The first tropical cyclone of the Southern Indian Ocean is running into wind shear and is expected to dissipate in the next day or two as a NASA satellite showed rainfall in the system is weakening.
The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite, managed by NASA and the Japanese Space Agency flew over Tropical Depression 01S (TD01S) and captured the storm’s waning rainfall rates on Oct. 28 at 0045 UTC (Oct. 27 at 8:45 p.m. EDT). The rainfall appeared to be mostly on the southern side of the storm, although the storm’s northeastern quadrant was not visible from TRMM’s orbit. The heaviest rainfall appeared to be around .78 inches per hour. TRMM data also showed the highest thunderstorms in TD01Swere near 7 kilometers high and falling. Cloud tops that keep lowering are a strong indication that the strength of convection is waning within the storm.
At 0900 UTC on Oct. 28, Tropical Depression 01S had maximum sustained winds near 29 mph. It was located about 650 nm east-southeast of Diego Garcia, near 13.5 South latitude and 81.3 East longitude. TD01S is moving westward near 16 mph.
Animated multispectral imagery shows the convection decreased and most of the convection is now moves to the southwest of the depression’s center. TD01S’s center is now exposed to outside winds, which could weaken it further. TD01S is moving into an area with stronger wind shear, which will further weaken the tropical cyclone .
The Pacific Northwest should brace for a colder and wetter than average winter, while most of the South and Southeast will be warmer and drier than average through February 2011, according to the annual Winter Outlook released today by NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. A moderate to strong La Niña will be the dominant climate factor influencing weather across most of the U.S. this winter.
La Niña is associated with cooler than normal water temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific Ocean, unlike El Niño which is associated with warmer than normal water temperatures. Both of these climate phenomena, which typically occur every 2-5 years, influence weather patterns throughout the world and often lead to extreme weather events.
Last winter’s El Niño contributed to record-breaking rain and snowfall leading to severe flooding in some parts of the country, with record heat and drought in other parts of the country. Although La Niña is the opposite of El Niño, it also has the potential to bring weather extremes to parts of the nation.
If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should: • Listen to the radio or TV for information. • Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors. • Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed. • Turn off propane tanks. • Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies . • Moor your boat if time permits. • Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water..
You should evacuate under the following conditions: • If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions. • If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure—such shelters are particularly hazardous during hurricanes no matter how well fastened to the ground. • If you live in a high-rise building—hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations. • If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an inland waterway. • If you feel you are in danger. If you are unable to evacuate, go to your safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines: • Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors. • Close all interior doors—secure and brace external doors. • Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm - winds will pick up again. • Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level . • Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
A new study on the storm-surge potential from a hurricane coming ashore in Volusia County confirms what Port Orange Fire Chief Tom Weber already knew in his heart.
Much of the east side, including many of his own fire stations, could be flooded during a direct hit from a large Category 3 hurricane .
Two deadly forces cause the most destruction during a hurricane: wind and storm surge. When Hurricane Katrina hit Mississippi on Aug. 29, 2005, it proved the worst possible surge scenario: a large hurricane arriving on a full-moon high tide. A 24- to 28-foot wall of water, topped by high waves, pushed into Bay St. Louis and up the Jordan River.
