[WebDocMan]

Sequel may be worst than the original- TS Katia on similar path as Irene
August 30, 2011



MIAMI — Tropical Storm Katia has formed and is moving quickly
across the Atlantic. Katia has maximum sustained winds early Tuesday near 40 mph
(65 kph). The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami says strengthening is forecast
and Katia is expected to be near hurricane strength by late Wednesday or early
Thursday. The storm’s forecast track shows it could become a major hurricane over
the weekend. Katia is centered about 535 miles (855 kilometers) west-southwest of
the southernmost Cape Verde Islands and is moving west-northwest near 17 mph
(28 kph). Hurricane specialist Michael Brennan says Katia could affect the Caribbean,
but it’s too early to tell if it will hit the U.S. The storm’s name replaces Katrina in the
rotating storm roster because of the catastrophic damage from the 2005 storm.
The storm is expected to reach Category 3 strength as early as Sunday.
The current model trajectory is below.

D: Tropical Depression – wind speed less than 39 MPH
S: Tropical Storm – wind speed between 39 MPH and 73 MPH
H: Hurricane – wind speed between 74 MPH and 110 MPH
M: Major Hurricane – wind speed greater than 110 MPH

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/graphics_at2.shtml?5-daynl