Hurricane Danny Winds 100 mph Track Shifting North

This little hurricane has been getting big attention this year for a few reasons. Danny has been the first hurricane of the 2015 season in the Atlantic and quickly jumped to major status when The National Hurricane Center announced it was at Category 3 with 115 mph winds Friday.  But it is a small storm with tropical storm force winds reaching only 60 miles from the center.  Yes, the track does bring it across the Virgin Islands, but unless the eye passes directly overhead, the worst conditions will be confined to ann even smaller area of 15 miles around the center.

The storm already peaked and is gradually weakening as expected. This morning, winds are down to 100 mph. The track is shifting to the right of the projection as I suggested a few days ago. That is actually rather common. The result takes it on the north side of the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, with a further path that could clip The southern Bahamas and maybe Florida. But, further weakening due to dry air and wind sheer should make Danny A Tropical Depression and little more than a rain maker if it does get that close next week.

Compare the computer model tracks and National Hurricane Center maps below. Here is a look at the satellite images with different filters.

SUMMARY OF 500 AM AST...0900 UTC...INFORMATION
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LOCATION...15.2N 50.8W
ABOUT 740 MI...1195 KM E OF THE LEEWARD ISLANDS
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...100 MPH...155 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...WNW OR 290 DEGREES AT 10 MPH...17 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...982 MB...29.00 INCHES