Three areas of interest in the Atlantic -- one near the Gulf Coast

We now have three areas to keep an eye on in the Atlantic. Two of the systems pose no immediate threat to land, but there is one system quite close to the Gulf coast.


Map of areas of interest

The first system, Invest 90L has been slowly moving across the central Atlantic but continues to support little thunderstorm activity. Conditions with this tropical wave remain less than favorable for development. No storm formation in expected over the next couple of days, but we will continue to monitor the wave for signs of organization.


Invest 90L - Infrared satellite

There is also a low pressure center located northwest of Invest 90L that is continuing to move across the central Atlantic. Invest 99L is a closed surface low that still lacks organized convection. The surface circulation makes development of a tropical system much more likely than in the case with a tropical wave. However, Invest 99L is approaching more hostile environmental conditions as time progresses. The system is leaving the vicinity of the upper-level anticyclone that has been favoring development.


Invest 99L - Visible satellite


200 mb streamlines (credit: WSI)

Closer to home, there is an area of thunderstorms associated with a trough in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Convection is still fairly limited with this system, but its proximity to land innately raises concern. Surface pressures are already falling in the area and the system does seem to be undergoing limited development. If this system does develop, it is unlikely to have time to become very strong. However, any tropical system impacting land can lead to heavy damage from inland flooding. Accordingly, a hurricane hunter has been scheduled to investigate the system later today.


Invest 91L - Infrared satellite

This system is expect to drift slowly westward and will reach the central Texas coast in a few days.


Invest 91L - Weather models

Cheers,
Bryan Woods