GUSTAV CONTINUING WEST-NORTHWEST TOWARD THE
MID-ATLANTIC COAST

September 9, 2002 — At 11 a.m. EDT, the center of subtropical storm Gustav was located near latitude 32.0 north, longitude 74.0 west or about 245 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, N.C. Gustav is moving toward the west-northwest near 10 mph, and a gradual turn toward the north-northwest at a slower forward speed is expected during the next 24 hours. This motion could bring the center near the North Carolina coast on Tuesday, according to the NOAA National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of subtropical storm Gustav taken at 9:15 a.m. EDT on Sept. 9, 2002. Click here to see latest view. Please credit “NOAA.”)

Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours. Winds of 40 mph extend outward up to 145 miles mainly to the north of the center. The latest minimum central pressure reported by an Air Force Reserve “hurricane hunter” aircraft is 1002 mb, 29.59 inches. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of subtropical storm Gustav taken at 10:45 a.m. EDT on Sept. 9, 2002.)

Reports from the reconnaissance aircraft indicate that Gustav has not acquired the characteristics of a tropical storm. It remains a subtropical storm with the strongest winds well away from the center.

High surf and dangerous rip currents are expected along the U.S. East Coast from New Jersey southward to the central Florida coast Monday. Outer rainbands of Gustav will likely spread over portions of the mid-Atlantic states Monday.

A tropical storm warning is in effect from Cape Fear, N.C., northward to Currituck Beach Light, N.C., including the Pamlico and Albemarle sounds. A tropical storm watch is in effect from north of Currituck Beach Light northward to Parramore Island, Va., including the southern Chesapeake Bay south of New Point Comfort, Va.

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

NOAA Buoys

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