TROPICAL STORM CRISTOBAL STAYS WEAK AND SHOULD NOT BE A “BIG DEAL” FOR HAMPTON ROADS… TROPICAL HUMIDITY STICKS AROUND FOR MOST OF THE WEEK WITH A CHANCE OF A THUNDERSTORM
Tropical Storm Cristobal did not intensify overnight so its impacts should be minimal in Hampton Roads. However, the storm’s outer bands may bring a shower or thunderstorm to some spots today. Yesterday, 1.80 inches of rain fell in my backyard as tropical downpours developed in the tropical air. As long as Cristobal stays weak, winds shouldn’t be a major factor here locally. The Outer Banks will be impacted but even there, conditions shouldn’t be that bad. Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect south of the VA/NC border but I think that T.S. conditions will be marginal at best. The storm is expected to move away slowly on Monday out into the open Atlantic. The storm is a minimal tropical storm and is moving very slowly to the NE. Monday will be a hot one across the area. Then, as we head towards mid-week, a developing trough to our west may bring the chance of a thunderstorm each day. The tropics may become quite active over the next few days, so please check with the NHC for updates. The western Gulf of Mexico or the Yucatan might be affected by a system that is developing now, so if you have relatives in that area or if you plan to go to that area, please stay tuned. I’ll have an update on Monday.
