CHANTAL RE-LOCATED AND DISSIPATING
August 22, 2001 — At 11 a.m. EDT, data from an Air Force Reserve hurricane hunter aircraft and visible satellite imagery indicated that the poorly-defined center of Tropical Depression Chantal was near latitude 17.7 north, longitude 92.5 west or about 30 miles southeast of Villahermosa, Mexico, according to NOAA's National Hurricane Center. Chantal is moving toward the west-southwest near 10 mph, and this motion is expected to continue for the next 12 to 24 hours. This motion should keep the center of the cyclone over land. (Click NOAA image for larger view of Tropical Depression Chantal as seen by NOAA's GOES-8 satellite on August 21, 2001 at 11:15 a.m. EDT. Click here to see latest satellite image.)
Maximum sustained winds are near 30 mph with higher gusts mainly over the water to the north of the center. Chantal is now expected to dissipate over land during the next 12 to 24 hours. Estimated minimum central pressure is 1009 mb, 29.80 inches.
Even though Chantal is dissipating, the threat of heavy rains continues over portions of southeastern Mexico and Central America. Additional rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches are possible in these areas, which could produce life-threatening flash floods and mud
Slides.
The government of Mexico discontinued all warnings and watches for the Mexican gulf coast. Interests in the bay of Campeche should maintain precautions until winds and seas subside.
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.
Relevant Web Sites
NOAA's National Hurricane Center — Get the latest advisories here
NOAA Satellite Images — The latest satellite views
Colorized Satellite Images
Current Satellite Imagery
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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