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ERIKA—THE FIFTH TROPICAL STORM OF THE SEASON—FORMS IN THE GULF
OF MEXICO (See the NOAA National Hurricane Center for the latest information on this storm. Complete advisories are posted at 11 a.m., 5 p.m., 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. All times are Eastern. Advisories are posted more frequently as the storm nears the USA mainland.) Aug. 14, 2003 � Reports from a reconnaissance plane and NOAA satellite images indicate that the area of disturbed weather in the Gulf of Mexico has become Tropical Storm Erika, the fifth tropical storm of the 2003 Atlantic hurricane season. The NOAA National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla., reports that at 5 p.m. EDT, the poorly-defined center of Tropical Storm Erika was located near latitude 26.2 north, longitude 84.4 west or about 350 miles southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River. Erika is moving toward the west near 21 mph, and this motion is expected to continue during the next 24 hours. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of Tropical Storm Erika taken at 4:15 p.m. EDT on Aug. 14, 2003. Click here for high resolution version, which is a large file. Please credit “NOAA.”)
Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 70 miles to the north of the center. Stronger winds, especially in gusts, are likely to affect oil rigs near and to the north of Erika. (Click NOAA tracking map of Tropical Storm Erika for larger view.)
Minimum central pressure reported by an Air Force Plane was 1011 mb, 29.85 inches. Tropical storm Erika could threaten southern Texas or northeastern Mexico within the next 36 to 48 hours. Watches or warnings will likely be issued Thursday night or early Friday. Consult statements issued by local government. For storm information specific to your area, please monitor products issued by NOAA National Weather Service local forecast offices. NOAA is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of the nation�s coastal and marine resources. NOAA is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Relevant Web Sites
NOAA National Hurricane Center — Get the latest advisories here
NOAA Atlantic Hurricanes Database — 150 Years of Atlantic Hurricanes
NOAA Forecasters Say Six to Nine Hurricanes Could Threaten in 2003
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
NOAA River Forecast Centers
NOAA Flood Products
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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 Satellite Images — The latest satellite views
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NOAA Hurricanes Page
NOAA Storm Watch — Get the latest severe weather information across the USA Media Contact:
Frank Lepore, NOAA Hurricane Center, (305) 229-4404
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