Isaias... pronounced ees-ah-EE-ahs
Hurricane Isaias continues to churn in the Atlantic, forecast to dump an estimated 4-8 inches in parts of the Bahamas tonight. Right now, winds are sustained at 75mph, which makes it a low end Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Isaias has slowed down a little this afternoon- moving at 15 mph towards the northwest. It's speed is crucial to the forecast:
If Isaias continues its fast pace and the upper level system continues to move slowly... there will be a higher probability that the storm will take a more eastward track (offshore). Staying offshore over the open waters of the Gulf Stream will give the storm more fuel to tap into-- which theoretically means the storm would be stronger. In contrast, if the upper level system exits faster, then the storm will take a more coastal track (resulting in a weaker storm).
In any case, the system will travel up the eastern seaboard and impacts are expected here in Maryland. Right now it looks like Delmarva will likely see the biggest impacts where forecasts call for 2 to 4 inches possible, with isolated maximum totals of 6 inches. We'll keep you updated on air and online with the latest...
#staytuned
