ERIKA DISSIPATING OVER THE MOUNTAINS OF NORTHEASTERN MEXICO;
THREAT OF HEAVY RAINS CONTINUES (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.) Aug. 16, 2003 � The NOAA National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla., reports that at 11 p.m. EDT the center of Tropical Depression Erika was located near latitude 24.8 north, longitude 100.8 west or about 55 miles south-southwest of Monterey, Mexico. The depression is moving toward the west near 14 mph, and this motion is expected to continue through Sunday. (Click NOAA image for larger view of Tropical Depression Erika taken Aug. 16, 2003, at 10:45 p.m. EDT. Please credit “NOAA.”) Maximum sustained winds are near 30 mph with higher gusts. NOAA satellite, radar and surface observations indicate the circulation of Erika is becoming disorganized as it moves over the mountains of northeastern Mexico, and the system is likely to dissipate in the next 12 to 24 hours. Estimated minimum central pressure is 1008 mb, 29.77 inches. (Click NOAA image for larger view of Tropical Storm Erika making landfall on Aug. 16, 2003, at 11:45 a.m. EDT. Click here for high resolution version, which is a large file. Please credit “NOAA.”)
Although Erika is dissipating, the threat of locally heavy rains will continue over the mountains of northern Mexico. These rains could cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides. Please consult forecasts from the meteorological service of Mexico for additional information. For storm information specific to your area, please monitor products issued by NOAA National Weather Service local forecast offices. (Click NOAA tracking map of Tropical Depression Erika for larger view.) 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
NOAA Rainfall Graphics
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
Colorized Satellite Images
NOAA 3-D Satellite Images
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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