ZCZC MIATCDAT2 ALL TTAA00 KNHC DDHHMM Hurricane Paulette Discussion Number 33 NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL172020 1100 PM AST Mon Sep 14 2020 Paulette's cloud pattern has degraded during the past few hours, and recent microwave imagery suggests that the eyewall of the hurricane was at least for a time open to the south. A larger mostly closed ring of convection was also present, indicating that Paulette may be going through an eyewall replacement cycle. Satellite-based current intensity estimates range from 65 to 102 kt, but have generally decreased since the last advisory. The intensity estimate remains 90 kt at this time, but there is a high degree of uncertainty in this assessment. Assuming Paulette can maintain a well-defined inner core, either through the completion of an eyewall replacement cycle or redevelopment of convection in the southern eyewall, it should have an opportunity to strengthen during the next 24 h. The intensity guidance is not quite as bullish anymore, so the intensity forecast has been lowered slightly, but it is still above the intensity consensus through 36 h. Paulette could begin to lose tropical characteristics around that time and rapid weakening is expected as a result. The NHC forecast conservatively shows Paulette becoming fully post-tropical in 72 h, but there are indications from the GFS simulated satellite imagery that it could complete its transition sooner. Paulette has turned northeastward and is accelerating, as predicted, with an initial motion estimate of 35/15 kt. The system will likely race generally east-northeastward for the next few days. A slower motion and eventual turn southeastward or even southward is expected near the end of the week when the cyclone encounters a large cut-off low over the eastern Atlantic, however it should be post-tropical by that time. The track guidance remains in excellent overall agreement overall, and NHC forecast is based heavily on TVCN and HCCA. The wind radii analysis and forecast were updated based on data from an ASCAT-A overpass at 0050 UTC. FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS INIT 15/0300Z 35.7N 62.3W 90 KT 105 MPH 12H 15/1200Z 37.4N 59.6W 100 KT 115 MPH 24H 16/0000Z 39.8N 54.4W 105 KT 120 MPH 36H 16/1200Z 42.3N 48.2W 95 KT 110 MPH 48H 17/0000Z 44.6N 41.9W 75 KT 85 MPH 60H 17/1200Z 46.0N 37.3W 60 KT 70 MPH 72H 18/0000Z 45.8N 35.6W 45 KT 50 MPH...POST-TROP/EXTRATROP 96H 19/0000Z 43.0N 33.5W 35 KT 40 MPH...POST-TROP/EXTRATROP 120H 20/0000Z 39.0N 32.0W 35 KT 40 MPH...POST-TROP/EXTRATROP $$ Forecaster Zelinsky NNNN