 DISCUSSION: As of earlier this afternoon, forecasters working at the NWS National Hurricane Center (located in Miami, Florida) were studying the evolution of a slowly strengthening Tropical Storm Otto. Based on a plethora of information ascertained from large-scale satellite structure and intensity estimates that this tropical storm officially reached hurricane status as of the 4:00 PM EST NHC update. In the associated forecast advisory update from earlier this afternoon (included below for your convenience), they discussed specific details concerning the future track and anticipated impacts from Hurricane Otto.
Tuesday 22 November 2016 NHC Hurricane Otto Forecast Discussion: "RAINFALL: Outer rain bands from Otto are expected to produce rainfall accumulations of 4 to 8 inches over San Andres and Providencia islands, and the higher terrain of central and western Panama and southern Costa Rica through Wednesday. Total rainfall of 6 to 12 inches, with isolated amounts of 15 to 20 inches, can be expected across northern Costa Rica and southern Nicaragua through Thursday. These rains will likely result in life-threatening flash floods and mud slides. WIND: Tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area in Panama tonight and are possible in the tropical storm watch area in Panama on Wednesday. Tropical storm conditions are expected in San Andres by late Wednesday. Hurricane conditions are possible within the hurricane watch area on Thursday. Tropical storm conditions are possible within the tropical storm watch area in Nicaragua on Thursday. SURF: Swells generated by Otto are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions over the next several days along the coasts of Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Please consult products from your local weather office." To learn more about other high-impact weather events from across the Caribbean, be sure to click here! ©2017 Meteorologist Jordan Rabinowitz
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Tropical Storm Otto Forms in Southwestern Caribbean Sea! (credit: NWS NHC and WeatherNation)11/21/2016  DISCUSSION: As some may have begun to think that the 2016 Hurricane Season was beginning to close out for the year, a weak low pressure system slowly moving across the southwestern Caribbean Sea had other ideas in mind. Over the last 24 to 36 hours, a weak low pressure system which was acknowledged as Tropical Depression 16 as of earlier today was upgraded to tropical storm status with the name "Otto" as of 1:00 PM EST on early Monday afternoon. As we move through the day on Tuesday, there remains to be a distinct chance that Otto could reach hurricane status before making a direct landfall most likely near the border of eastern Nicaragua and eastern Costa Rice. As a consequence of this geographic positioning, Tropical Storm Otto (regardless of its strength at landfall) will be a very serious flooding (and possible flash flooding) threat. This will be a particularly large concern in regions where there is a greater prevalence of more mountainous terrain which often causes rainfall runoff and life-threatening flash flooding in localized valleys populated by both regional towns, cities, etc. Therefore, as I stated in my video briefing above on Tropical Storm Otto, if you happen to know anyone who is either living or vacationing in either eastern Nicaragua or eastern Costa Rica, now is the time to alert them of Tropical Storm Otto's projected impacts.
To learn more about other high-impact weather events from across the Caribbean, be sure to click here! ©2017 Meteorologist Jordan Rabinowitz |
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