Tropical Storm Beryl Update

[Ikester]

Some may make the case that Beryl will be upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane in the post-season analysis based on a couple of things: recon data just prior to landfall, radar and sat. presentation. Not that what I'm about to say will convince the powers that be to upgrade it, but it is interesting none-the-less.

I got an email this morning (forwarded) from the State of Florida. The email was just basically giving an update on repair work at the Mathews Bridge (one of several bridges that run near Downtown Jacksonville). Apparently, there is some type of anemometer near the top of the bridge that recorded a sustained wind of 37 mph and wind gusts to over 100 mph (87 kts). Below is an excerpt:

"....A FDOT wind meter on the bridge recorded maximum sustained winds of 37 miles-per-hour and gusts of over 100 miles-per-hour in the early morning hours of May 28. The temporary platform was designed to support the workers and temporary equipment needed for construction activities. The connection and support system was designed to handle 65-miles-per-hour winds."

Keep in mind that the Mathews Bridge is a pretty high bridge and winds above the surface--higher in the boundary layer--will move a lot faster than winds at the surface itself. But I thought it was strange that a 37-mph sustained wind could translate into wind gusts to over 100 mph. IMO, there were other factors in play. Just thought I'd share.

[MGC]

Microburst?.....MGC

[ROCK]

a rain wrapped E0F? maybe...IDK, I dont think they will upgrade later. Just not enough obs to support a cat 1, IMO...

[CrazyC83]

That sounds really suspicious. A gust to 87 kt with a sustained wind of not even tropical storm force? I would discard that one personally.

Based on data that I know of and the likelihood it was transient, I would NOT upgrade Beryl to a cane - and leave it as a 60 kt tropical storm at peak intensity. The landfall intensity I estimate was 55 kt, based on slight weakening of Doppler velocities on the approach.

[Blown Away]

Beryl was a very interesting system. What are the odds of a tropical system landfalling in Jacksonville from the east during May??? I didn't see observations to support a sustained Cat 1, gusts over 75mph surely happened at higher elevations. Didn't see the damage to support sustained Cat 1 winds, IMO.