Bonnie Makes Landfall in Florida

Tropical Storm Bonnie made landfall at 11 a.m. Eastern Friday near Cutler Bay in Florida south of Miami in Miami-Dade County. Maximum sustained winds were estimated to be at 40 mph, which is just barely within tropical storm strength (must be 39 mph to qualify as a Tropical Storm and not a Depression). Bonnie is bringing heavy squalls to southern Florida this afternoon with gusty winds, and there may be a threat for a few quick, isolated tornadoes as well. As a result of that strong ridge of high pressure over the Southeast U.S., upper-level winds will steer Bonnie to the northwest in the Gulf of Mexico, where she will make a beeline for the Louisiana-Mississippi Gulf coast. This will, unfortunately, take Bonnie directly over the oil spill region, where cleanup efforts have been halted until the storm passes.

Bonnie may strengthen slightly as she moves over the Gulf of Mexico, but not enough to become a hurricane. She should remain on the low-end of tropical storm strength for the rest of her life, which will come to an abrupt end as she makes landfall either very late Saturday night or early Sunday morning.

Remember, you can utilize our Hurricane Tracker tool on our website!

Heat Advisory Friday Afternoon

A Heat Advisory is in effect from Noon through 7 p.m. for all of our region (including Fauquier County, even though the shading is missing above) as a result of the dangerous combination of high heat and humidity. High temperatures will be in the upper-90's and low-100's this afternoon, with heat index values ranging 105-109 degrees for several hours. Minimize outdoor exposure and activity as much as possible, and drink more water than you usually would. For an average adult, that would up your daily water intake from two liters to three liters. For a child, that's about two liters of water needed on a really hot day. For information on heat-related illnesses, visit the Red Cross.

Tropical Storm Bonnie Update Friday Morning

Tropical Storm Bonnie, which strengthened Thursday over the Bahamas from Tropical Depression #3, is approaching southern Florida this Friday morning. Bonnie will affect the Keys and the southern half of Florida today with local heavy downpours and sustained winds around 40 mph with some higher gusts. A northwest track is expected the rest of the weekend as upper winds steer the Tropical Storm around a dome of high pressure parked over the Southeast U.S. (the same ridge that is producing a dangerous heat wave in the Deep South and the Mid-Atlantic). This track takes Bonnie straight for the Gulf oil spill cleanup region, and will likely lead to a landfall around Louisiana by Sunday evening as a Tropical Storm.

Not much strengthening is expected over the weekend, as upper-level winds will prevent better organization of the system. Most model data indicates the current strength will be maintained or strengthen slightly, at best.