Tropical Depression Eight Discussion Number   2
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL       AL082020
400 AM CDT Thu Jul 23 2020

Satellite images and surface synoptic observations suggest that 
the depression has not strengthened thus far, although recent 
images show some increase in deep convection near the estimated 
center.  The initial intensity estimate remains at 25 kt in 
agreement with surface data over the Gulf.  The cyclone should 
remain in a relatively moist, low-shear environment during the next 
day or so.  However, since the system is not well organized, only 
slow strengthening is forecast until the center reaches the coast.  
The NHC intensity forecast is near the upper range of the model 
guidance at this time.

The center is not well-defined and the initial motion estimate is 
an uncertain 290/8 kt.  This is more or less consistent with 
observations from NOAA data buoy 42001 over the central Gulf.  A 
continued west-northwestward track is expected over the next day or 
so followed by a slight bend toward the west in response to some 
building of a mid-level ridge to the north of the cyclone.  The 
official track forecast is a little faster than the previous one but 
not quite as fast as the latest dynamical model consensus.


Key Messages

1. The depression is expected to strengthen and it could bring
tropical-storm-force winds to portions of the Texas coast, where a
tropical storm watch has been issued.

2. The depression is expected to produce heavy rains across
portions of Louisiana and southern Texas.  These rains could result
in flash flooding.


FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS

INIT  23/0900Z 26.0N  90.0W   25 KT  30 MPH
12H  23/1800Z 26.4N  91.0W   30 KT  35 MPH
24H  24/0600Z 27.1N  92.3W   30 KT  35 MPH
36H  24/1800Z 27.7N  94.0W   35 KT  40 MPH
48H  25/0600Z 28.0N  95.5W   35 KT  40 MPH
60H  25/1800Z 28.2N  97.0W   40 KT  45 MPH...ON COAST
72H  26/0600Z 28.2N  98.6W   35 KT  40 MPH...INLAND
96H  27/0600Z 28.0N 100.5W   20 KT  25 MPH...INLAND
120H  28/0600Z 28.0N 102.5W   15 KT  15 MPH...INLAND

$$
Forecaster Pasch