Super Typhoon Haiyan Assaults Philipines

Strongest Landfalling Storm on Record

Here, we call the hurricanes.  There, it's typhoons.  Whatever the name of the systems, this tropical system, Super Typhoon Haiyan, is a history maker, and not in a good way.  Here, the massive storm would be a high end category five.  (Cat 5 starts at 165 mph.)

visible satellite image courtesy NOAA, NASA

Haiyan, the strongest typhoon on record at the time of landfall has hit the Philippines, with sustained winds of 190 - 195 mph, and gusts as high as 230 mph.  The assault continues this morning.

There are massive power outages, homes and other buildings have been swamped by storm surge, and there is an unconfirmed report of an entire  hotel collapsing.  Those are just preliminary reports, since phone lines are down, making it impossible to reach many areas.

Preparations were extensive.  Nearly three quarters of a million people were evacuated. Let's hope the shelters stand up.  The military is on standby for the aftermath, which isn't going to be pretty.  There are ships, helicopters, and cargo planes ready to go.

Our prayers are with the people of the Philippines today.

Watching Raymond and Lorenzo

Tropical Storm Lorenzo and Hurricane Raymond

We have two named storms in our hemisphere this week - one each in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

Tropical Storm Lorenzo

T.S. Lorenzo, courtesy NASA

Lorenzo, like most of the other named storms that have developed in the Atlantic this year, doesn't pose much of a threat.  Swirling in the central Atlantic and just barely a tropical storm, with winds of 40 miles per hour, he's far from land, and on a track to stay that way.

Forecasts call for the system to move generally northeast, and to degenerate into a tropical depression within a couple of days.

Hurricane Raymond

Hurricane Raymond, Courtesy NASA

In the eastern Pacific, it's a different story.  With sustained winds of 120 mph, Raymond is the first major hurricane of the season for either basin.  He's currently delivering category three winds, heavy rains, and high seas just off the Mexican coast.

The well known resort of Acapulco is currently under a Hurricane Watch and a Tropical Storm Warning.  Though the storm is predicted to begin a westward movement today or tomorrow, it could come a bit closer to shore before doing so.

Mariners will be avoiding the tempestuous seas, and wise souls will be staying well clear of the dangerous surf.

In any event, residents from Acapulco northward to Lazaro Cardenas are in for a rough couple of days, with possible flooding and mudslides brought on by tropical storm conditions.   We wish them well and pray for their safety.

Tropical Storm Karen Advisories Initiated

Tropical Storm and Hurricane Watches Issued

The National Hurricane Center has announced that Tropical Storm Karen has formed just off the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula.  Projections call for some strengthening, and an initial forecast for landfall somewhere along the Northern Gulf Coast.

Three Day Cone as of Advisory #1

THE CONE as of Now

Please note that if your area is outside the cone, you should still be vigilant, as
1 - The cone may shift as the storm progresses
2 - The cone represents possible path of the center point of the storm only.

For more about how to interpret the cone, see "Know the Hurricane Cone - What It Really Means."

Initial WATCHES

A Hurricane Watch and a Tropical Storm Watch has already been issued. From Tropical Storm Karen Special Advisory Number 1, we know that there is a hurricane watch stretching from Indian Pass, FL, westward to Grand Isle, LA.  A tropical storm watch is in effect for other portions of southern Louisiana.

IF YOU ARE ON THE GULF COAST BETWEEN TEXAS AND FLORIDA'S BIG BEND, PLEASE REFER TO CURRENT REPORTS FROM YOUR LOCAL WEATHER PROFESSIONALS.

Note that these watch areas can expand or change if warranted as conditions change.   All or part of the watches will be upgraded to warnings as the storm gets closer.

BE PREPARED!

Are you in or near any of the watch areas? Now is the time to prepare, if you haven't already done so.

Jerry No Threat, but Is Karen on the Way?

Tropical Storm Jerry and Threat of Karen
Way out in the Atlantic, somewhere between Bermuda and the Azores, a tropical system has been meandering about for several days.  Named Jerry, he has apparently decided to head towards the northeast over the next several days.  There is no current threat to land, and by the time he reaches the neighborhood of the Azores, he's predicted to have weakened into a Tropical Depression.

Invest 97L on 10/02/13

Meanwhile, in the Northwest Caribbean, another story is unfolding.  It's the story of a developing system that has already brought heavy rains to Jamaica and the Caymans.  Right now, the NHC gives it a 70% chance of becoming a cyclone (at least a Tropical Depression) and may (or may not) eventually become the twelfth named storm of the season, Karen.

Regardless, the system seems heading for the Gulf of Mexico, where the environment may guide it towards the NNE.  Everyone from coastal Louisiana to the Florida panhandle should be keeping themselves apprised of the system's progress, whereabouts, and direction.

For cruisers, this means ships out of Galveston and New Orleans this weekend could encounter some weather.  Keep a careful eye on this one.  It may mean some altered schedules or itineraries.

Sadly, it would seem the government shutdown has grounded NOAA's hurricane hunter aircraft, which flies out of Tampa.

However, the Air Force Reserves Hurricane Hunters, based in Biloxi, are still flying, and they actually have a plane in the system now.  So, we'll soon know what they find.  There will be additional investigation tomorrow, if deemed necessary.

Read more about the Hurricane Hunters.

The 2013 Hurricane Season Marches On

The Tropics Were Busy This last Week

Hurricane Ingrid on 9/14, Courtesy NASA

From most people's perspective, the 2013 hurricane season has been a pretty ho-hum one so far.
However,  it might surprise a few folks to know that we are all the way up to letter I in the alphabet, and that hurricane watches and warnings are now up for parts of Mexico.

Hurricane Ingrid

Hurricane Ingrid, the ninth named system of the season, is expected to make landfall, perhaps  somewhere north of Tampico, Mexico, tomorrow morning.

And Ingrid wasn't the only fish in the sea this past week.  Gabrielle and Humberto were both making waves of their own.

Tropical Storm Gabrielle

Gabrielle, the storm that wouldn't die, first appeared as a wave on August 25.  For 10 days beginning on Sept 4, she waxed into Tropical Storm Gabrielle, and waned back into a tropical depression several times, even dissipating at least once in the process. By the time she reached Bermuda, she was at TS strength (for the third time, if I'm not mistaken) and brought those folks some very unpleasant weather before finally zipping off for the north Atlantic on Sept 13.  

Hurricane Humberto

While Humberto never made landfall, he did raise some eyebrows as he became the very first full blown hurricane of the season on September 11.  Had he held off for just a few more hours, he would have been a record maker as the latest ever first hurricane of the season in modern history.  In 2002, Hurricane Gustav formed on the same date, but a few hours later than Humberto, making him the latest first storm of his season in the last 70 years. This past week's Humberto is in second place for that particular honor.

In an average season, two to three hurricanes have already formed by this time, with the first appearing around August 10!

Tropical Depression 7 Forms, Becomes Gabrielle

Tropical Storm Gabrielle Nearing Puerto Rico

T.S. Gabrielle this morning

The area of low pressure that I mentioned yesterday morning was declared  Depression Number Seven by late afternoon, and then upgraded to Tropical Storm Gabrielle late last night.

The center of the system is nearing the southeastern coast of Puerto Rico this morning.
The satellite image shown here may be a bit confusing until you realize you are actually looking at two systems.  The center of Gabrielle is actually somewhere off the southern coast of Puerto Rico.  The "blob of stuff" to her northeast is actually a separate area of  stormy low pressure (but not an organized system) which could possibly feed moisture into Gabrielle to aid in building convection.I say possibly, because I am not a weather expert, but it sure seems plausible to me.

Tropical Storm Gabrielle's vitals as of 8 o'clock EDT this morning:

LOCATION: 65 miles WSW of Ponce, P.R.
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS: 40 m.p.h., gusting to 50
MOVING:  Northwest at 8 m.p.h.
PRESSURE: 1008 mb, or 29.77 in.

Puerto Rico and the northeastern Dominican Republic are under a Tropical Storm Warning.  (No ships will be porting while this is the case)
The southeastern portion of the Dominican Republic has a Tropical Storm Watch.  Ports are likely closed there, too, at present.)

St. Croix has received heavy rainfall and some wind, as have some of the other Virgin Islands.

The center of the storm is expected to pass just east of the Turks and Caicos tomorrow, then head NNW, passing well to the east of Bermuda a few days later, if she holds together that long.  According the the experts there could be 'some strengthening' today and tomorrow.

Some cruise ships may alter their itineraries to ensure everyone's safety, and / or due to port closures.

As always with the tropics, things can and do change, so keep an eye on the NHC's  Public Advisory, issued every three hours when a system is near land, and every six hours otherwise.

UPDATE:   At the 11 am advisory, the NHC has downgraded this system to a Tropical Depression.   However, heavy rains and TropicaL Storm force winds are still expected today in the area including Puerto Rico and some of the Virgin Islands.

Updated 2013 Hurricane Season Predictions

Latest Forecasts by CSU and TSR

- from 2013 Atlantic Basin Hurricane Predictions -
Hurricane Felix (2007) passes Aruba, CC

The August updates for the 2013 hurricane season predictions have been released by two prominent forecasting teams:  Colorado State University, and Tropical Storm Risk.  Each has actually lowered their numbers, but only very slightly.

For years, those who follow seasonal tropical weather activity have followed the reports from the eminent team of Drs. FGray and Klotzbach at CSU.  Their original report, from April of this year, called for 18 named storms, 9 of which would become hurricanes, with 4 of those intensifying to major status.  The August forecast has revised that prediction to 18,8, and 3.

At TSR, the April numbers of 15.2 (named), 7.5(hurricanes), and 3.4 (major hurricanes) have also been lowered slightly in August, to 14.8, 6.9, and 3.0.

That's the good news.
The bad news is in the landfall predicions.  The brains at the two places generally agree that the chances of at least one hurricane hurricane making landfall somewhere in the U.S., and also at least one on the Caribbean are above average.  (That's as compared to the average year over the last century)

Here's where you can see more about this year's forecasts, and compare the numbers from CSU and TSR, as well as the NHC and WSI:   2013 Atlantic Basin Hurricane Predictions

How are we doing so far?
So far, we have seen four named storms, which puts us ahead of schedule compared to a typical year.  None of those four ever made it to hurricane status, making this year to date normal in that respect.

The next name on the list is:  Erin. (See all the hurricane names for 2013)

REMINDER:  Make sure your hurricane supplies are in order and that your emergency evacuation plans are up to date.  Don't forget the fresh batteries for your NOAA Weather Radio.

Remnants of Dorian Bringing Squally Weather

Dorian's Remnants Moving Through Turks and Caicos, Bahamas

Image Courtesy NOAA

Tropical Storm Dorian is no more, but his remnants are still around... the Turks and Caicos are getting squally weather today.


Tomorrow, and into Thursday, those squalls will move into The Bahamas.
Bahamian cruises may experience some less than sunny skies.

But, it couild have been worse.  Dorian never became a hurricane, but if he had, he would have teen one of those long tracking Cape Verde Hurricanes that we usually start seeing in very late July or early August.

The appearance of Dorian marked the beginning of the Cape Verde hurricane season.  That means it's the time of year residents living along the East and Gulf coasts of the U.S., as well as those in the islands, to turn their eyes way east, and watch those waves coming off the coast of Africa.

Cruisers, too, if you are worried about the possibility of a tropical weather system having an impact on your cruise vacation anywhere in the Atlantic Hurricane Basin.

Tropical Storm Dorian

Tropical Storm Dorian Forms in the Atlantic

 Cone from the N.H.C.

The fourth named storm of the 2013 hurricane season has formed out in the tropical Atlantic.  It's name is Dorian, which is the replacement name for the retired Dean.  Let's hope Dorian doesn't have aspirations of following in his footsteps.  Dean was a killer, destroying a town (Majahual) on the Yucatan Peninsula, and leaving 45 dead across the Caribbean and Mexico.

Fortunately, Dorian is not projected to become another Dean, in spite of the fact that they both are Cape Verde storms.  At this point, the NHC is forecasting Dorian to be 'only' a tropical storm in five days when the system reaches the Antilles.  Conditions in the Atlantic are not expected to be terribly conducive to a great amount of intensification.  The storm will have dry air and wind sheer to fight on its trip westward.

This morning, maximum sustained winds are 50 mph, and movement is to the West of Northwest.

Still, those planning on cruising traveling to the Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico this weekend or early next week should keep a wary eye on the tropics, and be ready to adjust plans accordingly.

To our friends who live in the islands - prepare, and be safe!

Where Dorian will go beyond that (if anywhere) is still anyone's guess, so those who live in hurricane country - you know the drill:  Check your hurricane supplies and stay informed!

Tropical Storm Chantal heads for the Caribbean 

Tropical Storm Chantal on the Morning of 07/09/13
Courtesy NOAA

Looks like, just as the 2013 Hurricane Season Predictions indicated would happen, the tropics are starting to crank.

This morning, Chantal, the third named storm of the year, is working her way into the warm open waters of the Caribbean Sea.    Clipping along at some 23 knots, she'll be there shortly.  Early reports indicate she has had relatively mild effects on Barbados and St.Lucia so far this morning, but that winds in Martinique have been stronger.

The highest winds found by Hurricane Hunters have been around 60 mph, but thankfully, so far, the ones that have made their way onto the Windward Islands have been less severe.  They still have a bit of Chantal to endure, however.

Once she hits the open waters of the eastern Caribbean, the story could change.  The system is forecast to strengthen before arriving at the shores of Hispaniola sometime tomorrow.  That is where she could possibly do her first real damage.

Keep a careful eye on the path she takes over the Dominican Republic and/or Haiti.  If she goes over the more mountainous area, we could see a far weaker Chantal on her arrival in the southeastern Bahamas than we would if she travels over the flatter eastern part of the D.R.

Nevertheless, if you're in The Bahamas or on the east coast of the U.S., keep an eye on her.   Most of eastern Florida is already in the cone at this point.

And, for my cruising friends, if you're sailing out of Florida this weekend, PLEASE do yourself a favor, and arrange to arrive at your city of departure at least a day early.  An approaching storm could force a change in your ship's schedule.  (See Ten Tips for Cruising in Hurricane Season for more on that.)

 

Ernesto and Florence Heat Up the Tropics

The Tropics Come Alive - Two Storms at Once

Tropical Storm Ernesto (Image courtesy NOAA)

The tropics have been quiet for weeks, ever since Tropical Storm Debby made her exit, but this week, things changed.


Tropical Storm Ernesto is stirring up the Caribbean, while Tropical Storm Florence has begun the trek across the Atlantic.


The Windward Islands have already gotten a taste of the 2012 Hurricane Season.  Ernesto passed just north of Barbados, then collided with the southern tip of St. Lucia as he crossed over from the tropical Atlantic into the Caribbean.  Jamaica is under a tropical storm warning today, as that nation prepares to celebrate its 50th birthday on Monday.


Tropical Storm Ernesto is forecast to continue westward for now, and become a hurricane as early as tomorrow.  


Meanwhile, out in the eastern Atlantic, Tropical Storm Florence is starting to make her westbound crossing.  Will she make it all the way across intact?  And, if so, how strong will she be?  Time will tell.


Our thoughts are always with those in the path of a tropical system, whatever its name may be.   Today, it's Ernesto.  Next week, it may be Florence, and then Gordon, who has yet to make an appearance.  Stay safe, everyone! 

ESPECIALLY FOR CRUISERS

We could well see some ships change course and alter itineraries in the coming days to avoid the nastiness - and danger -  of a tropical system.  No changes have been announced yet, but you can bet the cruise lines are monitoring these storms closely!  See my 10 Tips for Cruising in Hurricane Season for more on this topic.


More articles about hurricane weather:

Know the Cone  - This is an important one.  Many people who think they know exactly what the Cone of Uncertainty means actually don't.  I've frequently heard the cone being mis-characterized!

2012 Hurricane Season Names - Just what the title says.

Weather Alert Radios -  Another important one.  Yes, you DO need one of these if you live anywhere in the US where severe weather is possible.

2012 Atlantic Basin Hurricane Journal - Here's where I'm keeping track of this years tropical weather activity.

Hurricane Chris - The First Hurricane of the 2012 Hurricane Season

Chris has intensified to become the first hurricane of the Season.

Hurricane Chris, 2012

He was Tropical Storm Chris Yesterday.  Today, He's Hurricane Chris, with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph.

(An FYI - Again this year, I'm keeping track of the season in a seasonal hurricane journal.  You can find it at Atlantic Basin 2012 Hurricane Season Journal.)

Not to worry - Hurricane Chris is way out to sea, and forecast to stay that way.  Currently around 600 miles to the southeast of Newfoundland's Cape Race, he's moving northeast right now, but is expected to loop around over the next day or two.  By then, he will have spent time over some pretty cool water, so is expected to transition into a post tropical cyclone before petering out.

The track from the NHC shows all this happening out at sea.  Thank you, Chris.  May you show the way for those who might follow, and may all our 2012 hurricanes avoid any encounters with land!

PS - Bone up on all the 2012 Hurricane Names here.

Eight Weeks Until . . .

It's just eight weeks until the start of the 2012 Atlantic Basin Hurricane Season. 

Officially, hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov 30, though storms can (and have) occurred outside that date range.  The most active part of the season is typically from about the second week of August through October. 

The alphabetical list of  hurricane names for 2012 starts with Alberto, and goes through William.  

Here's hoping they don't get all the way through the list this year!

With just a couple of months until the season begins, it's a good time to be thinking about things like your evacuation plans, checking the batteries in your NOAA Weather Radio, updating your hurricane supplies, and seeing to hurricane preparedness for your roof.

Tropical Storm Sean

Subtropical Storm Sean formed in the Atlantic early this morning, about halfway in between The Bahamas and Bermuda, and rather quickly transitioned into Tropical Storm Sean.

Bermuda is now under a Tropical Storm Watch. 

Related pages:
Nationa Hurricane Center
2011 Atlantic Basin Hurricane Journal.

Port Closings - T.S. Maria



Tropical Storm Maria

   With Tropical Storm Maria approaching, ports in the northeastern Caribbean are closed or will be closed to incoming vessels.

The Port of San Juan went to condition Yankee last night, which closes the port to incoming traffic.  It is likely that they will move into condition Zulu in the coming hours, and order all ships over a certain gross tonnage out to sea.

Currently due in to the Port of San Juan on Sunday are Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas, and the Carnival Victory.   At this time, Tropical Storm Maria is forecast to be passing to the north of San Juan on Sunday.  

As you can see from the attached satellite image, Maria covers a whole lot of  real estate .  Tropical storm force winds extend out some 200 miles from the center.  However, the NHC tells us that the northeast side of the storm is the worst.  While Puerto Rico may get some awfully bad weather, looks like it could have been worse.  Maria could have taken a more southerly route.

Niether RCCL or CCL has announced changes in  disembarkation / embarkation for tomorrow's scheduled sailings  - YET.  They may or may not have to.  It all depends on Maria.

Royal Caribbean is advising passengers scheduled to sail on Sunday to "monitor the Royal Caribbean website and their airlines for any additional updates regarding the storm and the status of the port."  Carnival cruisers should be monitoring the situation as well.

Royal Caribbean is stationing Guest Assistance Agents in baggage terminals B and D at the San Juan Airport.

The itinerary of the Oasis of the Seas has also been adjusted because of the storm.

Related Articles:

• Huirricane Tips for Cruisers
• Hurricane Season 2011 Predictions

Hurricane Irene - Wednesday, Aug 24

Hurricane Irene, having strengthened to a Major Hurricane, is making her way through The Bahamas today.  With maximum sustained winds of 115 miles per hour, the large Category Three storm is running the length of The Bahamas, and  virtually every one of the nations 3,077 islands, cays, and islets will be affected.

Residents on New Providence, where Nassau is located, have been boarding up, and shelters have been opened.  A bit farther to the north, similar preparations are, do doubt, taking place in Freeport on Grand Bahama Island, and on the Abacos to the east.

In the small island chain of the Berry Islands, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line is battening down and evacuating its private island of Coco Cay.

CRUISE NEWS:  To date, at least 15 cruise ship itineraries have been altered to avoid the monster storm.

Related Articles:

• 2011 Hurricane Predictions
• Tips for Cruising in Hurricane Season
• 2011 Atlantic Basin Hurricane Journal

Peak Hurricane Season is upon us

Peak Hurricane Season for the Atlantic Basin historically kicks in sometime in the first half of August. 
FYI- the Atlantic Basin includes the Atlantic Ocean the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico
Photo: Hurricane at Lake Worth Beach by heatherlacroix

So, here we are in the very beginning of the peak of the season, climatologically speaking.  What will this peak season bring?


If you're considering taking a cruise, this is certainly a time of year when you can get a pretty good deal... if you are willing to take the (relatively low) risks associated with cruising during hurricane season.  Check out the deals!

For homeowners who live in hurricane country, you know the drill:  check your hurricane supplies and family evacuation plans.  Make sure your NOAA Weather Radio is in good working condition and that you have plenty of extra batteries.  And, if you haven't already done so, prepare for the worst case scenario with insurance, a go-bag, and provisions to protect your windows.  Don't forget hurricane preparedness for your roof, either. 

All that being said ... here's hoping the predictions for this season being an above average one, and of a high probability of major US landfalls (plural) doesn't come to fruition.

Stay safe, every one!  If you're cruising this season, Bon Voyage to you.  And if you are, or aren't... be prepared for the worst, but hope for the best!

Last Week Was Quite a Week

Space Shuttle Atlantis
(public domain image from NASA) 

Last week was quite a week. Things were happening all over the globe, and not all of them pleasant.  Last week, there were significant developments in manned space flightnature,in Nature , and sadly, in Norway.

MANNED SPACE FLIGHT

Space Shuttle Atlantis retured to earth for the last time. The good news is, she brought herself and her crew home safely. The bad news is that she'll never do it again. Nor will any other shuttle. NASA's manned space flight program has been scuttled. And along with it, thousands of jobs, and the space dominance of the U S of A. It was a sad day.



NATURE

We had THREE named storms at one point in the week: Tropical Storms Bret and Cindy in the Atlantic and Hurricane Dora in the Pacific. The good news is that NONE of them made landfall. The (maybe) not so good news is that it was a very active week for the tropics, and no one knows if this was a foreshadowing of things to come. The NHC and other organizations sure think it will be an active season. You can see their 2011 Hurricane Season Predictions here.


NORWAY

The Royal Palace in Oslo
was not attacked
(public domain photo)

There was horror and terror in a place that is usually known for its peaceful environment - Norway. 
A madman set off a bomb in central Oslo then proceded to a youth camp being held on an island.  There, dressed as a policeman, he shot and killed at least 84 young people.
There is NO reason for civilized human beings to behave this way towards one another.  Unlike the work that NASA does, it's NOT rocket science.  Just be nice to everyone. 
Today, we are holding the people of Norway in our hearts.  They have our deepest sympathies and most fervent prayers.

The past week was not one that will soon be forgotten for several reasons... but Norway is uppermost in our minds right now. 

It's my sincere hope that the week ahead will bring different ... and much happier news. 

Six Years Ago Today: Hurricane Dennis

Six years ago today, Hurricane Dennis was assaulting Navarro Beach, Florida.  Dennis was the first Major Hurricane to make landfall on our own shores during the record-setting 2005 Hurricane Season.  There were 28 named storms that year - the most ever for a single season.

Hurricane name lists are on a six year cycle, so the 2011 Atlantic Hurricane names are the same ones that were used in 2005,  except for the names of the five storms that were so devistating their names were retired for good.

2005 was also the year of Hurricane Katrina, and some may have forgotten the year, but no one has forgotten how horrifying she was. So many lives were changed . . . 

So far, knock on wood, this year hasn't been a repeat of 2005, even though many of the names will be the same.  On the same date in 2005, we were already up to the 'D' name on the alphabetical list.  This year, we've only seen the 'A' storm - Arlene.  

Word from the National Hurricane Center today is that "TROPICAL CYCLONE FORMATION IS NOT EXPECTED DURING THE NEXT 48 HOURS."  Here's hoping our luck holds! 

Related Stories:

Hurricane Hunters:  Heroes Inside Storms

Pictures of Hurricanes and other storms

Hurricane Season Predictions for 2011

Weather Alert Radios

Photo by FEMA, PD

TS Arlene Heads for Mexico. Princess - not So Much.

Arlene Heading for Mexico

Well. 2011 Atlantic Basin hurricane activity has started. Tropical Storm Arlene, is on her way to somewhere near Tampico, Mexico.  The terrain around there is hilly to mountainous. Copious rainfall in such a region can mean life threatening flash flooding and even mudslides.  Arlene is first on the list of  2011 Hurricane Names... let's hope we don't get too far through that list this hear.

Hurricane Hunters have been flying into the storm, and  found maximum sustained winds of 50 mph this morning.  It's expected to make landfall early tomorrow. 

We are keeping the people of the Mexican states of Tamaulipas, Veracruz, San Luis Potosi, and Nuevo Leon, in our thoughts.  There are Hurricane Watches and Tropical Storm Warnings posted for these area.

 Princess - Not So Much 

Meanwhile, in case you haven't heard, Princess Cruises has cancelled previously scheduled stops at Puerto Vallarta for the remainder of the year.  This news came out a few days ago.  The US State Department has a travel warning posted for the Mexican state of Jalisco, which includes Puerto Vallarto.  The warning cites drug-related violence. 

Mazatlan has seen its cruise ship port calls curtailed recently, as well.

So, if there is a Mexican Rivera cruise in your future, it would seem itinerary options are narrowing considerably.

RELATED ARTICLES:

Cruising in Hurricane Season

2011 Hurricane Predictions