"Tropical Storm Fay"

I simply can't believe 92L has not been classified as at least a tropical depression. This is the best looking tropical wave I have ever seen that is not at least a classified as a depression. While I don't want to spend this discussion ranting and raving, I do feel there is scientific evidence that points to the tropical wave at least being upgraded to a tropical depression and even being named. A QuickSCAT pass this morning showed a closed circulation with the wave, San Juan radar has shown a closed circulation since last night, visible satellite imagery shows circular banding, and the DVORAK intensity estimates are at 2.5. This is sufficient data to at least warrant this wave being upgraded to a tropical depression. I even feel strongly enough at this point that there is enough data to upgrade the wave to Tropical Storm Fay.


This may all be a moot point later today as "Fay" will move over the rugged terrain of Hispaniola which will disrupt the circulation. With "Fay" being a weak storm as opposed to a hurricane with a well-defined core, it's possible that Hispaniola may not have a tremendous affect on the storm. Weaker cores are usually less affected by land and terrain than well-defined cores, and I think this will be the case with "Fay". Regardless, weakening is inevitable as "Fay" passes over Hispaniola later today.

I'll have another update later today.