Barbara Weakens to a Tropical Storm

Barbara has weakened to a tropical storm with winds dropping below the 74 mph threshold for hurricane status.

As of 5 a.m. on Friday, July 5, 2019, the system was located about 1405 miles East of Hilo, Hawaiʻi, (near latitude 18.4 North, longitude 133.6 West) and was moving NW at 13 mph.

Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 70 mph with higher gusts with continued weakening is forecast during the next two days, according to the National Hurricane Center.

NOAA Forecasters with the National Hurricane Center say Barbara is forecast to become a post-tropical cyclone by Saturday night, with a turn toward the west-northwest and west is expected during the next day or two.

According to the agency’s latest Forecast Discussion, shear is expected to increase further, resulting in continued weakening which should “degenerate” Barbara into a remnant low in 48 hours or sooner.

TS Barbara. July 5, 2019 at 5 a.m. PC: NOAA/NHC.