TROPICAL DEPRESSION MOVING RAPIDLY WESTWARD,
HEADING FOR THE LESSER ANTILLES

August 15, 2001 — At 5 p.m. EDT, the poorly defined center of tropical depression four was located near latitude 12.5 north, longitude 47.2 west or about 825 miles east of the Windward Islands, according to NOAA's National Hurricane Center. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of Tropical Depression Four.)

All interests in the Lesser Antilles should monitor the progress of this system. A tropical storm or a hurricane watch may be required for portions of the Lesser Antilles as early as Wednesday night.

The depression is moving toward the west near 23 mph, and this motion is expected to continue during the next day or two. On this track the tropical cyclone should be approaching the Lesser Antilles in a couple of days.

Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours. Estimated minimum central pressure is 1009 Mb, 29.80 inches.

Storm Advisories updated 5 a.m., 11 a.m., 5 p.m., and 11 p.m. EDT; every three hours if a Watch/Warning is in effect.

NOAA satellite images updated 15 minutes past the hour; Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico and close-ups also updated at 45 past the hour.

Click NOAA tracking map for larger view.

Relevant Web Sites
NOAA's National Hurricane Center — Get the latest advisories here

NOAA Satellite Images — The latest satellite views

Colorized Satellite Images

NOAA 3-D Satellite Images

NOAA's Hurricanes Page

NOAA's Storm Watch — Get the latest severe weather information across the USA

Media Contact:
Frank Lepore, NOAA's National Hurricane Center, (305) 229-4404

 

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