Dangerous North Atlantic Storm Impacting Shipping Lanes

NOAA OPC Surface Analysis 1200UTC 19 Feb 2018

A developing hurricane force storm low over the west-central North Atlantic continues to move eastward at 35 knots producing winds of 55-75 knots with significant wave heights up to 12 meters (40 feet) within 180 NM south and 120 NM west of the center. Over the next 24 hours max winds will be between 50-75 knots with significant wave heights to  15 meters (50 feet)  within 240 NM in the western semi-circle.

This is a dangerous storm as it is tracking eastward at a fairly low latitude and is affecting shipping from North Europe and Mediterranean ports and US  East Coast and Gulf ports.

NOAA OPC Significant Wave Forecast 0000UTC 20 Feb 2018

NOAA OPC Surface Forecast 0000UTC 20 Feb 2018

Learn  more about hurricane-force winter storms here

About Fred Pickhardt

I am a marine meteorologist and sailed briefly with American Export Lines in the Far East trade after graduating from State University of New York Maritime College. I have extensive experience in weather analysis, weather forecasting, optimum ship routing, vessel performance evaluations and forensic weather event reconstructions. I founded Ocean Weather Services and as Owner and Chief Consultant currently provide optimum ship routing services and forensic marine weather reports to the maritime industry.
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