It Was "Justa" Tropical Storm...

Ken Graham, Director of the National Hurricane Center (NHC) once gave a talk regarding the public's perception of "just a tropical storm."  As you all know, NHC finally upgraded TC # 3 to Tropical Storm Claudette overnight.   Many folks were surprised to find she packed quite a punch, especially if you got caught under one of the heavy rain bands where training occurred.

Many of you commented about how hard it was raining and on FOX 8 this morning, Zack Fradella showed the radar estimate of the heavy rain band.  Parts of lower Plaquemines received 8-10" with the heaviest total between Slidell and Gulfport that exceeded 10-12".  The flooding videos on FOX 8 where pretty impressive with water in many homes.  And this was from "Justa Tropical Storm".  MSY got less than 2" while my house near Bonnabel and I-10 received 2.35"

The NHC forecast track was pretty much right on despite not having a well defined center until after landfall. (green line)  As they had mentioned all day, the bulk of the weather/rainfall was well right (east) of the center.

Claudette didn't begin to look like a Tropical Storm until we were able to see the daylight views.  Even then, the system remains lopsided/right side loaded.   The lesson learned here is, even with a weak disorganized storm, tropical rainfall can be intense and, if you get caught under a feeder band, the 3-4"/hour can add up in a hurry easily overwhelming any pumping capacity.   Would it have mattered if NHC had named her sooner?  Not really since they already had designated it a Potential Tropical Cyclone and everyone should have known of the possible dangers.  My last post before going to sleep indicated the heavy rain threat had shifted to the east of NOLA.   I was frankly surprised to see the heavy rain band had set up far closer than I expected.  I was thinking Gulfport/Biloxi, but not as close as Slidell.  Can you imagine if that band had set up over New Orleans with the city's compromised pumping capacity?  Perish the thought!

The clouds and rain showers with Claudette are keeping much of the SE less hot today.  In fact, the big heat wave that covered much of the central plains and western states has become less intense.

There remains a tail end of moisture over the Gulf that bears watching, but for now it is well south of the northern Gulf coast.  Let's hope we can get into July without any more threats.  But then again, it was supposed to be another active season and, so far, it is living up to those predictions.  Stay tuned!