Hurricane Season

Hi Bloggers, I wanted to share with you today that we are approaching the peak of Hurricane Season here in the Atlantic Ocean. Usually the Middle of September is the peak, but sometimes August-October is busy!! So far we have had three named storms, so let's keep our fingers crossed and hope that not more occur!!

Subtropical Storm Andrea
Subtropical Storm Andrea SS
Subtropical Storm Andrea 2007.jpg Andrea 2007 track.png
Duration May 9—May 11
Intensity 50 mph (85 km/h), 1001 mbar

Main article: Subtropical Storm Andrea (2007)

On May 9, a previously extratropical cyclone organized into Subtropical Storm Andrea while located about 140 miles (225 km) southeast of Savannah, Georgia. Tropical storm watches were immediately issued for parts of coastal Georgia and Florida, though were later dropped. It is the first named storm to form in May since Arlene in the 1981 Atlantic hurricane season,[9] and the first pre-season storm since Ana in April 2003.[10] Later, the organization of the system deteriorated with a significant decrease in convection as it moved over cooler waters,[11] and on May 10 it weakened to a subtropical depression and NHC issued its final advisory on Andrea at 11 PM EST, May 10. However, on the morning of May 11 convection flared up over the center, indicating that the cyclone might be acquiring tropical characteristics once again.[12] However, it did not.

The storm produced rough surf along the coastline from Florida to North Carolina, causing beach erosion and some damage.[13] One surfer drowned in Florida from the rough surf.[14] A total of 5 perished during Andrea's initial extratropical phase.[15] High winds from Andrea have been reported as fueling severe wildfires in northern Florida and southern Georgia.[16] Andrea has been blamed for providing stiff winds that act like a "chimney", fueling the blaze to firestorm levels beyond the control of firefighting officials. [16] Strong winds from the storm spread smoke from local brush fires through the Tampa Bay area to Miami.[17][18]

[edit] Tropical Storm Barry
Tropical Storm Barry TS
Barry 01 jun 2007 1905Z.jpg Barry 2007 track.png
Duration June 1—June 2
Intensity 60 mph (95 km/h), 997 mbar

Main article: Tropical Storm Barry (2007)

On May 30, a broad low pressure area formed in the Gulf of Honduras. Moving northward, the system slowly deepened as it moved through the northwest Caribbean sea into the southeast Gulf of Mexico. On June 1, the first day of the officially defined hurricane season, this cyclone organized into Tropical Storm Barry despite being located in an area of high shear, and warnings were immediately issued along the Western Florida coastline. Barry provided much-needed precipitation to parts of Florida and Georgia which were experiencing drought conditions in the January to May months.[19] Barry made landfall near Tampa Bay, Florida on June 2 as a minimal tropical storm. Soon thereafter Barry was downgraded to a tropical depression as it began its extratropical transition. Barry became an extratropical cyclone late in the afternoon of June 2. On June 3, the cyclone moved up the coast of the Carolinas bringing rains into the Mid-Atlantic states and New England. By June 5 its center had moved northward into Atlantic Canada.

* See the NHC's advisory archive on Tropical Storm Barry.
* See the HPC's advisory archive on Tropical Storm Barry.

[edit] Tropical Storm Chantal
Tropical Storm Chantal TS
Chantal 31 july 2007 1328Z.jpg Chantal 2007 track.png
Duration July 31—August 1
Intensity 50 mph (85 km/h), 994 mbar

Main article: Tropical Storm Chantal (2007)

An area of low pressure developed near the Bahamas on July 28, and slowly organized while moving to the north-northeast. Late on July 30, it was upgraded to a tropical depression, the third of the season, after maintaining deep convection near the center for most of the day.

On July 31, the system strengthened into a tropical storm south of Nova Scotia, the first in nearly two months. It became extratropical late that day though as it tracked towards Newfoundland over the cooler waters of the north Atlantic.

On August 1, flooding was reported from Placentia to the capital city of St. John's, where about 100 mm (4 inches) of rain caused the postponement of the annual Royal St. John's Regatta. Up to 150 mm (6 inches) of rain fell in the Whitbourne area, according to Environment Canada. [20] The most serious flooding was across the southern Avalon Peninsula, where dozens of roads were washed out, houses were flooded above their basements and several communities were isolated.[21] Ferry service between Argentia and North Sydney, Nova Scotia was suspended, and one ferry was diverted to Port aux Basques.[22]

States of emergency were declared in at least five communities in the areas surrounding Placentia Bay and Conception Bay, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Municipal Affairs Minister Jack Byrne has requested a federal disaster area declaration. Damage is estimated to be well into the millions of dollars, with at least $4 million in damage in the town of Placentia alone.