Preliminary Report
Tropical Storm Barry
09 - 14 July 1989

1989 PRELIMINARY REPORTS

Tropical Storm Allison (TS)
Tropical Storm Barry (TS)
Hurricane Chantal (1)
Hurricane Dean (2)
Hurricane Erin (2)
Hurricane Felix (1)
Hurricane Gabrielle (4)
Hurricane Hugo (5)
Tropical Storm Iris (TS)
Hurricane Jerry (1)
Tropical Storm Karen (TS)

a. Synoptic History

Barry originated from a tropical wave which moved off the African coast on 7 July. By the 9th, a low level circulation was observed and this indicated that Tropical Depression Three had formed midway between Africa and the Lesser Antilles. The depression tracked north-westward, reaching tropical strom strength on the 11th and weakening back to a depression on the 13th. It then dissipated into an elongated trough with several minor eddies. Barry's closest point of approach to land was about 475 nautical miles northeast of the Leeward Islands.

On the large scale, the storm's motion was northwestward in response to low pressure over the Canadian Martime Provinces and high pressure centered north of the Azores. There was a track oscillation on the 12th and 13th, during which time the best track initial motion varied from northwestward to west southwestward.

b. Meteorological Statistics

The only aircraft reconnaissance was flown on the afternoon of the 12th and a small area of tropical storm force winds were measured to the northeast of the center. The maximum wind speed reported was 55 mph at 1500 feet and the minimum pressure was 1010. The highest surface wind speed estimate from the aircraft was 46 mph.

The only ship to report a tropical storm force wind speed was DJKL at 1200 UTC on the 11th. This ship was located 15 nautical miles north northeast of the best track position for the same time.

c. Casualty and Damage Statistics

There were no reports of casualties or damage.