Meteorological history Tropical Storm Edouard (2002)

map plotting track , intensity of storm, according saffir–simpson scale

an area of cloudiness , rainshowers developed several hundred miles east-southeast of bermuda on august 25, in association low-level disturbance formed along cold front. several days, moved southwestward, and, while located on southwestern end of upper-level trough north of puerto rico, deep convection throughout system increased. system tracked westward, , remained disorganized while surface pressures remained high. system turned northwest drift, , began organize on august 30 while located few hundred miles northeast of bahamas. broad low-pressure area developed on august 31 though convection remained disorganized winds of 20 25 mph (32 40 km/h) reported in squalls. conditions remained favorable continued organization, , convection increased , persisted across system. system developed tropical depression 5 on september 1 after developing low-level circulation while located 140 miles (225 km) east of daytona beach, florida.

upon first forming, tropical depression located in area of light moderate westerly wind shear. ridge north , west of depression, system moved northwest under weak steering currents. depression strengthened , intensified tropical storm edouard on september 2 while located 120 miles (190 km) east of jacksonville, florida. storm remained disorganized wind shear displacing of deep convection low-level circulation. upon becoming tropical storm, forecasters predicted edouard gradually turn northeast, , within 3 days located short distance off coast of south carolina winds of 60 mph (95 km/h). however, forecasters admitted little confidence in prediction, , later forecasts predicted storm execute loop , track westward northern florida or southern georgia. shortly after tropical cyclogenesis of edouard, steering currents became weak, resulting in storm turn sharply eastward. late on september 2 deep convection developed on center, though center became exposed again. environment appeared become more hostile on september 2 , 3 increasing shear , dry air overspreading center. despite conditions, storm maintained vigorous convection on eastern portion of circulation, , intensified on september 3 reach peak winds of 55 mph (90 km/h). reconnaissance aircraft flight system estimated surface winds of 60 mph (95 km/h) , reported flight level winds of 82 mph (132 km/h).

tropical storm edouard seen hurricane hunters on september 3

shortly after peaking in intensity, tropical storm edouard began weaken convection diminished vertical shear , dry air, , later on september 3 center exposed steadily decreasing convection. development of weak , narrow mid-level ridge turned storm west-southwest towards northeastern florida. despite strong levels of wind shear, edouard remained tropical storm while producing sporadic amounts of deep convection, , on september 4 banding structure improved. on september 5, edouard made landfall near ormond beach, florida minimal tropical storm, , weakened tropical depression on land. tracked across state 13 hours , entered gulf of mexico near crystal river. initial forecasts predicted edouard restrengthen tropical storm on northeastern gulf of mexico, though uncertainty noted due development of tropical storm fay in northwestern portion of gulf. upon entering gulf of mexico, depression encountered strong wind shear outflow of tropical storm fay. edouard generated minimal amounts of intermittent convection along southeastern portion of circulation, enough remain tropical cyclone. september 6 remaining convection dissipated, , edouard dissipated while becoming absorbed larger circulation of tropical storm fay.