2009 Atlantic Season Update

Tropical Storm Ana has dissipated and as well as Tropical Storm Claudette which formed quickly off the shore of Tallahassee, Florida. Claudette was interesting because of quickness in which it formed. The storm was formed on August 16, out of a tropical wave and an upper-level low system. The winds had reached 50 mph by that afternoon and the storm made landfall on Santa Rosa Island, Florida. By August 17, the storm had weaken and dissipated over Georgia, the following day.

Currently Bill is active in the Atlantic Basin. Tropical Storm Bill had been upgraded to Hurricane Bill on August 17 after satellite imagery captured what to be an eye forming and the intensity of the storm increased. Bill intensified into a major hurricane (Category 3) on August and was upgraded to a category 4 hurricane on August 19. Since then the storm has weaken to a Category 2 and the path of the hurricane looks to "hug" the North Eastern Coast and just miss Bermuda. The storm may intensify again once it passes by Bermuda and tracks towards Canada. The storm is moving northwest at 18 mph with winds at 115 mph. Current watches and warnings are for Bermuda. Below is Hurricane Bill's projected path:

***Hurricane Bill passing by the coast will result in an increase in coastal danger. For the New Jersey Coast this weekend (Saturday August 21, 2009 to Sunday August 22, 2009), forecasters are predicting waves to reach close to 8 to 11 ft and rip currents will be stronger. If you are planning to go to the shore this weekend be advised of these dangers and check with your local weather forecaster before you head out into the water. Stay safe!***