DEPRESSION EIGHT BECOMING A LITTLE BETTER ORGANIZED;
FELIX NEARING HURRICANE STRENGTH;
ERIN MOVING SLOWLY EASTWARD

September 12, 2001 — NOAA is closely following the progress of three storms, two in the Atlantic and one in the Gulf of Mexico. At 5 p.m. EDT, the center of tropical depression eight was located near latitude 25.5 north, longitude 85.4 west or about 230 miles west-southwest of Naples, Florida. The depression has been meandering, and little overall movement is expected for the next 12 to 24 hours. 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.)

Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours. Estimated minimum central pressure is 1007 mb, 29.74 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 5 p.m. EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Felix was located near latitude 23.3 north, longitude 49.0 west or about 1,590 miles southwest of Lajes in the Azores. Felix is moving toward the north near 10 mph, but is forecast to turn to the northeast on Thursday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 70 mph with higher gusts. Felix is expected to be a hurricane Wednesday night or Thursday. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 115 miles from the center. Estimated minimum central pressure is 993 mb, 29.32 inches.

ERIN MOVING SLOWLY EASTWARD

At 5 p.m. EDT, the center of Hurricane Erin was located near latitude 38.0 north, longitude 61.6 west or about 435 miles south of Sable Island, Nova Scotia. Erin is moving toward the east near 6 mph, and a gradual turn toward the east-northeast is expected during the next 12 to 24 hours.

Maximum sustained winds are near 85 mph with higher gusts. 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 day or so. 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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