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Tropical Storm Ian Discussion Number 27
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL092022
500 AM EDT Thu Sep 29 2022
Ian's center continues to move northeastward across central Florida,
and nearly all of the heavy rains are located to the north over
northeastern Florida. NWS WSR-88D Doppler velocities from the
Melbourne and Tampa radars have decreased significantly since last
evening, and based on that data, Ian is now a tropical storm with
maximum sustained winds of 55 kt. This intensity is also supported
by wind observations across Florida, with the highest recent
sustained wind being 52 kt at New Smyrna Beach.
Ian's current motion is northeastward, or 040/7 kt. The tail end
of a deep-layer trough is expected to detach from the main trough
axis over the southeastern United States during the next 24 to 48
hours, and Ian is forecast to move around the eastern periphery of
this feature, turning north-northeastward later today and then
north-northwestward by Friday night. In this scenario, Ian should
move off the east coast of Florida later today, and then swing
northward toward the South Carolina coast during the next 36 hours
or so. Although there is some cross-track spread in the guidance,
they all agree on this general scenario, and the NHC track forecast
lies where most of the models are packed. No significant changes
were made to the previous prediction.
Little change in intensity is forecast during the next 24 hours or
so, mainly due to strong southwesterly shear. After 24 hours,
global models are suggesting that Ian could have some favorable
interaction with the eastern U.S. trough, all while it's moving
over the warm 28-29 degree Celsius waters of the Gulf Stream. As a
result, some slight strengthening is indicated in the official
forecast by 36 hours, and Ian could be near hurricane intensity as
it's approaching the coast of South Carolina. This possibility is
accounted for by the Hurricane Watch that is effect for the area.
After moving inland, Ian is expected to weaken quickly, and global
models indicate it should dissipate or become absorbed by another
broader area of low pressure over the Carolinas by day 3.
Key Messages:
1. Coastal water levels continue to subside along the west coast of
Florida. There is a danger of life-threatening storm surge today
through Friday along the coasts of northeast Florida, Georgia,
and South Carolina. Residents in these areas should follow any
advice given by local officials.
2. Tropical-storm-force winds are expected to spread northward
across northeastern Florida, Georgia, and the Carolina coasts
through Friday. Hurricane conditions are possible through
Friday along the coasts of northeastern Florida, Georgia and South
Carolina where a Hurricane Watch in effect.
3. Widespread, life-threatening catastrophic flooding, with major to
record river flooding, will continue today across portions of
central Florida with considerable flooding in northern Florida,
southeastern Georgia and eastern South Carolina expected today
through the end of the week.
FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS
INIT 29/0900Z 28.0N 80.9W 55 KT 65 MPH...INLAND
12H 29/1800Z 28.9N 80.4W 55 KT 65 MPH...OVER WATER
24H 30/0600Z 30.2N 80.0W 55 KT 65 MPH...OVER WATER
36H 30/1800Z 32.2N 80.1W 60 KT 70 MPH...OVER WATER
48H 01/0600Z 34.3N 80.8W 35 KT 40 MPH...INLAND
60H 01/1800Z 35.8N 81.7W 25 KT 30 MPH...INLAND
72H 02/0600Z...DISSIPATED
$$
Forecaster Berg
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