The 2006 Hurricane Season

Opening Season Preamble

4th June, 2006

We're now four days into the 2006 Atlantic Hurricane Season, and although conditions are currently looking somewhat unfavourable for development, a system in the south-western Caribbean has been flexing it's muscles. Nothing is expected to come of it, but the fact that a system in early June has caused some excitement among weather-watchers has to be a worry in a season that has been widely forecast to see above average tropical activity.

The eastern Pacific basin has already seen Tropical Storm Aletta as early as the 27th May, and another system has been spinning-up recently. Let's hope this is not a sign of things to come in the Atlantic basin.

Here's the list of 2006 contenders.

Alberto, Beryl, Chris, Debby, Ernesto, Florence, Gordon, Helene, Isaac, Joyce,
Kirk, Leslie, Michael, Nadine, Oscar, Patty, Rafael, Sandy, Tony, Valerie, William

2006 Hurricane and Tropical Storm News

Well, it's beginning to look like the 2006 Hurricane Season is going to end on a damp squib, with no named storms since the 2nd October. The following table shows the breakdown of these storms

Tropical Storm Isaac has passed Newfoundland and continues to track to the northeast at 40 mph with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. Isaac has lost it's tropical characteristics and become extra-tropical. The NHC have ceased reporting on Isaac, so this will be the last report and final tracking map.

Hurricane Isaac reverted to a tropical storm overnight,and has continued to track to the north-northeast at 41 mph with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. Isaac is expected to affect coastal parts of Newfoundland today, before going extra-tropical.

Hurricane Isaac has been tracking to the north-northeast at 26 mph with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph. Isaac may still affect Nova Scotia and Newfoundland later tomorrow, but only as a tropical storm.

Tropical Storm Isaac becomes the fifth hurricane of the 2006 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Hurricane Isaac is tracking to the northwest at 7 mph with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph. Isaac is still forecast by the NHC to 'pass well east of Bermuda'. There is a possibility that Isaac may affect Nova Scotia and Newfoundland later in the period. We will monitor that.

Tropical Storm Isaac is very close to becoming a hurricane. Isaac is tracking to the west-northwest at 8 mph with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph. Isaac is forecast by the NHC to 'pass well east of Bermuda'.

Tropical Storm Isaac is tracking to the west-northwest at 6 mph with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. Isaac continues to look better organized, and it continues to track towards Bermuda.

Tropical Storm Isaac is tracking to the west-northwest towards Bermuda at 6 mph with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. Isaac shows distinctly better organization on the latest pass, and could still see some further strengthening during the next 24 hours. The NHC are still insisting that Isaac is not expected to threaten land, although the turn to west-northwest was unexpected.

Tropical Storm Isaac continues to track to the northwest towards Bermuda at 5 mph with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. Isaac could see some further strengthening during the next 24 hours, although it is still not expected to threaten land.

Tropical Depression Nine has indeed become Tropical Storm Isaac. Isaac is tracking northwest towards Bermuda at 8 mph with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. According to the NHC, Isaac is expected to strengthen during the next 24 hours, although it is not expected to threaten land.

Tropical Depression Nine, and Tropical Storm Isaac elect, has been slowly tracking up towards Bermuda from the southeast. According to the latest NHC report, Nine is very nearly a tropical storm, which will make it the ninth storm of the 2006 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

We will continue to closely monitor Nine, and report on it's status, although tracking of this storm seems unlikely due to it's projected path not affecting land. We will continue to just watch it for now and provide maps on the maps page.

Florence, Gordon and Helene have all been relatively long-lived storms in September of 2006. Florence remained a named storm for nine days, as did Gordon, whilst Helene remains a named storm after eleven days. All have followed a very similar trajectory that has taken them from the southwest of Cape Verde Islands, around or east of Bermuda, then on towards the UK.

Gordon took quite a while to get going before gaining tropical storm status on the 11th. Gordon then took the easterly path around Bermuda, turned northeast to pass over the Azores as a hurricane on the 19th, before eventually bringing tropical conditions to much of the UK and Ireland.

Helene reached tropical storm status quite quicky by the 13th of the month, and was only 600 miles southwest of the Cape Verde Islands. Helene's trajectory has been the most pronounced elliptical track that has taken it to the east of Bermuda, then onto a northeasterly track. This track is set to take Helene to the north of the Azores, then on towards the UK by the 28th.

Tropical Storm Gordon weakened has it passed the Spain/Portugal coast, but has caused some damage, according to Spain's National Weather Institute. They stated that the storm had knocked down some trees and electric poles, and started a fire in one town.

Extratropical Storm Gordon is expected to bring strong gusty winds to parts of the British Isles during Thursday and early Friday, with gusts of up to 70mph in parts of Cornwall and Ireland.

This will be the final tracking report for Hurricane Gordon.

Hurricane Helene is approximately 500 miles east-southeast of Bermuda, and the NHC expect it to stay several hundred miles east of the island, and be no threat to land.

Helene's maximum sustained winds are close to 80 mph, and the NHC expect no changes over the coming 24 hours.

Since Helene is no threat to land, all tracking will now cease. Should Helene become a threat in the coming days, tracking will recommence.

Hurricane Gordon has slightly de-intensified again as it passed over the Azores and now has sustained winds of 75mph. Current track takes it into Portugal as it tracks east at 35mph, although the NHC forecast has it turning towards the northeast in the next 24 hours.

Hurricane Helene is currently jogging around in the Atlantic, approximately 750 miles southeast of Bermuda. Helene has maximum sustained winds of 110mph. The NHC are saying that Helene has already made a turn to the northwest, although the NavyMil suggests by the latest satellite overpass that it is either stationary or still moving west. We will have to wait and see.

Hurricane Gordon has de-intensified since earlier today and now has sustained winds of 85mph as it approaches the Azores. Hurricane Gordon is tracking to the east at 33mph.

Hurricane Helene reverts to a category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 110mph. Helene is still on the more westerly track, although the NHC are still anticipating a turn to the north. Helene is moving to the west-northwest at a steady 9mph.

Hurricane Gordon increased intensity again and now has sustained winds of 100mph as it approaches the Azores. Hurricane Gordon is tracking to the east at 28mph, and is forecast to arrive in the Azores today.

Hurricane Helene remains a major hurricane with maximum sustsained winds of 115mph and the very prominent eye feature. Helene is still on the more westerly track, although the NHC are anticipating a turn to the north. Helene is moving to the west-northwest at 8mph, and is not expected to strengthen during the next 24 hours.

Hurricane Helene has de-intensified a little, but remains a major hurricane. Maximum sustsained winds are 115mph and the very prominent eye feature still exists. Helene has turned onto a more westerly track for the time being. Helene is moving to the west-northwest at 9mph, and is not expected to strengthen during the next 24 hours.

Hurricane Gordon increased intensity again and has sustained winds of 90mph. Hurricane Gordon is tracking to the east-northeast at 22mph in the middle of the Atlantic, and is forecast to arrive near the Azores on Tuesday.

Overnight, Hurricane Helene became the second major hurricane of the 2006 Atlantic Hurricane Season. With maximum sustsained winds of 120mph and a very prominent eye feature, Helene continues to organize as it takes a more northerly track. Helene is moving to the north-northwest at 7mph, but the NHC expect Helene to turn back towards the west-northwest within the next 12 hours.

Hurricane Gordon retains it's intensity with sustained winds of 80mph. Hurricane Gordon is tracking to the northeast at 20mph in the middle of the Atlantic, and is forecast to arrive over the Azores in the early hours of Wednesday (gmt).

Hurricane Gordon has strengthened a little and now has sustained winds of 80mph. Hurricane Gordon is tracking to the northeast at 14mph in the middle of the Atlantic.

Hurricane Helene continues to organize with a prominent eye feature, and has increased in intensity as it tracks towards Bermuda, although south-westerly shear appears to be affecting it, as can be seen in the shortwave image on the left. Helene is moving to the northwest at 9mph with maximum sustained winds of 105mph. The NHC expect Helene to continue this motion for the next couple of days before turning towards the north.

Hurricane Gordon has weakened again, and now has sustained winds of 75mph. Hurricane Gordon has started moving again, and is tracking north at 6mph in the middle of the Atlantic.

Tropical Storm Helene became the fourth hurricane of the 2006 Hurricane Season. Helene continues to organize, and increase in intensity as it finds more favourable conditions and heads northwest towards Bermuda. Helene is moving at 9mph with maximum sustained winds of 85mph. The NHC expect Helene to continue to strengthen for the next couple of days, with a slight turn towards the west.

Hurricane Gordon has weakened since yesterday, and now has sustained winds of 90mph. Hurricane Gordon presently remains becalmed in the middle of the Atlantic.

Tropical Storm Helene continues to organize, and increase in intensity as it heads west-northwest into the open ocean. Helene is moving at 15mph with maximum sustained winds of 70mph. The NHC expect Helene to become a hurricane by the next advisory. They do not expect Helene to threaten land.

Hurricane Gordon strengthened again yesterday, and has maintained winds of 120mph ever since. This makes Hurricane Gordon a category 3 storm, and the first major hurricane of the season. Gordon is tracking to the northeast at 12mph. It will be no threat to land, and the NHC expect it to revert to a tropical storm by lunchtime on Sunday.

Tropical Depression 8 became Tropical Storm Helene yesterday, the eighth named storm of the 2006 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Helene is still well to the east, and is moving towards the west-northwest at 16mph with maximum sustained winds of 45mph.

Tropical Storm Gordon became Hurricane Gordon yesterday, the third hurricane of the 2006 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Hurricane Gordon has strengthened again since yesterday and now has winds of 110mph. Gordon is tracking to the north at 12mph. It will be no threat to land.

Tropical Depression 8, soon to become Tropical Storm Helene, is still well to the east and is moving towards the west at 18mph with maximum sustained winds of 35mph. There is strong easterly shear over this system which is currently holding down the intensity.

Tropical Depression 8, soon to become Tropical Storm Helene, is well to the east and is moving towards the west at approximately 13mph with maximum sustained winds of 35mph.

Tropical Storm Gordon is moving to the north at 9mph with maximum sustained winds of 65mph. The HNC expect Gordon to become a hurricane soon, but it will not threaten land.

Hurricane Florence passing Canada on it's way to being extra-tropical. Winds are 75mph as she jets up the east coast at 25mph. This is the final tracking map for Hurricane Florence.

As expected, the NHC have upgraded Tropical Depression Seven to Tropical Storm Gordon. Gordon is moving to the northwest at 9mph with maximum sustained winds of 45mph.

Hurricane Florence is still packing winds of 90mph as she jets up the east coast.

System 07L.Seven has been renamed 07L.Gordon by the NavyMil, which means that they have classified it as Tropical Storm Gordon. Gordon is moving to the west-northwest with a current intensity of 40kts. As yet, the NHC have not changed their designation of this system, but it is almost certain they too will classify this system as Tropical Storm Gordon by the 1700EDT advisory, the seventh named storm of the 2006 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

This storm is almost following in the footsteps of Florence, as you will see from the double overlay on the tracking page, but Gordon is very different from Florence. Whereas Florence was a huge storm, 900 miles across, Gordon is tiny by comparison at just 130 miles in diameter. It's forecast track should take it to the east of Bermuda.

System 07L.Seven, which is defined by the NavyMil as a Tropical Depression, is currently spinning up to the east of Antigua. This system has been hanging around for a few days as an Invest, but is now starting to develop some decent organization. The direction of motion is not known at this time. Current intensity is 25 knots.

Tropical Storm Florence became Hurricane Florence yesterday evening, and is now tracking to the north at 13mph. Maximum sustained winds have increased to 90mph since yesterday, and further strengthening is expected before reaching Bermuda. The NHC now believe that Florence will pass close to Bermuda around lunchtime on Monday as a Category two Hurricane. Bermuda will most likely be on the clean side of Florence, resulting in the perceived intensity being more than the nominal 90mph.

Tropical Storm Florence is tracking to the northwest at 13mph as it curves around the system to it's northeast. Maximum sustained winds have increased from yesterday to 65mph, and further strengthening is expected between now and reaching Bermuda. The NHC are predicting that Florence will pass over Bermuda around lunchtime on Monday as a Category one Hurricane.

Tropical Storm Florence continues to track to the west-northwest at at an increased speed of 15mph as it begins to curve around the system to it's north. Maximum sustained winds remain at 50mph, although some strengthening is now expected as it turns towards the northwest, as the NHC had predicted. They are predicting that Florence will be near Bermuda in 72 hours as a 100mph Cat2 Hurricane.

Florence is a huge storm, more than 900 miles across, so Bermuda can expect to start feeling the sting in less than 72 hours - maybe 36 hours.

NOTE: The distances from Nasau (Bahamas) have been revised due to inaccuracies in initial plots.

Tropical Storm Florence continues to track to the west-northwest at 9mph. Maximum sustained winds remain at 50mph.

Tropical wave 91L.Invest continues tracking towards the west with maximum sustained winds of 25kts.

System 92L.Invest off the Florida coast is quite interesting in that it appeared quite suddenly. No movement estimate is yet given, but the maximum winds are 25kts.

Tropical Storm Florence continues to track to the west-northwest at 12mph. Maximum sustained winds have increased to 50mph. The NHC has Florence turning sharply to the north at the end of the 5 day forecast, which will comes as a relief to those of you in the Bahamas. But, be warned, 5 day predictions can be wrong, so be prepared and stay vigilant.

Tropical wave 91L.Invest continues tracking towards the west with maximum sustained winds of 25kts.

Tropical Storm Florence continues to track to the west-northwest at 13mph. Maximum sustained winds are steady at 45mph.

Tropical wave 91L.Invest continues tracking towards the west with maximum sustained winds of 25kts.

Tropical Storm Florence continues to track to the west-northwest at 12mph. Maximum sustained winds are steady at 45mph.

Tropical wave 91L.Invest is approximately 320 miles east of where Florence began. It's moving towards the west with maximum sustained winds of 25kts. Could be another one to watch over the coming week.

Tropical Storm Florence continues to get stronger and is tracking to the west-northwest at 12mph. Maximum sustained winds are now 45mph. The NHC have adjusted the track of Florence, which takes it more westerly than north-westerly. The forecast puts Florence as a 100mph hurricane just to the east of the northern Bahamas in 5 days time.

Despite adverse conditions in the central Atlantic, Tropical Depression SIX becomes the sixth named storm of the 2006 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Tropical Storm Florence is tracking to the west-northwest at 13mph with maximum sustained winds of 40mph. Since this is now a named storm, tracking will commence for Tropical Storm Florence. The Google Earth tracking files can be found on the Download Page

This is a big storm, approximately 500 miles across and, as such, it bears watching closely.

Tropical Depression SIX tracks west-northwest at 13mph with maximum sustained winds of 35mph. The NHC don't have much for this during the next couple of days due to currently unfavourable conditions. But, this is a large system that has turned towards a more westerly direction, and conditions are expected to become a lot more favourable for rapid development. With this system pointing directly at the Bahamas and Florida, it has to be taken very seriously indeed. Keep a close watch on it..

Tropical Depression SIX still tracks northwest at 12mph with maximum sustained winds of 35mph.

Tropical Depression SIX has not strengthened overnight, and continues to track northwest at 12mph with maximum sustained winds of 35mph.

At 2100z yesterday, system 06L.Six was classified by the NHC as tropical depression SIX. SIX is moving to the northwest at 14mph with maximum sustained winds of 35mph. SIX is expected to become Tropical Storm Florence by early Monday. Tracking will commence when SIX becomes Tropical Storm Florence, although current maps can be found on the maps page.

At 1815z, 99L.Invest is not looking like much. It is still moving to the west with winds of 25 knots.

Of much more interest is another tropical wave, 1400 miles east of Barbados and moving west to northwest. 06L.Six has been classed as a tropical depression by the Navymil, with wind speeds of 30 knots. One to keep an eye on over the coming week.

At 1715z, 99L.Invest is beginning to get more organized as it approaches the Caribbean. 99L.Invest is currently moving to the west-northwest with winds of 25 knots.

There is a possibility that 99L.Invest could become Tropical Storm Florence in a couple of days, as long as conditions in the area remain favourable.

At 1100EDT, Tropical Storm Ernesto was downgraded by the NHC to a tropical depression, 80 miles west-southwest of Norfolk, Virginia. It is tracking north at 14mph with maximum sustained winds of 35mph.

Since this site only tracks named storms, this will be the final report for Ernesto.

Tropical Storm Ernesto arrived over North Carolina earlier this morning, and is now tracking north at 15mph with maximum sustained winds of 60mph.

Tropical Storm Ernesto is tracking north-northeast at 17mph with maximum sustained winds that have increased to 70mph. Ernesto's position at 1700EDT was approximately 54 miles from Cape Island, South Carolina, and on it's present track it will most likely make landfall in North Carolina.

The NHC have stated that Ernesto could strengthen further before reaching land, and that it could make landfall as a category 1 hurricane. Landfall could be east of Brunswick or, if it stays more to the east, then southeast of Jacksonville.

Tropical Storm Ernesto is tracking north at 17mph with sustained winds of 60mph, and will be entering South Carolina shortly. The NHC expect no further strengthening of Ernesto prior to landfall. Landfall is expected to be near to the border with North Carolina.

Ernesto regained tropical storm strength at 0200EDT as it moved out over water, having remained a tropical depression during it's journey through Florida. Tropical Storm Ernesto is tracking north at 15mph with sustained winds of 50mph, and is expected to run parallel to the coast and re-enter land in South Carolina as a tropical storm this evening.

Since Ernesto has regained tropical storm status, tracking has re-commenced.

Ernesto has reverted to a tropical depression over Florida, and is tracking north at 10mph with sustained winds of 35mph. Since this site only tracks named storms, tracking will cease for Ernesto until it regains tropical storm status.

Tropical Storm Ernesto entered the Florida Keys in the early hours, and is tracking to the north-northwest at 8mph with maximum sustained winds of 45mph. Current location is in north-eastern mainland Munroe county.

Ernesto is expected to continue tracking in a northerly direction through central Florida, then continue up the coast and re-enter at South Carolina as a tropical storm on Thursday afternoon. It's track then continues through North Carolina and Virginia as a tropical storm during Friday and Saturday.

Still no change for this reporting period, as Tropical Storm Ernesto moves to the northwest at 13mph with maximum sustained winds of 45mph.

Little change for this reporting period as Tropical Storm Ernesto moves to the northwest at 12mph with maximum sustained winds of 45mph.

Tropical Storm Ernesto has passed over Cuba and has once again moved out into open water where it can be expected to re-intensify. Ernesto is moving northwest at 12mph with maximum sustained winds at 45mph.

The NHC now have Ernesto remaining as a tropical storm until it comes ashore in South Carolina. Meanwhile, it is expected to enter the keys this evening then sweep up the eastern coast of Florida into Wednesday evening as a 65mph tropical storm.

Tropical Storm Ernesto has almost passed over Cuba. Ernesto is moving northwest at 13mph with maximum sustained winds still at 40mph.

The NHC have cooled their 3 day forecast somewhat. They now believe that Ernesto will brush the eastern coast of Florida late Tuesday/early Wednesday as a 70mph tropical storm, then head offshore towards South Carolina. They expect it to make landfall there as a category 1 hurricane. Florida could almost be off the hook, especially if Ernesto decides to make a further turn towards the east.

Tropical Storm Ernesto is now just a borderline tropical storm as it passes over Cuba. Ernesto is moving northwest at 12mph with maximum sustained winds of just 40mph, and could briefly revert to being a tropical depression until clearing land.

But don't become complacent. The NHC still expect it to re-intensify back to a hurricane as it starts to move over open water, and Florida can expect to see maximum sustaind winds of around 85mph with stronger gusts.

Tropical Storm Ernesto has been knocked back again as it approaches Cuba. Ernesto is moving northwest at 12mph with sustained winds of 50mph, and is expected to remain as a tropical storm until clearing Cuba sometime early morning on Tuesday. The NHC then expect it to re-intensify back to a hurricane before snaking it's way up Florida from south to north on Wednesday morning. Florida entry and exit points appear to be around Key Largo and south of Jacksonville. Maximum estimated windspeed over Florida is expected to be around 85mph with stronger gusts.

Hurricane Ernesto has had the wind taken out of it's sails as it lashed Haiti. It has been knocked back to a tropical storm with winds of 60mph, and is moving towards the northwest at 8mph. The NHC expect it to re-intensify as it begins to move over open water again.

Hurricane Ernesto is moving towards the northwest at 9mph with winds of 75mph. The NHC track now looks more northerly than previously, which will take it on a track that almost parallels the west Florida coastline, putting the coast on the clean side. This will obviously have more of an impact, and also affect more areas than a straight-across path. Floridians need to take care with this one..

At the 5am NHC advisory, Tropical Storm Ernesto was moving towards the west-northwest at 9mph with winds of 70mph. Four minutes later, an air force reconaissance plane reported winds of 75mph, making Ernesto the first hurricane of the 2006 Hurricane Season.

The 5 day extended NHC  forecast now sees Ernesto turning northeast and making landfall over mid Florida by lunchtime Thursday as a 100kt hurricane.

Tropical Storm Ernesto's track has been updated by the NHC after a hurricane hunter found Ernesto to be somewhat further east-northeast than expected. Intensity was also up on expected and is now set at 60mph. Ernesto is moving towards the west-northwest at 13mph and could be upgraded to a hurricane shortly after passing over Jamaica on Sunday afternoon. The 5 day extended NHC  forecast has Ernesto in the GOM as a Cat3, 105kt hurricane at the end of the period.

Note: These pages will be updated every 6 hours whilst Ernesto continues to threaten land.

Tropical Storm Ernesto is moving towards the west-northwest at 14mph with winds of 50mph. Ernesto is expected to pass over Jamaica on Sunday afternoon then become a hurricane by 8am Monday. The 5 day NHC forecast has Ernesto passing into the Gulf of Mexico by lunchtime Tuesday as an 80kt Cat1 hurricane, then tracking towards New Orleans.

Note: These pages will be updated every 6 hours whilst Ernesto continues to threaten land.

Tropical Storm Ernesto continues to move westwards at 16mph with winds of 45mph. There has been no change to the NHC's prediction which makes Ernesto a hurricane by early Monday.

Debby fizzled and reverted to a tropical depression at 0500edt. All tracking will now cease for Debby.

Note: These pages will be updated every 6 hours whilst Ernesto continues to threaten land.

Tropical Storm Debby is still crossing the mid Atlantic, and is slowly losing organization and de-intensifying - now 40mph.

Tropical Storm Debby is crossing the mid Atlantic, tracking to the west-northwest at 17mph with a windspeed of 50mph. The HNC forecast no longer has Debby becoming a hurricane in 5 days time, but to remain as a tropical storm which turns towards the north-east by Sunday.

Tropical Depression 5 continues to track west at 20mph, south of Puerto Rico. Current sustained winds are still 35mph. although the NHC expect it to become Tropical Storm Ernesto later today or tonight. When it does, this site will begin tracking.

Note: These pages will be updated once per day, around lunchtime GMT, whilst Debby does not affect land. If and when Tropical Depression 5 becomes Ernesto, these pages will be updated every 6 hours, as per the NHC.

Tropical Storm Debby continues to cross the eastern Atlantic, tracking to the west-northwest at 20mph with a windspeed of 45mph. Debby had briefly increased in intensity, but has now settled back after losing some of it's organization. The HNC forecast still has Debby becoming a hurricane in 5 days time, although 5 day predictions are somewhat 'unpredictable'. Stay tuned.

A tropical wave moving through the Windward Islands has become Tropical Depression 5, the fifth depression of the 2006 Hurricane Season. Current movement is to the west at 22mph with sustained winds of 35mph.

Tropical Storm Debby continues to cross the eastern Atlantic, moving to the west-northwest at 20mph with a windspeed of 45mph. Debby had briefly increased in intensity, but has now settled back after losing some of it's organization. The HNC forecast still has Debby becoming a hurricane in 5 days time, although 5 day predictions are somewhat 'unpredictable'. Stay tuned.

Tropical Depression 4 became Tropical Storm Debby at 2300edt in the far eastern Atlantic, close to the Cape Verde Islands. Debby is moving to the west-northwest at 16mph with a windspeed of 45mph.

The NHC's forecast has Debby becoming a hurricane within the next 4 days.

Google Earth tracking has now started for Tropical Storm Debby - see the Hurricane Debby tracking page for an overview of it's track. As soon as Debby loses it's tropical storm status, tracking will end.

Tropical Depression 4 continues to move west-northwest, now at 16mph. The NHC forecast still shows that the TD will become Tropical Storm Debby within 24 hours. Current intensity is 35mph.

This site only begins Google Earth tracking once the system becomes a tropical storm/hurricane. Watch this space...

Both Tropical Storm Beryl and Tropical Storm Chris made an appearance whilst I was on holiday for three weeks. The maps for these storms can be found on the relevant pages. There are no Google Earth tracking files for these storms.

System 96L expired when it came close to the Leeward Islands. There is no likely development on the horizon presently. Enjoy the fact, while you can.

System 96L is moving to the west and paralleling the Brazilian coast. This wave has an intensity of 25 knots, and presently looks very disorganized as one would expect. But, it still has a long way to go, and anything is possible in the next few days. Keep an eye on it.

Well, systems 94L and 95L came, and went, and neither amounted to a can of worms. There is no tropical weather of note anywhere in the Atlantic Basin, and nothing on the horizon. Sit back and relax, for now, because July is not noted for being a particularly quiet month.

System 91L has disappeared inland somewhere over GA, while the mid level low skirting up the eastern seaboard kept everyone confused. 92L went almost as quickly as it arrived. The only other thing of note is system 93L, a wave moving west along the south american coast and approaching the Windward Isles, although it's not doing much at this time.

System 91L is still hanging around in the Bahamas area, but the NavyMil now have a new invest in the form of 92L. This system is spinning up in the central Atlantlic. Both can be seen in the Google Earth overlay map. The 92L image is just above.

This system has been hanging around in the Bahamas area for the last week. It is now somewhat better organized with some noticeable banding and plenty of convection. As a result of this better organization, the NavyMil have named it as the latest Invest, which means that it will be watched a lot more carefully over the next few days. A recon will more than likely take place within the next 24 hours. No well-defined LLC has yet been identified that could be called the centre of this messy system, although a number of circulations have been seen recently. Should system 91L flare-up prior to the recon, then they may find winds in the system that approach Tropical Depression force. For the moment, though, this is uncertain. Upper level winds are now becoming more favourable for development, and any rapid intensification prior to reaching the Florida east coast would give us our second tropical storm of the season, which would be named as Beryl.

Alberto has just crossed the border into Georgia and is tracking northeast at 40 mph. The chances are, that on the next advisories, Alberto will be a tropical depression then an extra-tropical storm shooting up the east coast. Since this site only tracks named storms, this will be the last tracking map for Alberto.

Alberto is just about to come ashore as a 50 mph tropical storm, just to the southeast of the Big Bend. It's still tracking northeast and dissipating fast.

Tropical Storm Alberto slowing down as it approaches the Big Bend. Alberto's speed has dropped to 65 mph as it approaches the coast and tracking northeast. This looks as if Alberto's chances of ever becoming a hurricane have gone out of the window.

Tropical Storm Alberto fails to reach hurricane status as it approaches the Florida coastline - breath a sigh of relief. Now tracking towards the northeast, Alberto's speed has increased to 10 mph. The chances are that Alberto will continue to speed up as it crosses Florida and Georgia and, at the same time, rapidly de-intensify as per the NHC's prediction.

NHC have now decided that the LLC to the northeast of the original is now the dominant one, and moved Alberto's position further to the north and east. Tropical Storm Alberto has also increased in intensity again since the last advisory, and significantly so. This rapid change in intensity has forced them to issue hurricane warnings for much of the central to northern west Florida coastline, from Tampa to the panhandle. They expect Alberto to become Hurricane Alberto within the next 24 hours.

Alberto is moving to the north-northeast at 7 mph with maximum sustained winds of 70mph. The NHC predicted track is such that the centre is still expected to be to the south of the Big Bend.

Looking very broad and ragged, Tropical Storm Alberto has, nevertheless, increased in intensity over the last 12 hours. Alberto is moving to the north-northeast at 8 mph with maximum sustained winds of 50mph. NHC still have Alberto crossing just to the south of the Big Bend, at which time they expect it to be tracking to the northeast.

Strongly sheared from the southwest, Tropical Storm Alberto's appearance over the last six hours has degraded somewhat. This can be seen in the latest short visible image. That said, the NHC have not changed their position on Alberto since the last advisory, and still have Alberto remaining at it's current intensity for the next 24 hours.

A lot of rain has been falling over Florida, bringing some welcome relief to residents that have been going through a long dry spell.