Sept. 8, 2003 � The NOAA National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla., reports that at 11 p.m. EDT the center of Hurricane Isabel was located near latitude 18.5 north, longitude 44.5 west or about 1,135 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands. Isabel is moving toward the west-northwest near 13 mph, and this motion is expected to continue for the next 24 hours. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of Hurricane Isabel taken on Sept. 8, 2003, at 3:45 p.m EDT. Click here for high resolution version, which is a large file. Please credit “NOAA.”)

Maximum sustained winds have increased to almost 135 mph with higher gusts. This makes Isabel a Category 4 storm on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale. Some additional strengthening is possible during the next 24 hours. (Click NOAA tracking map of Hurricane Isabel for larger view.)

Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 35 miles from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 140 miles.

Estimated minimum central pressure is 948 mb, 27.99 inches.

TROPICAL DEPRESSION FOURTEEN DISORGANIZED OVER THE FAR EASTERN ATLANTIC

The NOAA National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla., reports that at 11 p.m. EDT the center of Tropical Depression Fourteen was re-located near latitude 11.2 north, longitude 23.2 west or about 260 miles south of the southernmost Cape Verde Islands. The depression is moving toward the west near 5 mph. A gradual turn toward the northwest is expected during the next 24 hours. Interests in the Cape Verde Islands should monitor the progress of this system. (Click NOAA tracking map of Tropical Depression Fourteen for larger view.)

Maximum sustained winds are near 30 mph with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast during the next 24 hours.

Estimated minimum central pressure is 1008 mb, 29.77 inches.

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

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NOAA Forecasters Say Six to Nine Hurricanes Could Threaten in 2003

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Frank Lepore, NOAA Hurricane Center, (305) 229-4404