Monday, August 17, 2009

Tropical Storm Claudette



Tropical Storm Claudette has formed in the Gulf of Mexico. As of 2pm ET, the winds were at 50 mph. Warnings have been issued from the Alabama-Florida border to the Suwannee River on the Florida Panhandle. While winds are a big threat, the biggest threat appears to be flooding rains.

Latest models seem to indicate that the remnants of Claudette will affect Kentucky on Tuesday and Wednesday, which could raise the potential for flash flooding. I will post updates if needed.

UPDATE on Monday at 5:55am ET: Claudette made lanfall overnight near Fort Walton Beach. It is barely a storm with winds of 40 mph. Claudette's remnants will affect Kentucky beginning tomorrow (Tuesday). Combined with a cold front, there is potential for flooding and heavy rain later this week.

UPDATE at 9:46am ET: Claudette has been downgraded to a tropical depression with winds of 35 mph. One person in Florida has been reported dead with one other person missing.