Erika 5th storm of 2009 season
September 2, 2009
On September 1st at 5:00 PM EST, the 5th Tropical System of 2009, Erika, formed north of the Leeward Islands.
Erika is currently (as of 2:00 PM EST 9/2/09) exhibiting sustained winds of 40 mph and is moving West at 10 mph.
The NHC is forecasting Erika to remain a Tropical Storm thru Saturday morning. The models then have the system being affected by 20- 25 knot wind shear, and then it gets interesting. Some models show the system surviving the shear and quickly intensifying in the warm waters. Others, including the NHC, show a significant chance of dissipation, tropical depression strength, or sustaining tropical storm strength.
We will continue to monitor the situation as needed over the holiday weekend.
