Good morning.
Hurricane Zeta has strengthened continuously over night and a distinct eye is now apparent. (Note distinct eyes usually form when winds reach 90- 100 mph.) The latest advisory notes winds up to 90 mph and some additional strengthening is possible before landfall late this afternoon along the Louisiana Coast. If you look at the surface map below it looks like Zeta is going to New Orleans via Houma, LA first. Due to steady strengthening overnight Zeta has so far been able to fend off the shear to its north. It should start to weaken just prior to landfall however due to its fairly fast forward motion winds may still be in the 85-100 mph range when it comes onshore. Intensity is one of the hardest things to forecast as the storms affect the variables themselves.
The eye is currently around 30 miles wide and on its present track may pass over New Orleans. If you look at the satellite loop below you can see that it is now moving slightly east of north and you can also see the city lights across the southeastern US.
Until next time,
Matt.
Hurricane Zeta has strengthened continuously over night and a distinct eye is now apparent. (Note distinct eyes usually form when winds reach 90- 100 mph.) The latest advisory notes winds up to 90 mph and some additional strengthening is possible before landfall late this afternoon along the Louisiana Coast. If you look at the surface map below it looks like Zeta is going to New Orleans via Houma, LA first. Due to steady strengthening overnight Zeta has so far been able to fend off the shear to its north. It should start to weaken just prior to landfall however due to its fairly fast forward motion winds may still be in the 85-100 mph range when it comes onshore. Intensity is one of the hardest things to forecast as the storms affect the variables themselves.
The eye is currently around 30 miles wide and on its present track may pass over New Orleans. If you look at the satellite loop below you can see that it is now moving slightly east of north and you can also see the city lights across the southeastern US.
Until next time,
Matt.