Dr. Jeff Masters' WunderBlog

Bill brushes Massachusetts; Nova Scotia gets pounded

Posted by: Dr. Jeff Masters, 2:05 PM GMT on August 23, 2009

The winds and waves are dying down in coastal Massachusetts, which took a glancing blow from Hurricane Bill last night and this morning. Bill's center passed about 200 miles southeast of Massachusetts' Nantucket Island, bringing top sustained winds of 24 mph, gusting to 31 mph, at the airport. A storm surge of 1 foot was observed on Cape Cod and Nantucket at high tide. A storm surge of 0.5 feet was reported at Newport, RI, and Boston, MA. President Obama arrives in neighboring Martha's Vineyard today for vacation, and will not want to go swimming--seas of up to 15 feet will continue to batter the shores of southeast Massachusetts. Significant wave heights at Buoy 44008, about 60 miles southeast of Nantucket Island reached 27 feet early this morning. A rainband from Bill set up over Massachusetts, from Boston southwestward, and several reports of 3 - 4 inches of rain came from stations in the rain band (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Radar estimated precipitation from Hurricane Bill. Kingston, MA, received 3.74 inches of rain from Bill. Western Massachusetts got even heavier rain from an approaching cold front.

Bill's impact on Canada
The Canadian Hurricane Center is predicting that Bill will generate a storm surge of 0.5 - 1.0 meters (1.5 - 3 feet) along the coasts of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland today, as the storm races northeast at 30 mph. The surge, when combined with the 5 - 10 meter (16 - 33 foot) waves expected to pound the coast, will cause considerable coastal damage. This is the main threat of Bill to Canada. Bill's highest hurricane-force winds should stay offshore this afternoon as the hurricane passes the heavily populated capital, Halifax. However, winds of 60 - 70 mph will likely impact eastern Nova Scotia, where Bill is expected to make landfall later today, causing considerable tree damage and power outages. Heavy rains of 3 - 4 inches will also cause localized flooding problems. Radar out of Halifax, Nova Scotia shows heavy rain from Bill impacting most of the province, but Bill's center is located well offshore. Buoy 44150 was in the east eyewall of Bill at 9:30 am EDT, and reported sustained winds of 62 mph, gusting to 85 mph, with waves of 40 feet. Bill is expected to make landfall over Newfoundland near midnight tonight, but will have likely weakened to a tropical storm by then.

Links to follow:
wundermap for Nova Scotia
Halifax radar
Canadian Hurricane Center advisories

Elsewhere in the tropics
There are no threat areas in the Atlantic worth mentioning today. Most of the models are calling for the possible development of a tropical cyclone in the waters between the Bahamas and North Carolina on Wednesday or Thursday. There could be two triggers for tropical cyclone formation--the remains of the cold front that pushed off the U.S. East Coast this morning, plus a tropical wave that is currently approaching the northern Lesser Antilles Islands. We will also need to watch the region off the coast of Africa this week.

I'll have an update Monday, when I'll show a remarkable photo taken in the eye of Hurricane Bill by the Hurricane Hunters.

Jeff Masters

After Bill (denmar)

Looking south easterly off St. David's, Bermuda

Waves courtesy of Hurricane Bill (bugbug)

East Coast surfers trying their hand at "big" surf.

Categories: Hurricane

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551. KEHCharleston 2:32 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
545. iamcanadian Thanks - that is an incredible picture. Boggles the mind. G'night Tiggeriffic. I am out as well. Goodnight folks. Member Since: August 19, 2008 Posts: 6 Comments: 2490

552. GeoffreyWPB 2:32 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
How much does a whole-house generator cost these days? I live in a small two-story townhouse. Member Since: September 10, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 9107

553. BahaHurican 2:33 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
Quoting JLPR: I don't know why but Fred sounds like a scary storm xD although Grace doesnt sound too good either =P Fred sounds bad because it begins w/ the letter F.... Member Since: October 25, 2005 Posts: 19 Comments: 17588

554. Herbertsbox 2:33 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
Quoting zoomiami: Is anyone else watching the TWC special re Katrina? Footage from the super dome that hasn't been released before, its awful. Humbling indeed. To this day, one of the best doc's I have seen is the special NGC did on Katrina, "Inside Hurricane Katrina." Fantastic production. Member Since: August 19, 2009 Posts: 0 Comments: 94

555. JLPR 2:34 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
On a side note on the Miss Universe Pageant Puerto Rico made it to the last 5 finalists xD BAMM! we got pretty ladies here =P Member Since: September 4, 2007 Posts: 36 Comments: 5223

556. BahaHurican 2:36 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
This is a "like wow" graphic. Those little French Islands (Micquilon? forget the exact name) look like the first to get actual Hurricane force winds.... Modification: Saint Pierre and Micquelon is the correct name of the islands. They belong to France. Member Since: October 25, 2005 Posts: 19 Comments: 17588

557. bwat 2:36 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
Quoting GeoffreyWPB: How much does a whole-house generator cost these days? I live in a small two-story townhouse. Got an electrician friend to do the work, materials gonna cost ya around 3-4 grand, but when the powers out for 2 plus weeks it is WELL worth it. Plus a small upkeep cost, mines set up tp come on and run once a week just to keep it broke in. (runs on propane) Member Since: August 18, 2009 Posts: 0 Comments: 338

558. Grothar 2:36 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
Quoting AussieStorm: Is that where Bill went through? The difference in SST's in the middle. Hey AussieStorm, read my entry #494. Nobody answered it. I am not good at linking I am glad you posted it. It must be Bill's upwelling. Member Since: July 17, 2009 Posts: 56 Comments: 19488

560. rareaire 2:37 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
nite tigger! Member Since: August 19, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 1598

561. nishinigami 2:39 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
oh no blog at my post.... trying again :) Tampa, did the NAM drop the system it was trying to form in the Caribbean and bring towards the gulf? Thanks :) Member Since: August 24, 2008 Posts: 2 Comments: 221

562. antonio28 2:39 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
Quoting JLPR: On a side note on the Miss Universe Pageant Puerto Rico made it to the last 5 finalists xD BAMM! we got pretty ladies here =P Yes we DO!! Lets see if she brings the sixth crown home. Member Since: July 15, 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 799

563. hurricane556 2:42 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
00z nam is more bullish on the bahamas system Member Since: July 16, 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 253

564. GeoffreyWPB 2:43 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
Quoting bwat: Got an electrician friend to do the work, materials gonna cost ya around 3-4 grand, but when the powers out for 2 plus weeks it is WELL worth it. Plus a small upkeep cost, mines set up tp come on and run once a week just to keep it broke in. (runs on propane) After weeks without power with Francis and Jeanne, it seems like a wise investment..also for property value. In addition, it would help my neighbors out. Member Since: September 10, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 9107

565. BahaHurican 2:44 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
Member Since: October 25, 2005 Posts: 19 Comments: 17588

566. GatorWX 2:45 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
I would pay attention to the wave still a few hundred miles inland over Africa. It's a large wave with broad rotation and is similar to the wave that spawned Bill in size and appearance. Also watch the northern Caribbean and Bahamas for development. The cmc model develops a moderately strong storm se of the Bahamas. The nogaps model tries to develop it, but it doesn't even reach depression strength. Member Since: January 1, 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 631

567. BahaHurican 2:46 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
OK, the GRAPHIC in post #565 is supposed to go with the text in post #556. Can't seem to be able to post both at the same time.... Member Since: October 25, 2005 Posts: 19 Comments: 17588

568. Elena85Vet 2:46 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
Whack...Kill the engine. Bye Bill Member Since: August 18, 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 619

569. TampaSpin 2:48 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
Quoting nishinigami: oh no blog at my post.... trying again :) Tampa, did the NAM drop the system it was trying to form in the Caribbean and bring towards the gulf? Thanks :) The NAM model is a good model to use once something has already developed and does a good job at a 48hr forecast. It should not be used to forecast the formation of a potential Cyclone. Member Since: September 2, 2007 Posts: 175 Comments: 19747

570. WeatherMSK 2:50 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
Quoting TampaSpin: The NAM model is a good model to use once something has already developed and does a good job at a 48hr forecast. It should not be used to forecast the formation of a potential Cyclone. Correct but when you have other models that show the same thing, it makes you question development possibilities along the southeast coast. Member Since: February 12, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 465

572. hurricane556 2:52 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
00z nam looks tasty Member Since: July 16, 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 253

573. kanc2001 2:52 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
Quoting StSimonsIslandGAGuy: Good little Gracie from 1959, the strongest hurricane to hit SC between 1893 and 1989: Link good write up on Hurricane Gracie Member Since: August 18, 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 181

574. Browardjon 2:52 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
i am heading to savannah, ga on saturday. wha are the opinions of those in here as far as a likely effect from a storm there? Member Since: August 18, 2009 Posts: 0 Comments: 27

575. scCane 2:56 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
Quoting StSimonsIslandGAGuy: Good little Gracie from 1959, the strongest hurricane to hit SC between 1893 and 1989: Hope we dont see one with that track and intensity its eye would go over my house

576. Grothar 2:56 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
Quoting floodzonenc: Anyone know which infamous storm is approaching its 10 year anniversary? I anticipate quite a few retrospective news stories around here a couple weeks from now... TOO easy Lenny, but there was also another Katrina. To which are your referring? Member Since: July 17, 2009 Posts: 56 Comments: 19488

578. atmoaggie 3:00 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
Quoting floodzonenc: Anyone know which infamous storm is approaching its 10 year anniversary? I anticipate quite a few retrospective news stories around here a couple weeks from now... Hugo was not a nice one for those in his path... Hi, y'all Member Since: August 16, 2007 Posts: 6 Comments: 12461

579. TampaSpin 3:01 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
Quoting WeatherMSK: Correct but when you have other models that show the same thing, it makes you question development possibilities along the southeast coast. When the other Major Models show development 48hrs out....I diffently use the NAM to look at the Intensity. It is very good at the 48hr intensity forecast....Too answer your question yes. Its just another model in agreement Member Since: September 2, 2007 Posts: 175 Comments: 19747

580. Grothar 3:01 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
Hugo was 1989 Member Since: July 17, 2009 Posts: 56 Comments: 19488

582. BahaHurican 3:02 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
Quoting floodzonenc: Anyone know which infamous storm is approaching its 10 year anniversary? I anticipate quite a few retrospective news stories around here a couple weeks from now... If u mean Floyd, I already posted some nasty things about him and his anniversary last night...... Member Since: October 25, 2005 Posts: 19 Comments: 17588

583. WeatherMSK 3:03 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
Link 28w looks like something to watch too. Member Since: February 12, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 465

584. Browardjon 3:03 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
sept 15th floyd Member Since: August 18, 2009 Posts: 0 Comments: 27

585. Grothar 3:04 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
Then you must mean Floyd. He was mentioned earlier in the blog. Devastating flooding but not the strongest Member Since: July 17, 2009 Posts: 56 Comments: 19488

587. RyanCRG 3:06 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
Cyclone Research Group is reporting that max sustained winds recorded by intercept team in Whitehead NS were at 78mph. Waves were VERY impressive. Video on the way....

590. listenerVT 3:05 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
Quoting floodzonenc: Anyone know which infamous storm is approaching its 10 year anniversary? I anticipate quite a few retrospective news stories around here a couple weeks from now... Hint: It's an "F" word Member Since: July 11, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 4775

591. atmoaggie 3:06 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
Quoting StSimonsIslandGAGuy: Floyd. The bringer of the Carolina pig crap river floods. Heard they still have that in the rivers coming from Smithfield farms. Member Since: August 16, 2007 Posts: 6 Comments: 12461

592. AllStar17 3:07 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
Good night. Check in on Bill and our AOI in the morning, see everyone then. I should have a graphics update to post in the AM as well. Member Since: June 29, 2009 Posts: 13 Comments: 5135

595. atmoaggie 3:08 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
Quoting floodzonenc: Hugo's turning 20 years old, and no he wasn't nice at all! Yeah, once you get past 30 years old, 20 years ago seems like 10 years ago. I am claiming senility. Member Since: August 16, 2007 Posts: 6 Comments: 12461

596. PortABeachBum 3:08 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
Quoting TexasHurricane: What alarming scenario? What graphic? Sorry! I've been away for a while. It was post #315. KEEPEROFTHEGATE 9:32 PM GMT on August 23, 2009 Alarming to me because t shows activity in the GOM! Member Since: October 4, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 198

598. BahaHurican 3:11 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
Quoting floodzonenc: Ding, ding, ding :) You are correct, sir! He and Dennis dropped about 25 inches of rain combined over parts of eastern NC. Took a canoe to my house to get food and baby supplies. The most surreal 2 weeks of my life! Yup. This is the one that wiped out a fingernail on me.... and the Bahamas had gotten swiped by Dennis, too. It's like Dennis dug a shallow groove and Floyd just rolled right down it.... I think I come by my dislike of F-storms naturally.... Member Since: October 25, 2005 Posts: 19 Comments: 17588

600. Grothar 3:13 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
Quoting floodzonenc: Ding, ding, ding :) You are correct, sir! He and Dennis dropped about 25 inches of rain combined over parts of eastern NC. Took a canoe to my house to get food and baby supplies. The most surreal 2 weeks of my life! Hey I beat Bahahurican by 1 minute, don't I get at least 1 ding??? Member Since: July 17, 2009 Posts: 56 Comments: 19488

601. BahaHurican 3:13 AM GMT on August 24, 2009
ON that note (Fa - a long long way to run) I'm out. Tomorrow is another early morning, unfortunately, so gotta turn in now. See u subse! Member Since: October 25, 2005 Posts: 19 Comments: 17588

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