Sept. 26 – The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) announced that the once‑tropical system Gonzalo has weakened into a post‑tropical cyclone and will no longer be classified as a tropical cyclone. The final advisory was issued Saturday after the storm’s structure changed dramatically.
Current location and intensity
According to the Miami‑based forecaster, the post‑tropical cyclone was situated roughly 180 miles (about 290 km) north of the island of Sal in the Cape Verde archipelago. At the time of the advisory, Gonzalo’s maximum sustained winds were recorded at 40 mph (65 km/h), well below tropical‑storm strength.
Forecast outlook
The NHC noted that additional weakening is expected as the system moves further into the eastern Subtropical Atlantic. Meteorologists anticipate that Gonzalo will lose its remaining organized convection and dissipate by early to mid‑next week, posing no significant threat to land areas.
What does “post‑tropical” mean?
A post‑tropical cyclone is a former tropical cyclone that has lost its warm‑core structure and organized deep convection, typically because it has moved over cooler waters or encountered unfavorable atmospheric conditions. While such systems can still produce gusty winds and rain, they generally lack the intensity and organization of a true tropical storm or hurricane.
Implications for the Atlantic basin
Gonzalo’s transition is part of the normal life cycle of many Atlantic storms that form near the Cape Verde islands and then travel westward across the ocean. The NHC’s timely advisory helps mariners and coastal authorities stay informed about changing conditions, even when a system is no longer a tropical cyclone.
Safety reminders
Although Gonzalo is expected to weaken further, the NHC advises vessels operating in the vicinity to remain vigilant. Small craft and offshore platforms should continue to monitor official updates, as residual squalls or sudden gusts can still pose hazards.
For the latest information, readers can follow the NHC’s official website or its social‑media channels, where real‑time advisories and forecasts are posted.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
