Igor has become the ninth named storm and fourth hurricane this year. Winds have reached 80 mph, which is still a category 1 storm, but has already shown an eye on satellite images. That is a sign of a well organized storm with potential for rapid development. Forecasts have this steadily increasing during the upcoming week as it passes just north of the eastern Caribbean Islands as a major hurricane of category 3 or higher. Meanwhile two other storms are likely to get named this week. One off of the coast of Africa, while the other in the Caribbean Sea. The next two names on the 2010 Atlantic list are Julia and Karl.
Hurricane Igor sats:
Hurricane force winds extend 25 miles form the center. Tropical Storm force winds extend 115 miles out. This is a small storm, but expected to grow in size as it increases strength.
SUMMARY OF 500 AM AST...0900 UTC...INFORMATION
LOCATION...17.7N 44.4W
ABOUT 1230 MI...1980 KM E OF THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...80 MPH...130 KM/HR
PRESENT MOVEMENT...W OR 275 DEGREES AT 18 MPH...30 KM/HR
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...988 MB...29.18 INCHES
Igor will travel west around a large subtropical ridge with little wind shear, allowing it to grow to at least a category 3 storm with winds over 115 mph. Most models have it maintaining that intensity for a few days as it gradually turns northwest by the end of the week.
