Meteorological history Hurricane Earl (2010)

map plotting track , intensity of storm, according saffir–simpson scale

earl formed in well-organized area of low pressure , moved atlantic ocean vigorous tropical wave on august 22. after moving off west coast of africa, surface low started develop near area of thunderstorms. surface low able organize area of thunderstorms, allowing deep convection occur near it. because of area s increasing thunderstorm organization, national hurricane center (nhc) indicated on august 24 system had 90% chance of becoming tropical depression within next 48 hours. 18 hours later, nhc classified system tropical depression 7 @ around 1500 utc on august 25, while located 430 mi (690 km) west of southernmost cape verde islands. 6 hours later, @ 2100 utc, system s maximum sustained winds estimated 40 mph (65 km/h). accordingly, depression declared have become fifth tropical storm of season, , received name earl.

earl forecast head westward while gradually strengthening under influence of low wind shear , warm ocean temperatures. however, dry air caught in earl s circulation precluded additional intensification, causing storm maintain 45 mph (75 km/h) maximum sustained winds 36 hours. on august 29, storm resumed gradual intensification, though wind shear increased due outflow nearby hurricane danielle. wind shear caused earl s low level center of circulation become exposed, limiting earl s intensification 60 mph (95 km/h) maximum sustained winds during following 12 hours. storm neared leeward islands, convection increased around earl , defined banding features formed. around 1230 utc, earl strengthened hurricane 365 mi (585 km) east of northern leeward islands. rapid intensification ensued throughout day 35 mi (55 km) wide eye became apparent in radar imagery guadeloupe.

satellite image of north atlantic ocean on august 29 depicting hurricanes danielle (top) , earl (middle) 2 tropical waves develop tropical storms fiona , gaston (right)

hurricane earl s outflow steadily improved through august 30 , sustained winds rose above 100 mph (155 km/h), making earl category 2 storm. around 1200 utc, center of earl passed 25 mi (35 km) east-northeast of st. martin sustained winds of 110 mph (175 km/h). several hours later, storm further intensified major hurricane. afternoon, earl became category 4 hurricane, attaining winds of 135 mph (215 km/h) before leveling out in intensity. northwestard track began become apparent time system neared southwestern periphery of subtropical ridge on atlantic ocean. on august 31, eyewall replacement cycle, process in storm s eye dissipates , replaced larger one, began take place. despite increasing wind shear, system maintained intensity through september 1, when briefly weakened category 3 system. gradual strengthening took place throughout day eye became better defined , convection deepened around center. additionally, storm began turn northward in response ridge on atlantic , strong trough on great lakes. hurricane earl later attained peak intensity during morning of september 2 winds of 145 mph (230 km/h) , barometric pressure of 928 mbar (hpa; 27.40 inhg).

during afternoon of september 2, earl succumbed effects of increased shear , cooler water temperatures. embedded within mid-latitude westerlies, gradual northeasterly turn expected on following day, preventing earl making landfall along east coast of united states. around 0600 utc next morning, storm made closest approach united states, passing 85 mi (140 km) east of cape hatteras, north carolina winds of 105 mph (165 km/h). further weakening took place throughout day convection weakened , eye dissipated. earl downgraded tropical storm evening; however, central pressure remained @ unusually low 958 mbar (hpa; 28.29 inhg). @ same time, storm made closet approach massachusetts, passing 90 mi (150 km) southeast of nantucket. continuing northeastward, earl neared canadian maritimes, re-strengthening , regaining hurricane intensity approached region. storm made landfall in queens county near western head, nova scotia around 1400 utc on september 4, category 1 hurricane sustained winds of 75 mph (120 km/h). after crossing prince edward island, storm entered gulf of saint lawrence. there, system transitioned post-tropical storm windfield became asymmetric , eastern portion of circulation became associated frontal system. during afternoon of september 5, remnants of earl absorbed mid-latitude low 205 mi (340 km) north-northeast of st. anthony, newfoundland.

research

wave height , wind speed of hurricane earl measured three-day composite of data nasa s jason-1 , ocean surface topography mission (ostm)/jason-2 satellites, aug. 29 sept. 1, 2010.

as hurricane earl tracked along east coast of united states, new program, genesis , rapid intensification processes (grip), launched. former military aircraft, wb-57 able reach altitude of 60,000 ft (18,000 m), carrying 15 new instruments flown storm. additionally, routine hurricane hunter missions flown earl, dc-8 , first use of unmanned research drone. combined, these missions made hurricane earl studied tropical cyclone in history, according tim miller, lead scientist in grip. outcome of extensive research allowed substantially improved forecasts during latter part of earl s existence. compared similar storm, hurricane floyd in 1999, warnings covered 1,500 mi (2,400 km) less coastline, saving residents , businesses $1 billion in evacuation losses.

in anegada, geological study, focusing on beach deposits 2 significant wash-out events between 1650 , 1800, given additional research material storm. deposits left behind major hurricane substantially less time period being studied. led researchers determine tsunami cause, rather hurricane. allowed connection 1755 lisbon earthquake confirmed.