TROPICAL DEPRESSION #9
NJN WEATHER CENTER
940 PM THURS AUG 4TH 2005
The record breaking pace of the Atlantic hurricane season continues today as future Irene has formed out in the open Eastern Atlantic.
Water temperatures remain conducive for development of this system. She should do nothing but strengthen as she grows. She currently has winds around 30-35 mph with higher gusts and may officially gain her name by Friday.
Forecasts over 3 days have her moving almost due West, but through 5 days show "Irene" making a sudden NW or WNW jolt along her course. This would cause her to miss the Islands, which for them would be good news.
Even though she won't make her closest approach to the Islands for as long as maybe a week from now.
It is way too early to see if she will affect the East coast of the US. But there is very early speculation that the high will remain in place keeping her on a W or WNW course.
Remember. Next Saturday is actually the 1 year anniversary of Hurricane Charley. Charley was 1 of the most powerful and expensive hurricanes' in Central Florida's history as the made landfall in SW Florida and then tore through the peninsula.
Central and South Florida were also affected by the last Irene back in 1999.
Here is my experimental 5 day forecast on Irene:
Tonight: Slowly starting to organize. Max Winds: 35 mph
Friday: Beginning to wrap around, feeling the warmer waters. Max Winds:50 mph
Saturday: Be aware of rapid intensification.. very warm waters.. still in the open ATL. Max Winds: 75 mph
Sunday: Beginning to go more NW or WNW. Max Winds: 85 mph
Monday: Watching carefully in the Islands. Max Winds: 100 mph
Comments welcomed
DISCLAIMER:
The following post is NOT an official forecast and should not be used as such. It is just the opinion of the poster and may or may not be backed by sound meteorological data. It is NOT endorsed by any professional institution including storm2k.org For Official Information please refer to the NHC and NWS products.



