ZCZC MIATCDAT5 ALL TTAA00 KNHC DDHHMM Tropical Storm Tcdtest Discussion Number 1 NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL802019 500 PM EDT Thu Jan 31 2019 The became very distinct in both visible and infrared satellite pictures early this afternoon, but has been a little more cloud filled since that time. Very deep convection has continue to develop over the southeastern and eastern portion of the eyewall and rotate around the north and west sides. An Air Force Reserve reconnaissance aircraft measured a peak 700-mb flight-level wind of 109 kt in the northeast eyewall as it exited the storm just prior to 1800 UTC, and another Air Force Hurricane Hunter very recently made its first pass through the eye and reported similar flight-level winds in the southeast quadrant, and a minimum pressure of 957 mb, down about 8 mb over the past few hours. Based on these observations and Dvorak satellite classifications of 115 kt and 102 kt from SAB and TAFB, respectively, the initial intensity has been increased to 105 kt for this advisory. The environment ahead of Michael is expected to remain conducive for additional strengthening during the next 12 to 18 hours. There may be some increase in southwesterly shear as the hurricane nears the Gulf Coast, but it is not likely to result in a significant decrease in intensity before landfall. The global models continue to deepen the cyclone over the Gulf, increasing the confidence that some additional intensification will occur. The new NHC intensity forecast brings Michael up to 110 kt, and is in best agreement with the SHIPS and HCCA models. After landfall, significant weakening should occur while Michael moves over the southeastern United States, but the cyclone is predicted to re-strengthen over the western Atlantic due to baroclinic processes after it merges with a front and becomes extratropical on Friday. Key Messages: 1. Life-threatening storm surge is likely along portions of the coasts of the Florida Panhandle, Big Bend, and Nature Coast, where a storm surge warning is in effect. The worst storm surge is expected between Mexico Beach and Keaton Beach, where 9 to 13 feet of inundation is possible. Water levels will rise well in advance of the center of Michael, and residents within the storm surge warning area should finish preparations to protect life and property today. 2. Everyone in the hurricane warning area along the Florida Gulf Coast should prepare for life-threatening major hurricane winds associated with the core of Michael. Hurricane force winds will also extend well inland across portions of the Florida Panhandle, southern Georgia, and southeast Alabama as Michael moves inland. 3. Heavy rainfall from Michael could produce life-threatening flash flooding from the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend region into portions of Georgia, the Carolinas, and southeast Virginia. 4. Tropical storm conditions will likely affect portions of the southeast U.S. coast from northeast Florida through North Carolina, and tropical storm watches and warnings have been issued for these areas. FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS INIT 31/2100Z 20.3N 78.7W 35 KT 40 MPH 12H 01/0600Z 21.2N 80.8W 35 KT 40 MPH 24H 01/1800Z 23.2N 83.1W 35 KT 40 MPH 36H 02/0600Z 26.2N 83.1W 35 KT 40 MPH 48H 02/1800Z 28.8N 82.5W 35 KT 40 MPH 60H 03/0600Z 29.9N 82.8W 35 KT 40 MPH 72H 03/1800Z 31.0N 83.1W 35 KT 40 MPH 96H 04/1800Z 31.7N 84.9W 35 KT 40 MPH 120H 05/1800Z 30.8N 85.8W 35 KT 40 MPH 144H 06/1800Z...DISSIPATED $$ Forecaster Zelinsky NNNN