather models used these observations to improve forecast performance.
NOAA Hurricane Hunters took off at 5 PM EDT Sunday, August 2nd from Lakeland, Florida for ongoing Environmental Modeling Center (EMC) tasked reconnaissance into Isaias. This flight focuses on obtaining symmetric measurement coverage of the tropical storm to assess the system’s current characteristics. NOAA’s missions are expected to continue through Monday morning prior to the potential landfall of Tropical Storm Isaias.
The winds around the storm change drastically with height (often referred to as vertical wind shear) and have forced dry air into the circulation and trapped the thunderstorms and rain to one side of the storm. The thunderstorms are likely being maintained by very warm sea surface temperatures.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC)’s official forecast for Isaias discusses the possibility of the system regaining hurricane status prior to landfall. Watches and Warnings have been issued along the SE coast, and NHC predicts a potential for severe weather and destructive flooding from the Carolinas to the northeast.
A medida que la instrumentación aérea P-3 recoge las observaciones, los científicos de la NOAA pueden comprender mejor los procesos resultantes de la interacción de Isaias con la cizalla vertical del viento y el aire seco.
Photographs of cloud structures within Isaias’ circulation aid in interpreting the measurements acquired from dropsondes, tail-Doppler radar, and other onboard sensors.
>> Scientist K. Ryan
For the latest information about tropical cyclones and other weather systems, please visit the NOAA/NWS/National Hurricane Center.
For information on numerical prediction of tropical cyclones, please visit NOAA/NCEP/Environmental Modeling Center.
To access updates on the Intensity Forecasting EXperiment (IFEX) and other activities via Facebook, Twitter, or RSS feed, check out the NOAA/AOML/HRD page.
To directly access updates on IFEX HFP Operations via our WordPress blog on the web, check the site: https://noaahrd.wordpress.com/category/ifex-hurricane-field-program/
DISCLAIMER: The above discussion is intended to provide a brief summary of recent and future HRD Hurricane Field Program Operations. Any use of this material beyond its original intent is prohibited without permission of the HRD Director, Frank Marks (Frank.Marks@noaa.gov). Media inquiries should be directed to AOML Communications (aoml.communications@noaa.gov), Monica Allen (301-734-1123) or Monica.Allen@noaa.gov.