CHANTAL REGAINS TROPICAL STORM STRENGTH

August 17, 2001 — Data from an Air Force plane and NOAA satellite indicate that Chantal has regained tropical storm strength, and at 5 p.m. EDT the center was located near latitude 14.3 north, longitude 67.4 west or about 325 miles south-southeast of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, according to NOAA's National Hurricane Center. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of Tropical Storm Chantal taken August 17, 2001 at 1:12 p.m. EDT. Click here to see latest satellite image.)

Chantal is moving toward the west near 23 mph, and this general motion is expected to continue during the next day or two. On this track Chantal will be passing to the south of or near Jamaica late Saturday or early Sunday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours, and Chantal could become a hurricane in the western Caribbean. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 115 miles to the north and east of the center. Minimum central pressure reported by an Air Force plane was 1006 Mb, 29.71 inches.

Chantal has the potential to become a dangerous hurricane in the northwestern Caribbean Sea, and all interests in this area should monitor the progress of this system. The government of Jamaica has issued a hurricane watch for the country.

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

 

-end-