Tropical Storm Fernanda Has Likely Peaked In Intensity

By Wendy Osher

5-Day Track for Tropical Storm Fernanda issued at 11 a.m. 8/18/11. Image courtesy National Weather Service.

Forecasters with the National Weather Service today say Tropical Storm Fernanda has probably already peaked in intensity.  The system was located at about 950 miles ESE of South Point, Hawai’i at 11 a.m. HST, Thursday, August 18, 2011.

Satellite imagery today showed an increasingly elongated and asymmetric system according to forecasters with the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.

A 5-day Forecast Track of the system shows Fernanda passing south of the islands early next week.  Forecasters anticipate some weakening during the next 48 hours.

Maximum sustained winds today were clocked at 65 mph with higher gusts.  The system was moving toward the west-northwest at near 14 mph–a motion that is expected to continue through Friday.

Minimum central pressure of the storm was recorded at 994 MB or 29.35 inches, with tropical storm force winds extending outward up to 80 miles from the center.

The Central Pacific Hurricane Center reminds the public of some preparedness tips for future events.  The agency issues hurricane or tropical storm watches when conditions are expected in a specified area within 48 hours.  When a watch is issued some helpful actions to take include:

• Fuel and service family vehicles
• Prepare to cover windows and door openings with boards, shutters or other shielding materials
• Store and secure outdoor lawn furniture and other loose, lightweight objects, such as garbage cans
• Check and replenish disaster supply kits
• Have extra cash on hand