Katia

[Tropical Inspector]

Wednesday Morning Update

Katia now a storm

The Weather Situation
Satellite imagery shows that deep convection has increased with a burst not far from the Mexican coast. Westerly wind shear is apparent on the water vapor imagery. This shear is weak enough so that Katia will likely continue to strengthen some.

Heavy rainfall will become a concern as well as surge and strong winds as it approaches the coast.

Current Tropical Weather
As of 4:00 AM CDT Katia was centered at 22.1 N / 96.3 W or 105 miles east of Tampico, Mexico. It was moving ESE at 2 mph. Top sustained winds are estimated at 40 mph. Pressure was estimated at 1006 MB.

Tropical Weather Forecast:
Katia is in fairly weak steering currents. It should move toward the Mexican coast as a mid level ridge builds to the north.

Tropicast: IR Satellite

[Tropical Inspector]

Wednesday Night Update

Katia officially a minimal hurricane

The Weather Situation
A reconnaissance aircraft found winds near hurricane force this afternoon and Katia was upgraded. Satellite imagery show that convection has decreased since then and it is my opinion that Katia is probably a tropical storm again.

Heavy rainfall will become a concern as well as surge and strong winds as it approaches the coast.

Current Tropical Weather
As of 7:00 PM CDT Katia was centered at 21.7 N / 94.9 W or 195 miles east of Tampico, Mexico. It was moving SE at 3 mph. Top sustained winds are estimated at 75 mph. Pressure was estimated at 992 MB.

Tropical Weather Forecast:
Katia is in fairly weak steering currents. It should move toward the Mexican coast as a mid level ridge builds to the north. It should make landfall on the Mexican coast late Friday.

Tropicast: IR Satellite

[Tropical Inspector]

Thursday Evening Update

Katia still stationary

The Weather Situation
The IR satellite imagery shows that the convection around the center of circulation still looks disorganized. A reconnaissance aircraft will investigate this evening and will know more of the exact strength. Strengthening is expected before landfall in 24 hours.

Current Tropical Weather
As of 4:00 PM CDT Katia was centered at 21.6 N / 94.6 W or 215 miles east of Tampico, Mexico. It was stationary. Top sustained winds are estimated at 80 mph. Pressure was estimated at 980 MB.

Tropical Weather Forecast:
Katia is expected to drift SW toward the Mexican coast, as high pressure to the north builds. It should make landfall on the Mexican coast late Friday. The main threat will be heavy rainfall. Surge will also be a concern near and north of where the center moves inland.

Tropicast: Visible Satellite

[Tropical Inspector]

Friday Morning Update

Katia a little stronger

The Weather Situation
An airforce reconnaissance aircraft will be at Katia soon. Satellite imagery shows that significant strengthening has occurred. Katia is a smaller hurricane than Irma, but will still cause significant damage where if makes landfall tonight.

Current Tropical Weather
As of 7:00 AM CDT Katia was centered at 21.1 N / 95.6 W or 165 miles ESE of Tampico, Mexico. It was moving WSW at 3 mph. Top sustained winds are estimated at 90 mph. Pressure was estimated at 977 MB.

Tropical Weather Forecast:
Katia is expected to drift SW toward the Mexican coast, as high pressure to the north builds. It should make landfall on the Mexican coast tonight. The main threat will be heavy rainfall..... Surge will also be a concern near and north of where the center moves inland. Strong winds will cause power outages.

Tropicast: Visible Satellite

[Tropical Inspector]

Friday Evening Update

Katia approaching coast

The Weather Situation
Katia is moving toward the coast. Hurricane force winds have increased, but extend only 25 miles from the center of the low.

Current Tropical Weather
As of 4:00 PM CDT Katia was centered at 21.0 N / 96.5 W or 120 miles SE of Tampico, Mexico. It was moving WSW at 7 mph. Top sustained winds are estimated at 105 mph. Pressure was estimated at 974 MB.

Tropical Weather Forecast:
Katia is moving west toward the Mexican coast, as high pressure to the north builds. It should make landfall on the Mexican coast tonight. The main threat will be heavy rainfall..... Surge will also be a concern near and north of where the center moves inland. Strong winds will cause power outages.

Tropicast: Visible Satellite

[Tropical Inspector]

Katia is making landfall on the Mexican coast.

Tropicast: IR Satellite