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TROPICAL STORM CLAUDETTE CONTINUES RAPIDLY WESTWARD WITH
LITTLE CHANGE IN STRENGTH;
TROPICAL STORM WARNING FOR THE EASTERN YUCATAN PENINSULA (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.) July 9, 2003 � The NOAA National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla., reports that at 5 p.m. EDT the center of Tropical Storm Claudette was located near latitude 16.0 north, longitude 79.7 west or about 235 miles southwest of Kingston, Jamaica. This is also about 250 miles south-southeast of Grand Cayman. Claudette is moving toward the west near 24 mph. A gradual turn toward the west-northwest at a slower forward speed is expected during the next 24 hours. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of Tropical Storm Claudette taken by GOES-10 at 2 p.m. EDT on July 9, 2003. Click here for high resolution version, which is a large file. Please credit “NOAA.”)
Maximum sustained winds are near 65 mph with higher gusts. Upper-level winds remain unfavorable for additional development at this time, and little change in strength is forecast during the next 24 hours. (Click NOAA tracking map for larger view of Tropical Storm Claudette.)
Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 160 miles from the center. The estimated minimum central pressure is 1002 mb, 29.59 inches. Above normal tides accompanied by large and dangerous battering waves are expected along the south coast of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Storm total rainfalls of 3 to 6 inches are likely in association with Claudette. NOAA Satellite imagery and radar data from Jamaica show rainbands spreading over Jamaica and eastern Cuba at this time, and these bands should reach the Cayman Islands Wednesday night. At 5 p.m. EDT, the government of Mexico issued a tropical storm warning for the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. A tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch are now in effect from Chetumal to Cabo Catoche. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of Tropical Storm Claudette taken by GOES-10 at 2 p.m. EDT on July 9, 2003. Click here for high resolution version, which is a large file. Please credit “NOAA.”)
A tropical storm warning remains in effect for Jamaica and Grand Cayman. A tropical storm watch remains in effect for Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. Interests in Belize and the remainder of the Yucatan Peninsula should monitor the progress of Claudette.
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
NOAA Buoys NOAA Tides Online
NOAA Satellite Images — The latest satellite views
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NOAA Hurricanes Page
NOAA's 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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