Storm rapidly approaching

*** Weather Office Canada has issued a gale warning for the following areas: Entire Brevoort Sea, West Labrador Sea, Eastern Davis Strait ***

** Gale force winds imminent in most areas over the next 36 hours. Storm force winds possible. **

* Attached is a map showing the forecast tracks from the top operation models. The blue dot is where the Knorr is now. The red boxes are where the highest winds are forecast. *

Synopsis...Analyses and satellite images indicate that a 978 mb low is currently near the mouth of the Hudson Strait. A mesoscale model forecasts the low to strengthen to a maximum strength of about 974 mb in about 12-15 hours as it moves northeast into the Labrador Sea. At about 63 deg N, 63 deg W, the low pressure will begin moving southeast. See the attached map. Strongest winds are expected to be northwest, along, and southeast of the storm track.

The rest of today, tonight, and Thursday...Widespread rain, possibly mixed with sleet or snow. Easterly winds first picking up in the southwest waters, then northerly winds picking up in the western Davis Strait. Sustained winds should begin to exceed 30 knots in the western Davis Strait between 00-06 UTC 9/18 (Thurs). The strongest winds will be southeast of its center with storm force winds most probable here, with gale force winds almost certain near Baffin Island and the western Davis Strait. Air temperatures ranging from 1 deg C west to 7 deg C southeast. Significant wave heights 4-5 meters in the western Davis Strait, 6-7 meters southeast of the low center, and 2-3.5 meters elsewhere.

Friday...Gradually improving conditions. Northerly winds, ranging from 40 knots south to 25 knots north. Scattered rain, sleet, or snow showers. Air temperatures cooling to 2-4 deg C.