Now this one scary looking...

[Stormcenter]

Now this is one scary looking storm.

http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/PS/TROP/DATA/RT ... -loop.html

It's got that buzz saw look to it.

I think Ivan looks more impressive than Frances
did at her peak, IMO.

[Guest]

definitly, hes looking good

[jacindc]

Looks impressive, but not as impressive as Frances did when she had that huge completely centered eye and 145 mph winds...

[hibiscushouse]

This might be a dumb question, but

It's got that buzz saw look to it

Is that considered the outflow?
And this is what it does to ventilate itself, correct?

[MBryant]

The outflow looks like it's exploded!

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[wjs3]

Hibiscushouse:

1) Great screen name

2) The wispy clouds are cirrus clouds, there are at high levels, and yes, they are indicative of outflow. A strom has to evacuate all that air screaming into it somewhere, and the outflow shows that's happening.

3) When you get these clouds all around, that means that you have outflow in all directions--which is VERY good for development, all else being equal.

A storm with good outflow in all directions has a big, circular outflow, so lots of those cirrus clouds around it in a circular pattern. So it looks like a circular saw blade with cirrus clouds as the sawteeth

[jes]

Thanks, that is interesting.

[MetroMike]

Yes excellent outflow in all quadrants...It has a lot going for it including a steaming hot northeastern caribbean waiting in the wings as fuel for it.

[hibiscushouse]

which is VERY good for development

I was afraid I had that part right.
Thank you for the explanation.