Sept. 11, 2003 � The NOAA National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla., reports that at 11 a.m. EDT the center of Hurricane Isabel was located near latitude 21.4 north, longitude 54.5 west or about 535 miles east-northeast of the northern Leeward Islands. Isabel is moving toward the west near 9 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. 11, 2003, at 8:45 a.m. EDT. Click here for high resolution version, which is a large file. Please credit “NOAA.”)

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 150 mph with higher gusts. Fluctuations in strength are common in major hurricanes, and these could occur during the next 24 hours. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of Hurricane Isabel taken on Sept. 11, 2003, at 8:45 a.m. EDT. Click here for high resolution version, which is a large file. Please credit “NOAA.”)

Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 60 miles from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 185 miles.

Estimated minimum central pressure is 930 mb, 27.46 inches.

Large ocean swells and dangerous surf conditions are likely over portions of the Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico over the next several days. (Click NOAA tracking map of Hurricane Isabel for larger view.)

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

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Relevant Web Sites
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NOAA Atlantic Hurricanes Database — 150 Years of Atlantic Hurricanes

NOAA Forecasters Say Six to Nine Hurricanes Could Threaten in 2003

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