TROPICAL DEPRESSION TWELVE FORMS IN THE EASTERN GULF OF MEXICO, REMAINS STATIONARY WELL SOUTH OF THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE;
HURRICANE FABIAN STRENGTHENS SLIGHTLY WELL SOUTH OF BERMUDA (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.) Sept. 3, 2003 � The NOAA National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla., reports that at 11 p.m. EDT the poorly-defined center of Tropical Depression Twelve was located near latitude 27.5 north, longitude 87.5 west or about 210 miles southwest of Apalachicola, Fla. The depression has been nearly stationary, but a gradual slow motion toward the northeast or east-northeast is expected during the next 12 to 24 hours. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of Tropical Depression Twelve taken on Sept. 3, 2003, at 10:15 p.m. EDT. Please credit “NOAA.”)
Maximum sustained winds are near 30 mph mainly in isolated squalls to the east of the center. However, some slow strengthening is forecast, and the depression could still become a tropical storm during the next 24 hours.
The estimated minimum central pressure is 1011 mb, 29.85 inches. (Click NOAA tracking map of Tropical Depression Twelve for larger view.)
Rainfall accumulations of 3 to 5 inches, with isolated higher amounts, can be expected in association with the depression. Coastal storm surge flooding of 2 to 4 feet above normal tide levels can be expected near and to the right of where the center makes landfall. A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Gulf coast of Florida from Englewood northward to Indian Pass. A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours.
For storm information specific to your area, please monitor products issued by NOAA National Weather Service local forecast offices. HURRICANE FABIAN STRENGTHENS SLIGHTLY WELL SOUTH OF BERMUDA The NOAA National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla., reports that at 11 p.m. EDT the center of Hurricane Fabian was located near latitude 23.5 north, longitude 63.1 west or about 615 miles south of Bermuda. Fabian is moving toward the north-northwest near 9 mph, and this general motion is expected to continue during the next 24 hours with a gradual turn toward the north. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of Hurricane Fabian taken on Sept. 3, 2003, at 11:15 p.m. EDT. Please credit “NOAA.”)
Maximum sustained winds are near 125 mph with higher gusts. Some slight strengthening is possible during the next day or two. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 160 miles.
The estimated minimum central pressure is 939 mb, 27.73 inches.
Large swells and dangerous surf conditions will continue to affect the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Large swells will also begin to spread along portions of the East Coast of the United States over the next day or two. (Click NOAA tracking map of Hurricane Fabian for larger view.) The Bermuda weather service will likely issue a hurricane watch early Thursday morning. All interests in Bermuda should closely monitor the progress of Fabian. 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
NOAA Buoys 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
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