Ernesto about to cross the coast of Mexico near Coatzacoalcos.
Currently Ernesto is located at 18.3 North 94.0 West skirting along the Southern coast of the Bay of Campeche with sustained winds of 70 MPH and Higher Gusts, moving West-Southwest at 13 MPH and this direction of travel is expected to continue Today with a slight decrease in forward motion. The central Pressure is 993 MB or 29.32 inches. Ernesto is about 40 Miles East-Northeast of Coatzacoalcos Mexico.
‘If Ernesto continues his current track’ he looks to make landfall in the Los Tuxtlas area of south-central Mexico with the cities of Santiago Tuxtla, San Andres Tuxtla and Catemaco in his path. Tropical storm winds extend outward 140 miles from the center and will continue to spread westward ahead of the storm today. Hurricane conditions are still possible within the Warning area this morning.
Watches and Warnings
* A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Veracruz to Chilitepec Mexico.
* A Hurricane Watch is in effect North of Veracruz to Barra De Nautla.
* A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect North of Veracruz to Barra De Nautla, and East of Chilitepec to Campeche.
Rainfall amounts of 5 to 10 inches can be expected with isolated areas of 15 inches in and around Tabasco, Veracruz, Puebla, and Northern Oaxaca through Friday causing life threatening Flash Flooding and Mudslides over higher terrain.
Storm surge of 1 to 3 feet above Normal Tide level is anticipated in the Warning area and surrounding coastal areas of the Gulf coast of Mexico. Large and Dangerous waves near the coast will accompany the tidal surge.
A couple Satellite images of Ernesto as of 7:45 AM EDT TODAY
Be sure and check the Tropical Weather Page for more Information and Graphics.
Active Tropical Systems – Tropical Storm Ernesto
I’m still watching an area of interest in the south-central Atlantic about 1000 miles west of the southern Cape Verde Islands. Currently designated Invest 92L and moving Westward about 15 MPH this tropical wave has a 70% chance of becoming a Tropical Depression in the next day or so, maybe Gordon. I’m also watching another Tropical Wave exit the continent of Africa for possible development in the coming days as well.
Here’s the current Spaghetti Model for Invest 92L as of 8 AM EDT 08/09/12
Here’s a Satellite view of the Tropical Wave coming off the coast of Africa as of 9 AM EDT 08/09/12.
Cataula GA Weather 