What is a 200 mb Indraft Anticyclone?

[wxmann_91]

Looking back on the Katrina advisories and right before Katrina made landfall, Stewart wrote this:

THE UPPER-LEVEL OUTFLOW PATTERN REMAINS QUITE IMPRESSIVE AND EVEN CONTAINS A RARE 200 MB INDRAFT ANTICYCLONE TO THE EAST NEAR TAMPA BAY.

Looking at this, it implies that one of these can help a hurricane's outflow. Is that true? And just what is a "rare 200 mb indraft anticyclone", why is it so rare? Perhaps some experts can chime in.

Thanks in advance!

[BensonTCwatcher]

Not sure, but isn't this a low level anticyclonic circualtion caused by the rapid inflow at that level ( 200mb)? a "normal" anticyclone is larger and at higher levels.

??

[senorpepr]

Well, an "indraft anticyclone" would be an area of high pressure that has an inward flow. The 200mb level is pretty high in the atmosphere, around 40,000ft.

[BensonTCwatcher]

Thanks, yes misstated the heights duh. So that would be rare then.

[sponger]

Got to love Stewart, he really covers all the bases!

[wxmann_91]

Well, an "indraft anticyclone" would be an area of high pressure that has an inward flow. The 200mb level is pretty high in the atmosphere, around 40,000ft.

Thanks for the reply, but unfortunately I work better with graphics than with words, what does that mean and how does it help TC's? Is it that it helps enhance outflow or something?