Tropical Storm Arthur (2008)
 | This article is about a current Tropical Storm Arthur where information can change quickly or be unreliable. The latest page updates may not reflect the most up-to-date information. Please refer to your local weather service or media outlets for the latest weather information pertaining to a specific location. |
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 Satellite image | |||
| As of: | 7 p.m. CDT May 31 (0000 UTC June 1) | ||
| Location: | 18.4°N 89.2°W ± 50 nm About 55 mi (90 km) W of Chetumal About 175 mi (285 km) E of Ciudad del Carmen | ||
| Sustained winds: | 35 knots | 40 mph | 65 km/h (1-min mean) gusting to 45 knots | 50 mph | 85 km/h | ||
| Pressure: | 1006 mbar (29.71 inHg) | ||
| Movement: | WNW at 6 kt | 7 mph | 11 km/h | ||
| See more detailed information. | |||
Tropical Storm Arthur is the first tropical storm to form in May since 1981. The first tropical cyclone of the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season, the storm originated from enhanced tropical activity in the western Caribbean Sea due to the remnants of Tropical Storm Alma in the eastern Pacific and two tropical waves. A surface trough developed across the region, which sparked convective activity. The system quickly organized and was named Tropical Storm Arthur on May 31, while crossing the shore of Belize. Arthur is currently situated within 50 nm of 18.4°N 88.9°W, and contains sustained winds of 40 mph (64 km/h).
Storm history
By May 29, 2008, the western Caribbean Sea became tropically active due to the presence of two tropical waves and Tropical Storm Alma, which was located in the east Pacific Ocean. The system generated a broad surface low pressure system, as well as clusters of convection.[1] The next day, Alma made landfall on Nicaragua, pulling deep tropical moisture into the region. Upper level outflow was spreading outwards from the tropical storm with a high pressure system over the Caribbean.[2] A surface trough developed and extended from inland Honduras to just south of the Cayman Islands. This sparked further development of scattered strong convection southeast of the trough.[3] On May 31, the remnants of Alma were situated along the coast of Belize as a 1005 mb low pressure system. A broad upper-level ridge was anchored over the Gulf of Honduras, which covered the entire region and maintained deep tropical moisture.[4] In the early afternoon—based on satellite imagery and a NOAA buoy that reported sustained tropical storm-force winds—despite moving ashore on the Yucatan Peninsula, the system was named Tropical Storm Arthur, about 45 mi (72 km) north-northwest of Belize City.[5] Arthur was tracking towards the west-northwest at 8 mph (13 km/h), and with a minimal central pressure of 1005 mb, maximum sustained winds were at 40 mph (65 km/h). These winds were primarily concentrated over open waters to the east and northeast of the center.[6] Despite being over land for several hours, the storm maintained a fairly organized structure by 5 p.m. that day. The storm contained a large low-level center which was accompanied by convective banding. New convective cells began building over the Yucatan Peninsula, as the storm was being steered by high pressure system located in the Gulf of Mexico. Arthur is currently expected to weaken as it proceeds inland.[7]
Current storm information
As of 7 p.m. CDT May 31 (0000 UTC June 1), the center of Tropical Storm Arthur is estimated to be located within 50 nm of 18.4°N 89.2°W, inland over the southern Yucatan Peninsula about 55 mi (90 km) west of Chetumal or about 175 mi (285 km) east of Ciudad del Carmen. Tropical Storm Arthur has maximum sustained winds of 35 kt (40 mph, 65 km/h), with higher gusts. It has a minimum central pressure of 1006 mbar (29.71 inches), and is moving west-northwest at 6 kt (7 mph, 11 km/h). Tropical storm-force winds extend out up to 260 mi (415 km) from the center, mainly to the east over the Caribbean Sea.
Preparations and impact
In preparation for the storm, ports were closed in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, while residents and tourists were encouraged to take precautions in coastal areas. Also, ports were closed on the islands of Cozumel, Isla Mujeres and in Chetumal.[8] The storm produced rainfall as far south as Belize City and kicked up strong surf on the island of Ambergis Caye.[8]
Arthur is the first tropical storm to form in May since Tropical Storm Arlene in 1981. Other systems have formed (such as Subtropical Storm Andrea in 2007), but they have started out as subtropical. The formation of Arthur also marks the first time that a named storm formed in May for two consecutive years.
Watches and warnings
As of 7 p.m. CDT May 31 (0000 UTC June 1)
- A tropical storm warning is in effect for:
- The coast of Belize
- The coast of Mexico from Cabo Catoche southward to the border with Belize.
See also
References
- ^ Huffman (2008). "May 29 Tropical Weather Outlook". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-05-31.
- ^ Burg (2008). "May 30 Tropical Weather Outlook". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-05-31.
- ^ Wallace (2008). "May 30 Tropical Weather Outlook". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-05-31.
- ^ Wallace (2008). "May 31 Tropical Weather Outlook". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-05-31.
- ^ Avila & Rhome (2008). "Tropical Storm Arthur Public Advisory Number 1". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-05-31.
- ^ Avila & Rhome (2008). "Tropical Storm Arthur Public Advisory Number 1A". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-05-31.
- ^ Avila & Rhome (2008). "Tropical Storm Arthur Discussion Number 2". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-05-31.
- ^ a b William Ysaguirre (2008). "Tropical Storm Arthur hits Yucatan". Associated Press. Retrieved 2008-05-31.
Tropical cyclones of the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season | ||
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