ATL: Tropical Depression Edouard

[Bailey1777]

I don't have the links but what are the bouys showing close to Ed?

[dwg71]

any chance the center relocates north under the convection burst??

[Texashawk]

See, here's the problem.

I live in Houston, and I am partly responsible for determining whether my company shuts down tomorrow. I have been more or less designated the 'expert' in these matters, and I will have a significant say in the decision. Based on track, the easy decision is to make the call - HOWEVER the storm right now is barely above tropical depression strength (officially) - HOWEVER it is small and it appears to be organizing fairly quickly - HOWEVER the NHC does not seem to agree.

I'm sure quandries like these are playing out all over Houston, and it's frustrating. Anybody else in the same boat?

[Aric Dunn]

here we go... things are about to start happening really fast as we head into the afternoon.. intensification is imminent

[Category 5]

I believe recon will be taking off soon (11 CDT) This is going to be a crucial flight.

[dwg71]

here we go... things are about to start happening really fast as we head into the afternoon.. intensification is imminent

no it is not "imminent", lets wait and see what happens. The NHC center is still void of any real convection...

[cycloneye]

here we go... things are about to start happening really fast as we head into the afternoon.. intensification is imminent

Any reasoning on that?

[Bailey1777]

Why so Arik?

[KWT]

dwg71, I think the center is actually probably on the southern side of that northern deep convection your seeing though without recon I obviously can't confirm that. I'm making that guess based on the way the clouds are at least showing subtle wrapping signs in that region.

Saying that trust the NHC center more then mine for now as I'm no pro!

[Duddy]

here we go... things are about to start happening really fast as we head into the afternoon.. intensification is imminent

Any reasoning on that?

It's forecast by the NHC. He doesn't need reasoning.

[Aric Dunn]

here we go... things are about to start happening really fast as we head into the afternoon.. intensification is imminent

no it is not "imminent", lets wait and see what happens. The NHC center is still void of any real convection...

In the next few hours watch radar and sat as the signs are already beginning .. now i not saying and major strengthening but its going to happen rather fast this afternoon and into tonight..

[dixiebreeze]

04/1145 UTC 28.3N 90.1W T2.5/2.5 EDOUARD -- Atlantic Ocean

Dvorak lookin' good for intensification.

[gboudx]

Another update from jeff. I'm starting to wonder if we should carry out our vacation plans to Galveston or not now? Geez, I wish this decision was easier.

The following actions are being taken by state and local officials.

Main threat will be potential for extended power outages.

State Operations

1200 soldiers being deployed to Houston area

Texas task force 1 deployed to Houston, TX task force 2 in Dallas on stand-by.

15 POD sites being established across Houston metro area with 8 mass care strike teams being deployed

50 busses to stage at Tully Stadium

Fuel plan is being activated and pushing significant amounts of fuel into the Houston/Galveston area.

All TXDOT fuel DMS signs have hurricane fuel message ongoing along area freeways.


Local Actions:

NASA will be closing its Clear Lake location at noon today.

Harris County Toll Road will remove all vehicles stalled on any toll roads immediately.

Will be closely watching high bridges and local ferries. High bridges will be closed when winds reach 45mph including Galveston Causeway, Fred Hartman Bridge and HWY 146 bridge over Clear Lake.

Port of Houston will be closing at 300pm, Port of Galveston and Freeport will be closing at 600pm.

All local hospitals and critical care locations are preparing for extended power outages.

[KWT]

Actually main LLC is probably is just to the south of that deep convection. Still I do think its probably a touch stronger then it was earlier on in the day when recon made its first pass.

I do agree with Aric as well I think its about to undergo steady strengthening.

[caplan1]

Texashawk,

You are in a tough situation. If I were in your shoes I would do a delayed closure. This will allow you to asses the situation around morning time and not put your company at risk of having people in the office should the worse occur.

[Ed Mahmoud]

Recon should be the key. I am taking my flabby white butt to the gym now for some cardio. When I get back, I should be able to confirm my suspicion of approx 1000 mb and 45 to 50 knot flight low level winds, or have new information and make a new unofficial guess.

[KWT]

Whats interesting to me is the northern cells are working thier way round to the NW quadrant which is may help the system out with its dry air issues somewhat and if that can stay their then new convection will probably fire up in the other quadrants as well and allow for some strengthening.

IMO recon will find a fairly similar storm to this morning but then find several pressure drops deeper into the mission to show strengthening occuring.

[Bailey1777]

Radar shows wrapping almost complete. Arik is he still due West?

[Wx_Warrior]

I live in Beaumont...As a member of the media, I do not suggest a trip to Galveston this week. Business will be closed for days plus who knows how long it will take for electricity to return.

[Stormcenter]

I know it's just a satellite loop but Eddie sure "looks" close to the LA.
coastline.

http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/goes/flt/t2/loop-avn.html