Currently there are no significant storms
Atlantic Tropical Weather Discussion — 2025-12-19 10:02 EST
Overview
Low pressure near 30N55W in the western Atlantic is generating gale-force winds and very rough seas north of the Leeward Islands. A cold front extends southwest from the low, trailing through the central and southern Bahamas. Another front is moving across the Gulf of Mexico. Trade winds dominate the Caribbean with localized strong gusts near Colombia. Scattered convection is ongoing along the monsoon trough and ITCZ in the tropical Atlantic.
Regional Highlights
- Gulf of Mexico: Fresh to strong northerly winds prevail in the northwestern Gulf behind a cold front that stretches from the Florida Panhandle to northeastern Mexico. Seas are moderate, reaching up to 6 ft. Isolated showers are ongoing ahead of the front across southeastern and southwestern portions of the basin.
- Caribbean: Fresh to strong trade winds are located off the northwest coast of Colombia with seas of 6–8 ft. Moderate to fresh trades continue in the central and eastern Caribbean, with weaker winds and slight seas elsewhere.
- Western Atlantic: A 1014 mb low near 30N55W is producing gale-force NE winds within 90 nm of its northwest quadrant, with seas up to 17 ft between 53W and 59W north of 27N. A weakening cold front extends to the southern Bahamas. Scattered heavy showers are observed around the low and in the vicinity of the Bahamas and adjacent waters off central and northeast Florida.
Marine Conditions
- Winds: Gale-force NE winds near 30N55W; fresh to strong north winds in the NW Gulf; fresh to strong trade winds near NW Colombia; moderate to locally strong NE–E trades south of 24N from West Africa to 50W.
- Seas: Very rough seas of 12–17 ft north of 27N between 53W and 59W in the western Atlantic; rough seas to 11 ft near 30N35W in the eastern Atlantic; Caribbean seas of 6–8 ft off NW Colombia; Gulf seas up to 6 ft behind the front.
Source & Method
Summary derived from the NHC Tropical Weather Discussion as of 2025-12-19 10:02 EST. Present conditions only; no outlooks included.
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
< 39 mph
Minimal effects
74–95 mph
Very dangerous winds
96–110 mph
Extremely dangerous
111–129 mph
Devastating
130–156 mph
Catastrophic
157+ mph
Catastrophic
*Tropical Depression (TD)
A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of less than 39 mph. While not a hurricane, it’s a precursor stage that can develop into a more severe storm.
Category 1
Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled.
Category 2
Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads.
Category 3
Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.
Category 4
Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months.
Category 5
Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.