Winds Are Picking Up As Sandy Approaches...

As expected, winds are increasing along the coast and even quite a bit inland at midday, as the center of Hurricane Sandy approaches from the Southeast.

The image below is a visible satellite picture of Sandy, with the wind barbs inland indicating the strength of wind gusts.  In general, the red barbs equal 40-50 mph wind gusts, with the purple barbs showing wind gusts of 50-60 mph:

 

Here are some raw text observations of the same general area.  The figure to the left of the station model is steady wind in mph, with the figure to the right indicating the speed of the gusts in mph, as of 12 Noon EDT:

 

 

...here is a tighter look at the same information from the immediate NYC Metro area:

 

 

Radar indicates that stronger winds aloft are moving ashore rather quickly.  Some of these stronger gusts will likely work down to the surface level soon, and will be felt in the higher floors of high rise buildings first.  We still expect sustained winds of 60-70 mph with gusts in excess of 80-90 mph across much of the region later this afternoon and this evening as the center of Sandy approaches.

 

 

As you might imagine, we are seeing lots of new visitor traffic here on the blog with the approach of Sandy. Welcome visitors! Please don't bookmark any particular post for updates, as new posts will be made each time we have new information to pass along. Please check the homepage of the blog and refresh there for the latest posts...

 

If you would like to monitor the latest satellite and radar imagery associated with Sandy, please visit the Tropical Page at our sister site, WeatherGuidance.com. We will be adding additional imagery and information throughout the coming days.

 

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If you are in need of customized, site specific weather forecasts or storm warnings for your company or event, be sure visit Rob's professional webpage at WeatherGuidance.com.