Hurricane Chris was a powerful hurricane that formed in the Atlantic Ocean during the 2018 hurricane season. The storm developed from a tropical wave that emerged from the coast of West Africa on June 28, 2018. As the wave moved westward, it began to organize and strengthen, eventually becoming a tropical depression on July 6, 2018. Over the next few days, the depression continued to intensify, becoming a tropical storm on July 7, 2018, and ultimately a hurricane on July 10, 2018.
Forecast and Track
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued its first advisory on Hurricane Chris on July 10, 2018, at 11:00 AM AST. At that time, the storm was located approximately 1,000 miles east of the Lesser Antilles, with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph and a minimum central pressure of 980 mbar. The NHC forecast track indicated that Chris would move northwestward over the next few days, potentially affecting the East Coast of the United States.
Storm Intensification
As Chris moved northwestward, it encountered favorable environmental conditions, including warm sea surface temperatures and low vertical wind shear. These conditions allowed the storm to intensify, and by July 11, 2018, Chris had reached its peak intensity as a Category 2 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph and a minimum central pressure of 971 mbar. The storm’s rapid intensification was fueled by its ability to maintain a strong, symmetrical circulation and a well-defined eye.
| Date | Time (AST) | Maximum Sustained Winds (mph) | Minimum Central Pressure (mbar) |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 10, 2018 | 11:00 AM | 85 | 980 |
| July 11, 2018 | 5:00 PM | 105 | 971 |
Alerts and Warnings
As Hurricane Chris approached the East Coast of the United States, the NHC issued various alerts and warnings to ensure public safety. On July 12, 2018, a Tropical Storm Watch was issued for the coast of North Carolina, from the Virginia border to the South Santee River. This watch was later upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning on July 13, 2018, as Chris began to move closer to the coast.
Storm Surge and Rainfall
In addition to strong winds, Hurricane Chris also posed a threat of storm surge and heavy rainfall to the affected areas. The NHC forecast indicated that storm surge flooding of 2-4 feet above ground level was possible along the coast of North Carolina, particularly during high tide. Furthermore, heavy rainfall totals of 4-6 inches were expected in some areas, with isolated amounts of up to 8 inches possible.
The following table summarizes the storm surge and rainfall forecasts for Hurricane Chris:
| Location | Storm Surge (feet) | Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina coast | 2-4 | 4-6 |
| Inland areas | N/A | 2-4 |
What was the peak intensity of Hurricane Chris?
+Hurricane Chris reached its peak intensity as a Category 2 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph and a minimum central pressure of 971 mbar.
What areas were affected by Hurricane Chris?
+Hurricane Chris affected the East Coast of the United States, particularly the coast of North Carolina, where a Tropical Storm Warning was issued.
In conclusion, Hurricane Chris was a powerful storm that posed a significant threat to the East Coast of the United States. The storm’s rapid intensification and potential for storm surge and heavy rainfall made it a major concern for forecasters and emergency management officials. By issuing timely alerts and warnings, the NHC helped to ensure public safety and minimize the impact of the storm.
