GRACE AT THE TEXAS COAST;
FABIAN EXPECTED TO PASS WELL NORTH OF THE LEEWARD ISLANDS IN A
DAY OR TWO

Aug. 31, 2003 � The NOAA National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla., reports that at 11 a.m. EDT the elongated center of the tropical depression was located near latitude 28.4 north, longitude 96.4 west. This position is at the Texas coast near Port O’Connor. Since the center is elongated, it could just as well have been positioned 100 miles further north near Houston. The exact location of the center is not important since the heavy rain and strongest winds extend well north and east of the center. These rains and winds have already spread inland along the upper Texas coast. Grace is moving toward the northwest near 15 mph, and this motion, with a decrease in forward speed, is expected to bring Grace inland over southeastern Texas. (Click NOAA image for larger view of Tropical Depression Grace taken Aug. 31, 2003, at 11:15 a.m. EDT. Please credit “NOAA.”)

Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 35 mph with higher gusts. Additional weakening is forecast during the next 24 hours as the depression moves inland.

The estimated minimum central pressure is 1008 mb, 29.77 inches. (Click NOAA tracking map of Tropical Depression Grace for larger view.)

The primary threat is heavy rainfall. Up to 6 inches of rain has already been observed in portions of Galveston and Harrison counties. An additional 6 to 9 inches, with isolated higher amounts, are expected over portions of eastern Texas and lesser amounts are
possible over western Louisiana.

Storm surge flooding of 2 to 4 feet above normal tide levels is near its peak along the upper Texas coast and is expected to gradually subside over the next 24 hours.

Tropical storm warnings are discontinued for the Texas coast. Marine interests should continue to exercise caution until winds and seas subside.

Future information on this system can be found in public advisories issued by the NOAA Hydrometeorological Prediction Center beginning at 5 p.m. EDT.

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

FABIAN EXPECTED TO PASS WELL NORTH OF THE LEEWARD ISLANDS IN A
DAY OR TWO

The NOAA National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla., reports that at 11 a.m. EDT the eye of Hurricane Fabian was located near latitude 18.1 north, longitude 53.2 west or about 550 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands. Fabian is moving toward the west near 13 mph. A gradual turn to the west-northwest is forecast during the next day or two. On this track, Fabian is expected to pass well to the north of the Leeward Islands. (Click NOAA image for larger view of Hurricane Fabian taken Aug. 31, 2003, at 11:45 a.m. EDT. Please credit “NOAA.”)

Maximum sustained winds remain near 125 mph with higher gusts, which makes Fabian a dangerous Category 3 storm on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale. Some strengthening is possible during the next 24 hours. An Air Force Reserve reconnaissance plane will reach Fabian early Monday. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 25 miles from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 115 miles. (Click NOAA tracking map of Hurricane Fabian for larger view.)

Estimated minimum central pressure is 952 mb, 28.11 inches.

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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

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 Tides Online

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