Isaac races through Newfoundland

Hurricane Isaac is racing towards the southeast corner of Newfoundland at 35 mph, and will bring winds near hurricane force to the island today. Already this morning, winds have reached 36 mph with higher gusts at Sagona Island, Newfoundland. Sagona Island saw sustained winds of 76 mph gusting to 93 during the passage of the extratropical version of Hurricane Florence on September 13. Isaac's impact on Newfoundland will probably be similar to that of Florence, which destroyed one home and caused scattered power outages and minor damage. A 2-3 foot storm surge and 2-3 inches of rain are likely from Isaac.


Figure 1. Latest satellite image of Isaac, updated every 1/2 hour.

Elsewhere in the tropics
An non-tropical low pressure system has formed near 30N 30W, about 500 miles south of the Azores Islands. This low may gradually acquire tropical characteristics over the next few days as it drifts southwestward over warmer waters.

The computer models are indicating some development is possible by Thursday in the region between the Bahamas and Bermuda, along an old cold front. Any development here would probably move northeast out to sea, and could be a threat to Bermuda.

I'll haven't had a chance to finish my October tropical outlook, but hope to post that Tuesday morning.

Jeff Masters