Sept. 5, 2003 � The NOAA National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla., reports that at 11 a.m. EDT the center of Hurricane Fabian was located near latitude 30.8 north, longitude 65.4 west or about 110 miles south-southwest of Bermuda. Fabian is moving toward the north near 17 mph. On this track, the inner core of dangerous Hurricane Fabian will be passing near or over Bermuda later Friday. Fabian is a large and severe hurricane. Preparations to protect life and property should have been completed. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of Tropical Storm Henri and Hurricane Fabian taken on Sept. 5, 2003, at 8:45 a.m. EDT. Click here for high resolution version, which is a large file. Please credit “NOAA.”)

Maximum sustained winds are near 120 mph with higher gusts. Some fluctuations in intensity are likely during the next 24 hours. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of Hurricane Fabian taken on Sept. 5, 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 115 miles from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 230 miles. Fabian is a large hurricane, and tropical storm force winds are already affecting Bermuda. A wind gust to 61 mph was experienced in Bermuda within the 10:00 a.m. EDT hour. Ham radio reports indicate that there are rough seas and tree branches on roads. Hurricane conditions should begin soon.

Estimated minimum central pressure is 951 mb, 28.08 inches. (Click NOAA tracking map of Hurricane Fabian for larger view.)

Rainfall accumulations of 5 to 10 inches, with isolated higher amounts, can be expected on Bermuda.

Coastal storm surge flooding of 6 to 10 feet above normal tide levels, along with large and dangerous battering waves, can be expected on Bermuda. Large swells will likely spread along portions of the East Coast of the United States Friday.

A hurricane warning remains in effect for Bermuda.

NOAA WARNS HURRICANE FABIAN WHIPPING UP DANGEROUS RIP CURRENTS

Although the strongest winds of Fabian will never touch the U.S. coast, the swells produced by this powerful storm will create surf dangers, including rip currents along much of the USA Northeast coast, according to NOAA.

“Swell heights of 7 to 10 feet, some locally higher, will impact beaches from eastern Florida to New England Friday and Saturday, with some rough surf continuing through Sunday from New Jersey to New England. The rip current risk will be high,” said NOAA meteorologist Jim Lushine, a rip current expert with the NOAA National Weather Service forecast office in Miami, Fla.

“Surf conditions will be hazardous, even though local winds may be light. Swim at guarded beaches and heed the advice of the beach patrol. If caught in the seaward pull of a rip current, don't try to swim directly toward shore. Instead swim across the rip current, which may be only 10 to 30 yards wide then move back to the beach. Parents and grandparents should pay careful attention to their children or grandchildren,” said Lushine.

NOAA Rip Currents

Latest Rip Current Threat from Surf City, N.C., to South Santee River, S.C., from the NOAA National Weather Service Forecast Office in Wilmington, N.C.

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

Media contact: Greg Hernandez, NOAA, (202) 482-3091

RAINS FROM TROPICAL STORM HENRI AFFECTING THE FLORIDA GULF COAST

The NOAA National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla., reports that at 11 a.m. EDT the center of Tropical Storm Henri was located near latitude 28.3 north, longitude 83.9 west or about 80 miles southwest of Cedar Key, Fla. Henri is moving toward the east-northeast near 8 mph, and a turn toward the northeast is expected later Friday. On the forecast track, the center is expected to reach the Gulf Coast of Florida Friday evening and move across north-central Florida overnight. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of Tropical Storm Henri taken on Sept. 5, 2003, at 8:45 a.m. EDT. Click here for high resolution version, which is a large file. Please credit “NOAA.”)

Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph with higher gusts. No significant increase in strength is expected prior to landfall. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 45 miles from the center. (Click NOAA tracking map of Tropical Storm Henri for larger view.)

Estimated minimum central pressure is 997 mb, 29.44 inches.

Rainfall accumulations of 6-12 inches, with isolated higher amounts, can be expected in association with Henri. Due to saturated ground conditions and high river stages, these heavy rains could result in significant flooding.

Coastal storm surge flooding of 2 to 4 feet above normal tide levels can be expected near and to the south of where the center makes landfall.

There is a risk of isolated tornadoes through Friday evening over portions of central and north Florida.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Gulf Coast of Florida from Englewood northward to the Aucilla River.

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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

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NOAA Tides Online

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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