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The satellite of the GPM Central Observatory swept the tropical storm Kirk on September 25, 2018 at 19:35. (2335 UTC) Rain fell more than 71 mm (2.8 inches) during storms around the center. Storms in the east and northeast of the center of the regenerating tropical storm recorded precipitation greater than 69 mm (2.7 inches) per hour. Credit: NASA / JAXA, Hal Pierce
When Tropical Storm Kirk came back to life, the World Rainfall Measurement Mission or the MOC Central Satellite analyzed its precipitation. Kirk is heading to the Lesser Antilles and warnings are in effect.
On September 27, the National Hurricane Center or NHC issued a tropical storm warning for Barbados, St. Lucia, Dominica, Martinique and Guadeloupe. A tropical storm watch is in effect for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
On September 25th, Tropical Storm Kirk seemed to dissipate but on September 26th, the tropical storm came back to life. Convective activity near the center of the tropical storm Kirk's remains grew and became better organized.
The satellite of the GPM Central Observatory swept the tropical storm Kirk on September 25, 2018 at 19:35. (2335 UTC) Data collected by the satellite's microwave instrument showed that intense convective precipitation was occurring near the center of the invigorating tropical storm. GMI's analyzes indicated that the rain fell more than 71 mm (2.8 inches) in some of these storms. GPM's dual frequency precipitation radar (DPR) surveyed thunderstorms in the east and northeast of the center of the regenerating tropical storm. The DPR found that the rain fell more than 69 mm (2.7 inches) per hour.
The GPM satellite radar data revealed the three-dimensional structure and intensity of precipitation in the eastern part of the tropical storm. The simulated 3D cross section used by the GPR for the Ku Band DPR was created at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The satellite found that this area of precipitation returned strong radar echoes of nearly 60 dBZ to the satellite.
The term dBz is essentially a measure of the strength of the reflected energy. The higher the dBz value, the higher the precipitation intensity detected by the radar.
GPM also found that precipitation amounted to more than 11.2 km (6.9 miles) during some severe storms. GPM is a joint mission between NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA.
At 11:00 am EDT (1500 UTC) on September 27, the center of tropical storm Kirk was located near 13.8 degrees north latitude and 59.3 degrees west longitude. It is about 45 miles (70 km) north-northeast of Barbados. Kirk was heading west-northwest near 15 mph (24 km / h) and this general movement with a slight decrease in speed is expected over the next few days. On the forecast trail, Kirk's center will cross the Lesser Antilles into the tropical storm warning zone by tonight.
The satellite of the GPM Central Observatory swept the tropical storm Kirk on September 25, 2018 at 19:35. (2335 UTC) Rain fell more than 71 mm (2.8 inches) during storms around the center. Storms in the east and northeast of the center of the regenerating tropical storm recorded precipitation greater than 69 mm (2.7 inches) per hour. Credit: NASA / JAXA, Hal Pierce
Maximum sustained winds are near 85 km / h with higher gusts. A gradual weakening is expected over the next few days, but Kirk is expected to cross the Lesser Antilles and enter the eastern Caribbean Sea as a tropical storm.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has noted that heavy precipitation detected by GPM will affect the warning zone. NHC said that "Kirk is expected to produce a total rainfall of 4 to 6 inches across the Windward North and Leeward Islands with a maximum of 10 inches across Martinique and Dominica.These rains may cause flooding in Porto. Rico, we expect Kirk to bring 2 to 4 inches with maximum totals insulated by 6 inches by Friday and Saturday, September 29th. "
Interests elsewhere in central and northern Lesser Antilles should monitor Kirk's progress.
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