Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Tropical Storm Isaac in Atlantic

Tropical Storm Isaac Formed in Atlantic
Made Landfall as Cat 1 Hurricane

...TROPICAL DEPRESSION ISAAC BRINGING HEAVY RAINFALL AND THE THREAT OF FLASH FLOODING TO THE MIDDLE MISSISSIPPI RIVER VALLEY...

USEFUL LINKS FOR TROPICAL STORMS & HURRICANES (CLICK HERE) 

400 PM CDT THU AUG 30 2012
...SLOW-MOVING ISAAC WEAKENS TO A DEPRESSION OVER NORTHERN
LOUISIANA...
...FLOODING RAINS CONTINUE ACROSS SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA AND
MISSISSIPPI... 

 HPC issuing advisories on ISAAC
 
THIS IS THE LAST PUBLIC ADVISORY ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL HURRICANE
CENTER ON THIS SYSTEM. FUTURE INFORMATION ON THIS SYSTEM CAN BE
FOUND IN PUBLIC ADVISORIES ISSUED BY THE HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL
PREDICTION CENTER...UNDER AWIPS HEADER TCPAT4 AND WMO HEADER WTNT34
KWNH...BEGINNING AT 10 PM CDT.
 
On the 7th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, 
Louisiana has had another direct hit: 

Tale of Two Hurricanes Seven Years Apart 

The levee system played an important role during Isaac's visit to New Orleans - learn more about the project that restored the system after Katrina and also get real-time updates of the operations in progress to respond to Hurricane Isaac:

 

Rebuilding Hope - US Army Corps of Engineers New Orleans (PDF)

Update: August 30th

Tropical Storm Isaac continued to batter the Louisiana / Mississippi region today as it moved so slowly.  It has finally become a Tropical Depression and picked up some speed, up to 12 MPH.

Isaac is still impacting cruise schedules with Carnival Elation being the latest victim.  It was originally scheduled to sail out of New Orleans on a 4-day itinerary August 30th.   That was changed to a 3-day from Mobile, Alabama on August 31st.   Even that is at risk because both ports remain closed.   Carnival Cruise Line is monitoring the situation and advising passengers via text and posts on their website.   We have the link for updates below.
NHC issuing advisories on TS LESLIE, Hurricane KIRK and Hurricane ILEANA
 


Cruise Impact 

Cruise lines continue to monitor the progress of  Isaac which is expected to become a hurricane this weekend.   Several cruise itineraries have been impacted as well as ports have announced closures.

We will attempt to keep this site updated as additional changes are made to cruise ship itineraries. For the absolute latest published information see the cruise line links directly.

All changes are being made with the interest in safety of the ships, crew, and passengers.  Please be certain that you cruise specialist, cruise line, and airlines have your contact information.  Monitor the internet and other news media for updates.


New Orleans Airport Closed Thursday


In the interest of readability, we have split the historical cruise ship impact from the current advisories.  Click the following link for information about cruises that were impacted earlier.
 

Carnival Cruise Line


8:45 PM EDT - UPDATE: CARNIVAL ELATION 08/31/12 - 3-DAY DEPARTURE:
FUNtastic news! The Port of New Orleans will reopen early tomorrow morning. 
Due to the time required to transit the Mississippi River, the ship will be alongside in the afternoon.  We’ll be busy saying good bye to our disembarking guests, so check in for your 3 day Fun Cruise @ Sea will now take place between 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Friday, August 31, 2012 at the Erato Street Cruise Terminal.

So join us for three days of unforgettable fun and receive:
- 50% refund of your cruise fare (refunded within the next 2 weeks)
- 25% future cruise discount on a 3-5 day Carnival cruise (restrictions apply)
- Gratuities will be adjusted to reflect the shortened voyage
- Shore excursions purchased for Cozumel, as well as, the government fees and taxes, will be automatically refunded to your Sail & Sign account

Refunds will not be provided for flight changes, hotel accommodations, meals, transfers, or other incidental costs.  However, guests who purchased Carnival’s Vacation Protection Plan should check their plan for reimbursement considerations.

Guests who purchased flights with Carnival's FlyAweigh program will automatically have their flights adjusted to the new day and time. You will be notified of your new flights by our Travel Services department. Guests with independent flight arrangements, please adjust your travel plans accordingly.
We certainly hope you’ll sail with us but if you elect to cancel, please contact 1-800-CARNIVAL to request your future cruise credit.

To stay up to date, if you have not done so already, please sign up for text updates by texting CCL1 to CRUISE (278473).

Once again, we are sorry the weather has caused a delay in getting your fun started. Rest assured, once you step on board, we'll waste no time in getting it going!

----------------------  End of Cruise Ship Impact Section -------------------------


SUMMARY OF 400 PM CDT...2100 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...32.7N 92.6W
ABOUT 35 MI...55 KM WNW OF MONROE LOUISIANA
ABOUT 40 MI...60 KM SSE OF EL DORADO ARKANSAS
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...35 MPH...55 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NNW OR 335 DEGREES AT 12 MPH...19 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...995 MB...29.38 INCHES


WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------

CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY...

ALL COASTAL WARNINGS HAVE BEEN DISCONTINUED.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT...

THERE ARE NO COASTAL WATCHES OR WARNINGS IN EFFECT


A HURRICANE WARNING MEANS THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED
SOMEWHERE WITHIN THE WARNING AREA. A WARNING IS TYPICALLY ISSUED
36 HOURS BEFORE THE ANTICIPATED FIRST OCCURRENCE OF TROPICAL STORM
FORCE WINDS...CONDITIONS THAT MAKE OUTSIDE PREPARATIONS DIFFICULT
OR DANGEROUS. PREPARATIONS TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY SHOULD BE
RUSHED TO COMPLETION.

A HURRICANE WATCH MEANS THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE POSSIBLE
WITHIN THE WATCH AREA...IN THIS CASE WITHIN THE NEXT 24 TO 36 HOURS. 
 
A TROPICAL STORM WARNING MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE
EXPECTED SOMEWHERE WITHIN THE WARNING AREA WITHIN 36 HOURS.

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE
POSSIBLE WITHIN THE WATCH AREA...GENERALLY WITHIN 48 HOURS.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 35 MPH...55 KM/H...WITH HIGHER
GUSTS.  GRADUAL WEAKENING IS FORECAST DURING THE NEXT 48 HOURS...AND
ISAAC IS EXPECTED TO BECOME A POST-TROPICAL REMNANT LOW PRESSURE
SYSTEM BY SATURDAY.

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
EVEN THOUGH ISAAC IS NO LONGER A TROPICAL STORM...DANGEROUS
HAZARDS FROM STORM SURGE...INLAND FLOODING...AND TORNADOES ARE
STILL OCCURRING.

STORM SURGE...WATER LEVELS WILL REMAIN ELEVATED IN SOUTHEASTERN
LOUISIANA AND COASTAL MISSISSIPPI THROUGH TONIGHT...AND GRADUALLY
SUBSIDE TOMORROW. FOR INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA...PLEASE
SEE PRODUCTS ISSUED BY YOUR LOCAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE.  

BASED ON OBSERVATIONS FROM NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE TIDE GAGES...AT
NEW CANAL STATION LOUISIANA...A STORM SURGE OF MORE THAN 5 FEET IS
PERSISTING ALONG THE SOUTHERN SHORE OF LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN...AND A
STORM SURGE VALUE OF NEAR 4 FEET CONTINUES AT WAVELAND MISSISSIPPI.

WIND...TROPICAL-STORM-FORCE WIND GUSTS COULD OCCUR ALONG THE COASTS
OF SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA AND MISSISSIPPI THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON.

RAINFALL...ISAAC IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE TOTAL RAINFALL ACCUMULATIONS
OF 7 TO 14 INCHES...WITH POSSIBLE ISOLATED MAXIMUM AMOUNTS OF 25
INCHES...OVER NORTHERN AND EASTERN LOUISIANA....MUCH OF MISSISSIPPI
AND SOUTHWEST ALABAMA.  RAINFALL TOTALS OF 3 TO 6 INCHES WITH
ISOLATED MAXIMUM AMOUNTS OF 8 INCHES POSSIBLE ACROSS ARKANSAS AND
INTO SOUTHERN MISSOURI THROUGH FRIDAY.  THESE RAINS COULD RESULT IN
SIGNIFICANT LOWLAND FLOODING.  THE HEAVY RAIN POTENTIAL WILL BE
SPREADING EASTWARD THIS WEEKEND INTO PORTIONS OF THE MID WEST AND
OHIO VALLEY REGION. 

TORNADOES...TORNADOES ARE POSSIBLE ALONG THE CENTRAL GULF COAST
REGION AND PARTS OF THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI RIVER VALLEY THROUGH
TONIGHT.

SURF...DANGEROUS SURF AND RIP CURRENT CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE TO
AFFECT THE WEST COAST OF FLORIDA AND THE NORTHERN GULF COAST THROUGH
TONIGHT BEFORE SUBSIDING ON SATURDAY.

Historical Data:     Archive       Graphics Archive

500 AM AST TUE AUG 21 2012
 
...NINTH DEPRESSION OF THE SEASON FORMS EAST OF THE LESSER
ANTILLES...TROPICAL STORM WARNINGS AND WATCHES ISSUED...
 
800 PM AST TUE AUG 21 2012
 
...ISAAC CONTINUES MOVING TOWARD THE LESSER ANTILLES...
 
800 AM AST WED AUG 22 2012
 
...ISAAC NEARING THE LESSER ANTILLES...HURRICANE WATCH ISSUED FOR
THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS... 
 
800 PM AST WED AUG 22 2012
 
...ISAAC ENTERS THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN...
 
200 PM AST THU AUG 23 2012
 
...CENTER OF ISAAC NOW MOVING WEST-NORTHWESTWARD SOUTH OF PUERTO
RICO... 
 
630 AM EDT FRI AUG 24 2012
 
AT 630 AM EDT...1030 UTC...THE GOVERNMENT OF JAMAICA HAS ISSUED A
TROPICAL STORM WATCH FOR JAMAICA. 
 
200 PM EDT FRI AUG 24 2012
 
...ISAAC TURNS NORTHWESTWARD...CENTER APPROACHING THE SOUTHERN COAST
OF HISPANIOLA...
 
200 AM EDT SAT AUG 25 2012
 
...CENTER OF ISAAC NEAR THE SOUTH COAST OF HAITI...
 
500 AM EDT SAT AUG 25 2012
 
...ISAAC EMERGING FROM THE COAST OF HAITI...NEW WATCHES AND WARNINGS
ISSUED FOR SOUTH FLORIDA AND THE KEYS...  
 
1100 AM EDT SAT AUG 25 2012
 
...CENTER OF ISAAC NEAR EASTERN CUBA...NEW WATCHES AND WARNINGS FOR
PORTIONS OF FLORIDA...
 
200 PM EDT SAT AUG 25 2012
 
...CENTER OF ISAAC NOW NEAR THE NORTH COAST OF EASTERN CUBA...
 
Tropical Storm Isaac made landfall along the southern coast of Haiti early Saturday morning, and has begun to move away from Haiti and towards southeastern Cuba, with its circulation relatively intact.
Isaac is expected to make landfall in southeastern Cuba this afternoon, then skirt the northeastern coast of Cuba through the overnight hours tonight.

Once off the northern coast of Cuba, Isaac is expected to strengthen into a hurricane over the warmer waters of the Florida Straits and cross the Florida Keys sometime Sunday night or early Monday morning, then head into the very warm waters of the eastern Gulf of Mexico.



1100 PM EDT SUN AUG 26 2012
 
...ISAAC FORECAST TO STRENGTHEN AS IT MOVES OVER THE EASTERN 
GULF OF MEXICO...
 
1000 AM CDT MON AUG 27 2012
 
...ISAAC MOVING WEST-NORTHWESTWARD OVER THE EASTERN GULF OF
MEXICO...POSES SIGNIFICANT STORM SURGE THREAT TO THE NORTHERN GULF
COAST...
 
Hurricane warnings have been issued for portions of the northern Gulf Coast as  Tropical Storm Isaac continues its west-northwestward march into the Gulf of Mexico. 

Isaac will continue to affect southern Florida with heavy rain, gusty winds and a tornado threat as it moves through the Florida Keys and into the Gulf Sunday evening. Isaac poses a potential serious threat to portions of the northern Gulf Coast Tuesday into Wednesday. All interests from Louisiana to Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle should watch the progress of Isaac closely and begin to make preparations. Even areas as far west as extreme southeast Texas should continue to monitor Isaac's progress in case a farther west track materializes.
 

1120 AM CDT TUE AUG 28 2012

...RECONNAISSANCE DATA INDICATE ISAAC FINALLY ACHIEVES HURRICANE
STATUS...


(UPDATE: August 28th)

Hurricane Isaac is impacting travelers and the transportation industry causing hundreds of flight cancellations and delays.
Isaac's peak impacts are bearing down on the Gulf Coast beginning today. Hurricane warnings continue for portions of the northern Gulf Coast, including New Orleans, Biloxi and Gulf Shores as Isaac continues its northwestward march. Hurricane watches are posted as far west as Morgan City, La. 

In addition, a number of tropical storm warnings are in effect. A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Florida Panhandle. 

Even as Isaac's center of circulation moves by, locally heavy rainbands can be expected. Rainfall amounts over 10" are likely as Isaac slows down immediately prior to, and after landfall, in southeast Louisiana, southern Alabama, Mississippi and the western Florida Panhandle. In a few cases, amounts exceeding 20" are possible.   We have already seen in excess of 9" of rain in some parts of the Florida east coast.

Expect business closures and air, maritime, and ground transport disruptions throughout the region. Prolonged power and telecommunications outages are also possible.
                     
700 PM CDT TUE AUG 28 2012
 
...ISAAC MAKES LANDFALL IN EXTREME SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA...
...STRONG WINDS AND A DANGEROUS STORM SURGE OCCURRING ALONG THE
NORTHERN GULF COAST... 
 
800 PM CDT TUE AUG 28 2012
 
...ISAAC MOVING SLOWLY NORTHWESTWARD ALONG THE COAST OF SOUTHEAST
LOUISIANA...DANGEROUS STORM SURGE CONTINUING ALONG THE NORTHERN
GULF COAST...
 
1000 PM CDT TUE AUG 28 2012
 
...ISAAC PRODUCING A DANGEROUS STORM SURGE ALONG THE NORTHERN
GULF COAST...FLOODING FROM RAINFALL TO FOLLOW... 
 
 
(Update: August 29)

Hurricane Isaac made landfall in Southeast Louisiana at 6:45 PM local time on Tuesday.  It made a second landfall overnight around 3 AM.   This slow moving storm is dumping rain on the entire area, knocking out power to half a million people as 80 MPH winds continue to pound Louisiana.

Damage is expected to be much higher than normal for this category hurricane, it is still a Category One, because of the slow movement.   In addition to the storm surge, heavy rains, and flooding, there is a potential for tornadoes to be spawned from the storm.

200 AM CDT WED AUG 29 2012
 
...ISAAC REMAINS NEARLY STATIONARY NEAR THE COAST OF SOUTHEAST
LOUISIANA...DANGEROUS STORM SURGE AND FLOOD THREAT FROM HEAVY RAINS
CONTINUES...
 
300 AM CDT WED AUG 29 2012 
...CENTER OF ISAAC MAKES SECOND LANDFALL... 
 
400 AM CDT WED AUG 29 2012
 
...ISAAC BEGINNING TO MOVE INLAND IN SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA...DANGEROUS
STORM SURGE AND FLOOD THREAT FROM HEAVY RAINS LIKELY TO CONTINUE
THROUGH TODAY AND TONIGHT...
 
800 AM CDT WED AUG 29 2012
 
...ISAAC LASHING SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA WITH STRONG SQUALLS...
DANGEROUS STORM SURGE AND FLOOD THREAT FROM HEAVY RAINS LIKELY TO
CONTINUE THROUGH TODAY AND TONIGHT...
 
200 PM CDT WED AUG 29 2012
 
...ISAAC WEAKENS TO A TROPICAL STORM...LIFE-THREATENING HAZARDS FROM
STORM SURGE AND INLAND FLOODING ARE STILL OCCURRING...
 
 
1000 PM CDT WED AUG 29 2012

...HEAVY RAIN THREAT FROM ISAAC TO SPREAD INLAND DURING THE
NEXT FEW DAYS...WATER LEVELS REMAIN HIGH ALONG THE NORTHERN
GULF COAST...

Update: August 30th

Tropical Storm Isaac continued to batter the Louisiana / Mississippi region today as it moved so slowly.  It has finally become a Tropical Depression and picked up some speed, up to 12 MPH.


 

1 comment:

Unknown said...

After study a few of the blog posts on your website now, and I truly like your way of blogging about Dhow Cruise Dinner in Dubai, you have a great blog here.