Personally, I think the LLC is relocating under the convection. The diurnal maximum will likely accomplish this job within the next few hours, especially because of some previous data that indicates a possible tropical storm. This system is organizing, so I would not be surprised if the center is WSW of Brown's estimates at the TPC. My guess is 13.1N and 45.7W (matches Jan's coordinates). If another forecaster compiled the 5 p.m. EDT package, this system probably would be TS Ingrid with a position closer to the coordinates mentioned by x-y-no and Derek.
Proof:
http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/goes/flt/t2/loop-vis.htmlLast QuikSCAT pass:
http://manati.orbit.nesdis.noaa.gov/dataimages21/cur/zooms/WMBas26.pngThis pass is quite old (~18 hours ago), and the forward motion (faster than indicated by some model guidance) has taken the center west of 45W. Additionally, TD 8 has become much better organized, and the low-level swirl near Brown's position is probably nonexistant at the time. There is some easterly shear, so I suspect a new LLC is forming further west (on par with x-y-no and Derek). Additionally, I really think most forecasters would have classified TD 8 as Ingrid at 5 p.m. EDT; I disagree with Brown's decision, although I think he makes good decisions under other circumstances. Currently, I see a motion slightly N of due W (assuming my coordinates are correct).
I think the intensity will be underestimated over the short term. Currently, banding is becoming much more impressive, and convection is expanding over the possible new LLC.
Click here for shortwave imagery. This is another reason for my belief that we have Ingrid.
Some decent low-level convergence is expanding over the area. I expect a tropical storm at 11 p.m. EDT, especially if another forecaster fills Brown's position.
UL (150-300 mbar) divergence is excellent. If 13.1N and 45.7W is accurate, it is moving south of the cone's center (TPC positions). Upper-level shear is higher to the NW, but I don't see asny significant inhibitive factors in the immediate vicinity.
Finally, look here:
http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=41041This buoy was previously mentioned in the discussion, and it's reporting 27 kts (1-min) ~60 miles away from the LLC. Everything indicates a possible tropical storm.