Two Major North Atlantic Hurricane-force Storms Expected

Two major hurricane-force storm lows are forecast to develop and move across the North Atlantic during the next 72 hours producing winds up to 80 knots and significant wave heights to 17 meters (over 55 feet)!  This will be a significant challenge to shipping between ports in Northern Europe and the USEC ports.  

Rapidly deepening storm south of Newfoundland 12Z 12 Feb 2020:

By 12Z 13th Surface forecast shows a deepening storm of 944 mb with winds to 80 knots over the main shipping lanes. In addition a second storm is expected to develop along the US East Coast.  

Surface Forecast 12Z 13 Feb 2020

NOAA OPC 12z 13 Feb Significant wave forecasts showing waves to 15.5 meters (over 50 feet)!  

NOAA OPC Significant Wave Height Forecast

NOAA OPC Surface forecast for 12Z 14th Feb shows the deep 936 mb low becoming semi-stationary southwest of Iceland while a second rapidly deepening low is moving northeastward well east of Newfoundland deepening rapidly to 924 mb by 15th. 

NOAA OPC Surface Forecast 12Z 14 Feb 2020

By 12Z 14th significant wave heights are forecast to 17 meters (over 55 feet) west of Ireland. 

NOAA OPC Significant wave height forecast 12Z 14 Feb 2020

Learn more about these winter hurricane storms

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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