ZCZC HFOTCDCP1 ALL TTAA00 PHFO DDHHMM Tropical Storm Calvin Discussion Number 28 NWS Central Pacific Hurricane Center Honolulu HI EP032023 500 AM HST Tue Jul 18 2023 A large area of thunderstorms continues to expand in coverage near the partially exposed low-level circulation center (LLCC) of Tropical Storm Calvin. An aircraft from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron "Hurricane Hunters" completed sampling Calvin a few hours ago. They found winds at flight-level and from dropwindsondes that suggested the peak surface wind speeds were close to 40 kt. The most recent subjective Dvorak satellite intensity estimates were 35 kt from PHFO and JTWC. The latest CIMSS SATCON intensity estimate indicates 45 kt. The initial intensity for this advisory is maintained at 40 kt based on a blend of these estimates. Calvin's initial motion for this advisory remains 275/19 kt as the cyclone continues to be steered rapidly westward south of a large subtropical ridge. This steering is expected to continue over the next 3 to 4 days. The latest model guidance, including the HCCA, indicates that the center of Calvin will pass over, or just south of the Big Island tonight. The latest track forecast is close to the previous forecast. The surrounding environment around Calvin continues to be somewhat dry and stable. The SSTs are gradually increasing to around 25C, and we expect additional warming of the SSTs to 26-27C as it moves closer to the main Hawaiian Islands. The higher SSTs will likely support additional deep convection spreading around the northern semicircle of Calvin at least into Wednesday. This is expected to keep the cyclone at tropical storm intensity during the next 36 hours or so. As a result, a Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for Hawaii County. After it passes southwest of the main Hawaiian Islands, we expect Calvin to move near an upper tropospheric trough by day 2. This feature aloft will likely increase the vertical wind shear over the system, and will eventually result in it becoming a post-tropical/remnant low by late Thursday. Finally, another "Hurricane Hunter" aircraft is scheduled to fly a sampling mission into Calvin a few hours after daybreak this morning. They will monitor any significant changes in intensity and size as the system moves toward the Big Island. KEY MESSAGES: 1. Calvin is forecast to pass over, or very close to Hawaii County tonight, bringing a period of heavy rain, high surf and locally strong winds. Calvin is expected to weaken as it moves westward to the south of the other Hawaiian Islands Wednesday and Wednesday night, bringing the potential for some peripheral impacts. 2. It is important to not focus on the exact forecast track and intensity when preparing for Calvin. Persons in Hawaii County should prepare during daylight hours for impacts prior to the onset of tropical storm conditions, which are expected to start this evening. These impacts could include flash flooding, damaging winds, and large and dangerous surf. FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS INIT 18/1500Z 17.5N 149.5W 40 KT 45 MPH 12H 19/0000Z 17.9N 152.4W 40 KT 45 MPH 24H 19/1200Z 18.6N 156.1W 35 KT 40 MPH 36H 20/0000Z 19.1N 159.9W 35 KT 40 MPH 48H 20/1200Z 19.5N 163.6W 30 KT 35 MPH 60H 21/0000Z 19.6N 167.4W 25 KT 30 MPH 72H 21/1200Z 20.0N 171.0W 20 KT 25 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW 96H 22/1200Z...DISSIPATED $$ Forecaster Houston NNNN