NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

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MODIS image of Tropical Cyclone 19S
Credit: MODIS Tropical Cyclone 19S Now Has a High Chance of Regeneration

Position 9.4S 128.9E
Location 215 miles NNW of Darwin, Australia
Likelihood of tropical cyclone regeneration is upgraded to HIGH.
This system is now subject to a tropical cyclone formation alert.

Text Credit: http://tropicalcyclones.blogspot.com

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May 08 2012

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The image above, that used data from TRMM's Precipitation Radar (PR), shows a 3-D view of the tropical cyclone's structure.
Credit: NASA/SSAI, Hal Pierce TRMM Sees Tropical Cyclone 19S

Tropical cyclones are more likely to form in the northern hemisphere in May so tropical cyclone 19S is a little unusual. Tropical cyclone 19S attained tropical storm intensity in the Banda Sea on 7 May 2012. 19S is expected to quickly weaken to tropical depression intensity with wind speeds of about 25 kts (~29 mph) as it moves southward into the Timor Sea north of Australia.

The TRMM satellite has been useful for monitoring the development of tropical cyclones over the global tropics. TRMM flew above tropical cyclone 19S during the daylight on 8 May 2012 at 0213 UTC. A rainfall analysis from TRMM's Microwave Imager (TMI) and Precipitation Radar (PR) data revealed that some storms in the area of 19S cyclone were dropping rainfall at a rate of over 50 mm/hr (~2 inches). The image above, that used data from TRMM's Precipitation Radar (PR), shows a 3-D view of the tropical cyclone's structure . The strongest thunderstorms in this area were shown by TRMM PR to be reaching heights of about 15km (9.3 miles).

Text Credit: Hal Pierce
SSAI/NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

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May 07 2012

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Tropical Cyclone 19S
Credit: Navy/NRL Tropical Cyclone 19S 19S Has Formed Northeast of Timor

19S has formed northeast of Timor, and is expected to veer southwest, intensifying steadily to about 50 knots. After Thursday, atmospheric conditions will deteriorate, prompting a weakening trend as the storm veers west.

It should be pointed out that BOM Australia and RSMC Jakarta project a course further north, closer to Timor, with maximum winds of 30 knots.

Warning 01A from JTWC at 0900 GMT
Position 6.9S 129.3E
Location 345 miles NNW of Darwin, Australia
Maximum sustained winds 35 knots gusting to 45 knots
Movement 115° (ESE) at 11 knots
Threatened landmasses Timor
Maximum significant wave height 10 feet
Next warning from JTWC at 2100 GMT
Regional warnings (in Indonesian) from RSMC Jakarta

Text Credit: http://tropicalcyclones.blogspot.com