Tropical Cyclone Report

Tropical Depression Nine

Short-lived Tropical Depression Nine developed from a strong tropical wave that moved off the west coast of Africa on 14 August and moved westward across the tropical Atlantic for several days. The shower activity gradually increased as the wave approached the Lesser Antilles. Once in the eastern Caribbean Sea, the cloud pattern became better organized and, based on a west wind reported by a ship in the area, it is estimated that a tropical depression formed at 1800 UTC 21 August. Initially, the upper-level environment appeared to be favorable for strengthening. However, strong upper level southwesterly winds became established over the depression and weakening began. Data from an Air Force reconnaissance plane at 1800 UTC 22 August indicated that the depression had lost its closed circulation and it dissipated just south of Hispaniola.