TROPICAL STORM IDA REMAINS A WEAK SYSTEM, LOW PRESSURE OFF SE US COAST

Tropical Storm Ida continues to remain a minimal tropical storm as it moves to the west northwest at about 15 mph. Overnight the system has remained rather weak and while conditions are marginally favorable for strengthening, the overall upper patter to the north of the storm is overwhelming the circulation and preventing it from getting much beyond its current strength.

nhcprog

 

SUMMARY OF 500 AM AST...0900 UTC...INFORMATION
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LOCATION...16.7N 43.6W
ABOUT 1300 MI...2090 KM W OF THE CAPE VERDE ISLANDS
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...40 MPH...65 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...WNW OR 295 DEGREES AT 15 MPH...24 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1006 MB...29.71 INCHES

Models continue to show varying tracks but as you look at the satellite loop you can see the very strong upper low to the west northwest of the storm that is driving strong winds over and to the north of the circulation. The strong shearing pattern is forecast to remain in place for the next several days which may wind up ripping this storm apart much like the other storms this season have been ripped apart. The low level steering winds are forecast to collapse over the next few days at which point there may not be much left to this.

 http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/goes/east/tatl/ft-animated.gif

http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/PS/TROP/floaters/96L/imagery/vis_lalo-animated.gif

The visible satellite loop shows a low level circulation off the southeast coast of the United States and it is moving northeast. There is very little thunderstorm activiity near the circulation center and most of the strong thunderstorm activity is well to the northeast. This is the signature of a non tropical system and conditions are becoming increasingly unfavorable for tropical storm development. This low will be interacting with a strong high building to the north to produce some gusty winds along our coastline and points southward over the next several days. Check the marine forecast for our area and the local forecast for what it all means. Small Craft Advisories are posted from Southern New England southward to the middle Atlantic states for tonight and Monday.

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