CHANTAL REGAINS TROPICAL STORM STRENGTH

August 18, 2001 — At 5 pm EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Chantal was located near latitude 15.6 north, longitude 76.2 west or about 165 miles south-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica. A hurricane watch and a tropical storm warning are in effect for Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, according to NOAA's National Hurricane Center.

Chantal is moving toward the west near 25 mph. A decrease in forward speed is expected on Sunday. Chantal should be passing to the south of or near Jamaica Saturday night. Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast during the next 24 hours. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 145 miles to the north and east of the center.

Latest minimum central pressure reported by a reconnaissance plane was 1003 Mb, 29.62 inches. Rainfall totals of 3 to 5 inches with locally heavier amounts in mountainous areas are possible along the path of Chantal.

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

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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