Thursday, September 25, 2008

Tropical Storm Kyle


A disturbance north of Hispaniola has been upgraded to tropical storm Kyle as of 5 PM Thursday. Kyle is moving north at 8 mph, and that direction of movement is expected to continue over the next several days (see forecast track). Kyle could strengthen to a category 1 hurricane this weekend.
Zach

2 comments:

TJ said...

Question...Can this Sub-Storm really produce tornadoes in our area tomorrow? and if so how is that? Hanna was a stronger storm and she didnt produce any tornadoes, so how can this storm ?

Anonymous said...

TJ,

There will be a slight chance for a few tornadoes across southeast Virginia tomorrow. This system isn't any stronger than Hanna was, but it's position relative to our state is different. The tornadic threat from systems such as these arises from the increase in surface friction as individual storms move from the ocean onto land. The increase in friction causes the low-level winds to slow and turn slightly, increasing the low-level wind shear. So it is the oreintation of the rainbands and their direction of movement that is important to where tornadoes will develop. If you remember from Hanna, the rainbands were moving most directly onshore in the Middle Peninsula, Northern Neck, and the eastern shore, and a tornado watch was in effect for much of the day. Good question, and thanks for posting it.

Zach