NOAA Magazine NOAA Home Page
NOAA KEEPS EYE ON TROPICAL DISTURBANCE IN CARIBBEAN
May 23, 2002 — A broad area of low pressure accompanied by numerous showers and thunderstorms has formed in the northwest Caribbean Sea between Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Heavy rainfall has been occurring over central and eastern Cuba and Jamaica. Localized flooding can be expected in these areas Thursday night and Friday, according to NOAA. (Click NOAA GOES satellite image for larger view of water vapor showing tropical disturbance in the Caribbean Sea and South Florida taken May 23, 2002, at 3:45 p.m. EDT. Click here to see latest NOAA satellite imagery.)
Recent NOAA satellite data and surface observations suggest that this system has become a little better organized and some additional development is possible during the Memorial Day weekend. Several computer models indicate that this system could affect Cuba, the Bahamas and possibly south Florida over the weekend. An Air Force Reserve reconnaissance aircraft is scheduled to investigate the system Friday afternoon, if necessary.
NOAA's National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla., says all interests in the northwest Caribbean Sea, the Bahamas and Florida should closely monitor the progress of this system and products from local NOAA National Weather Service forecast offices.
The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and lasts until November 30.
Relevant Web Sites
Hurricane Forecasters Say 6 to 8 Hurricanes Could Threaten in 2002; NOAA Expects Normal to Slightly Above Normal Atlantic Storm Activity
NOAA's National Hurricane Center — Get the latest advisories here 24/7
2001 Atlantic Hurricane Season Summaries — graphics included
NOAA's Climate Prediction Center
NOAA's Hurricane Research Division
Hurricane Awareness Week
NOAA's Hurricane Andrew Report
NOAA Photos of Hurricane Andrew
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
NOAA Satellite Images — The latest satellite views
Colorized Satellite Images
NOAA 3-D Satellite Images
NOAA's Hurricanes Page
NOAA's Storm Watch — Get the latest severe weather information across the USA
Media Contact:
Frank Lepore, NOAA's National Hurricane Center, (305) 229-4404
-end-
