DEPRESSION EIGHT MOVING SLOWLY NEAR FLORIDA;
FELIX NEARING HURRICANE STRENGTH;
ERIN MOVING EASTWARD OVER THE SHIPPING LANES

September 12, 2001 — At 11 a.m. EDT, the broad center of tropical depression eight was located near latitude 25.7 north, longitude 85.9 west or about 255 miles west of Naples, Florida. NOAA satellite images and surface observations indicate that the depression has not yet strengthened. Interests in Florida and the eastern Gulf of Mexico should closely monitor the progress of this system, according to NOAA's National Hurricane Center. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of Hurricane Erin taken Sept. 11, 2001 at 5 p.m. EDT. Click here for very large file of same view.)

The depression is moving toward the west near 5 mph, and a gradual turn toward the northwest is expected during The next 24 hours. However, some erratic motion is possible Wednesday and Wednesday night.

Maximum sustained winds are near 30 mph with higher gusts. Some increase in strength is possible during the next 24 hours. Estimated minimum central pressure is 1008 mb, 29.77 inches.

Locally heavy rainfall amounts are possible over portions of the Florida peninsula during the next few days. For storm information for specific areas of the USA, please monitor products issued by NOAA's National Weather Service local forecast offices.

FELIX NEARING HURRICANE STRENGTH

At 11 a.m. EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Felix was located near latitude 22.3 north, longitude 48.9 west or about 1,750 miles southwest of Lajes in the Azores. Felix is moving toward the north near 8 mph. A gradual turn to the northeast is expected on Thursday.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 65 mph with higher gusts. Felix could become a hurricane in a day or two. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 115 miles from the center. Estimated minimum central pressure is 994 mb, 29.35 inches.

ERIN MOVING EASTWARD OVER THE SHIPPING LANES

At 11 a.m. EDT, the center of Hurricane Erin was located near latitude 38.0 north, longitude 62.1 west or about 425 miles south-southwest of Sable Island, Nova Scotia.
Erin is moving toward the east near 8 mph, and a gradual turn toward the east-northeast is expected later Wednesday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 85 mph with higher gusts. Some weakening is forecast during the next 24 hours. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 45 miles from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 175 miles. Estimated minimum central pressure is 979 mb, 28.91 inches.

Large swells associated with Erin will continue to affect portions of the U.S. East Coast during the next few days. For storm information for specific areas of the USA, please monitor products issued by NOAA's 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

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

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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