CHANTAL DOWNGRADED TO TROPICAL WAVE

August 17, 2001 — Reports from an Air Force hurricane hunter plane indicate that Chantal no longer has a center of circulation, and the system has become a strong tropical wave. As of 8 p.m. EDT Thursday, the dissipating center of Tropical Storm Chantal was estimated in the vicinity of latitude 13.0 north, longitude 61.0 west or near St. Vincent in the Windward Islands. The wave is moving westward near 29 mph, and a rapid westward motion is expected to continue for the next day or so, according to NOAA's National Hurricane Center. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of Tropical Storm Chantal taken August 16, 2001.)

Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph in a few squalls. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 115 miles from the center. Estimated minimum central pressure is 1011 Mb, 29.85 inches.

Rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches with locally higher amounts in mountainous areas are still possible over some of the Lesser Antilles.

All watches and warnings were discontinued for the islands of the Lesser Antilles by their respective governments.

For storm information for specific areas of the USA, please monitor products issued by NOAA's National Weather Service local forecast offices.

This is the last public advisory issued by NOAA's National Hurricane Center on Chantal unless regeneration occurs.

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.

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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