000 WTPZ42 KNHC 202031 TCDEP2 TROPICAL STORM LOWELL DISCUSSION NUMBER 12 NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL EP122014 200 PM PDT WED AUG 20 2014 Lowell continues to feature a large circulation center with a convective band that wraps most of the way around the circulation. The latest TAFB and SAB Dvorak estimates are T3.5/55 kt, and that is the initial intensity for this advisory. A little additional intensification is possible in the next 12 to 24 hours before the cyclone begins to move over cooler waters, and the NHC forecast reflects this possibility. After that time, a gradual spin down is forecast as the cyclone encounters increasingly hostile thermodynamic conditions. The NHC intensity forecast is close to the latest IVCN consensus and shows Lowell becoming a remnant low by 4 days. The initial motion estimate is 315/4, as Lowell is moving slowly northwestward into a break in the subtropical ridge caused by a mid/upper-level low over southern California. The track forecast reasoning remains unchanged, with the cyclone expected to gain some forward speed after 12 hours while the trough lifts out and some ridging rebuilds to the east. As Lowell weakens, the cyclone will turn west-northwestward as it comes under the influence of a low- level ridge over the north Pacific. Overall, the track model guidance remains in good agreement on this scenario. The new NHC track is generally an update of the previous forecast and is close to a consensus of the GFS and ECMWF models. FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS INIT 20/2100Z 19.4N 121.5W 55 KT 65 MPH 12H 21/0600Z 19.8N 121.9W 60 KT 70 MPH 24H 21/1800Z 20.6N 122.6W 60 KT 70 MPH 36H 22/0600Z 21.6N 123.6W 55 KT 65 MPH 48H 22/1800Z 22.8N 124.9W 50 KT 60 MPH 72H 23/1800Z 24.9N 127.8W 35 KT 40 MPH 96H 24/1800Z 26.5N 130.5W 30 KT 35 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW 120H 25/1800Z 27.5N 133.5W 25 KT 30 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW $$ Forecaster Brennan