Subtropical Storm Melissa Forms From Northeast Coastal Storm
Satellite pictures overnight showed that the coastal storm offshore was taking on tropical characteristics and the National Hurricane Center has upgraded this to a subtropical storm this morning and Melissa is born. Maximum winds are 65 mph and gales extend outward about the 300 miles from the center which is characteristic of a storm that is more subtropical in nature rather than purely tropical. The upgrading to a subtropical storm doesn’t change anything regarding the local weather outlook from Southern New England to the Delaware coast. It is a technical change only and the forecast going forward remains the same.
MELISSA SATELLITE
MELISSA TIGHTiss SATELLITE
Two satellite pictures above show that Melissa remains west of 70 degrees west and is at least 150 or so miles further east than what weather models were indicating just a few days ago. Clouds have worked their way back inland this morning into New Jersey and parts of the Hudson Valley though it remains bright and sunny further west into Pennsylvania and south in South Jersey and Delaware. Rain remains offshore and not a real issue for the immediate coast from Southern New England southward.
Melissa is forecast to drift today and tonight before beginning a course to the east northeast later Saturday. Melissa should weaken some tomorrow and gradually become post tropical again. In he meantime expect 2 more high tides and two more rounds of coastal flooding going into Saturday as tides rise ahead of the Sunday full moon. Gusty winds will continue along the immediate coast into tonight and then gradually subside on Saturday.
The complete weekend and outlook for next week can be read here.
MANY THANKS TO TROPICAL TIDBITS FOR THE USE OF MAPS
Please note that with regards to any tropical storms or hurricanes, should a storm be threatening, please consult your local National Weather Service office or your local government officials about what action you should be taking to protect life and property.