FAY BARELY MOVING

September 6, 2002 — At 11 p.m. EDT, the poorly defined center of Tropical Storm Fay was located near latitude 28.0 north, longitude 95.0 west or about 105 miles south of Galveston, Texas. Fay has been nearly stationary, but a general west to west-northwest drift should begin on Saturday, according to the NOAA National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of Tropical Storm Fay taken at 11:15 p.m. EDT on Sept. 6, 2002. Click here to see latest view. Please credit “NOAA.”)

Maximum sustained winds remain near 60 mph with higher gusts. Some strengthening is possible during the next 24 hours, and winds could approach hurricane strength prior to landfall.

Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 140 miles to the north of the center. Surface reports indicate that tropical storm force winds are occurring offshore along the upper Texas coast. Estimated minimum central pressure is 998 mb, 29.47 inches.

Total rainfall accumulations in association with Fay of 4 to 8 inches are expected mainly north of the center, with some locally higher amounts of 10 to 15 inches possible. The storm surge is forecast to reach 4 to 6 feet above normal tide levels in the warning area. Isolated tornadoes are possible over portions of southwestern Louisiana and southeastern Texas.

A tropical storm warning is in effect from Port Aransas, Texas, to Intracoastal City, La. A hurricane watch is in effect from Port O’connor to High Island, Texas. A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area.

For storm information specific to your area, please monitor products issued by NOAA National Weather Service local forecast offices.

Click NOAA tracking map for larger view.

Relevant Web Sites
NOAA's National Hurricane Center — Get the latest advisories here

El Niño Expected to Impact Atlantic Hurricane Season, NOAA Reports

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

NOAA's River Forecast Centers

NOAA's Flood Products

NOAA Rainfall Graphics
24-hour Observed Precipitation as of 8 a.m. today

Latest rainfall data as of 8 a.m. EDT today

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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