GABRIELLE MOVING NORTHEASTWARD; WATCHES AND WARNINGS ISSUED; FLOOD THREAT INCREASING;
FELIX BECOMES THE SECOND MAJOR HURRICANE OF THE SEASON;
ERIN MAINTAINING STRENGTH

September 13, 2001 — At 5 p.m. EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Gabrielle was located near latitude 25.5 north, longitude 84.3 west or about 165 miles west-southwest of Naples, Florida. Maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph with higher gusts. Gabrielle has the potential to be a hurricane when it reaches the coast. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 115 miles from the center. An Air Force hurricane hunter plane recently reported that the minimum central pressure is 998 mb, 29.47 inches, according to NOAA's National Hurricane Center. (Click on NOAA satellite image for larger view of Tropical Storm Gabrielle taken Sept. 13, 2001 at 7:15 a.m. EDT. Click here to see latest satellite image.)

A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Florida Keys from Craig Key westward to the Dry Tortugas, including Florida Bay and for the Florida west coast from Flamingo northward to the mouth of the Suwannee River. In addition, a hurricane watch is in effect for the Florida west coast from Chokoloskee to Tarpon Springs.

Gabrielle is moving toward the northeast near 6 mph, and this general motion is expected to continue for the next 24 hours. On this track, the center will be approaching the west-central coast of Florida on Friday. However, a slower and more northward motion is also possible. Even if the center remains offshore during the next 24 hours, heavy rains and increasing winds are expected over the warning areas.

Very heavy rainfall, locally in excess of 10 inches, is likely over portions of the Florida peninsula and Keys during the next day or two. Some parts of south and central Florida are already saturated, and there is a serious flood threat in these areas. Consult statements from NOAA's National Weather Service local forecast offices and emergency management offices for details.

Storm surge flooding of 2 to 4 feet above normal is likely near and to the south of where the center crosses the coast. There is the risk of isolated tornadoes over the Florida Peninsula and the Keys.

FELIX BECOMES THE SECOND MAJOR HURRICANE OF THE SEASON

At 5 p.m. EDT, the eye of Hurricane Felix was located over the open Atlantic near latitude 27.5 north, longitude 47.8 west or about 1,410 miles southwest of Lajes in the Azores. Felix is moving toward the north-northeast near 13 mph. A turn to the northeast is expected on Friday.

Maximum sustained winds have reached near 115 mph with higher gusts. This makes Felix a category three hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale. Some additional strengthening is possible during the next 24 hours.

Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 35 miles from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 185 miles. Estimated minimum central pressure is 965 mb, 28.50 inches.

ERIN MAINTAINING STRENGTH

At 5 p.m. EDT, the center of Hurricane Erin was located near latitude 40.2 north, longitude 59.9 west or about 550 miles southwest of Cape Race, Newfoundland. Erin is moving toward the north-northeast near 8 mph, and a motion to the north-northeast or northeast at increasing speed is expected over the next 24 hours.

Maximum sustained winds are near 80 mph with higher gusts. Some weakening is forecast during the next 24 hours as Erin moves over colder water. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 35 miles from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 200 miles. Estimated minimum central pressure is 982 mb, 29.00 inches.

Large swells associated with Erin will continue to affect portions of the U.S. East Coast and the Canadian Maritime Provinces Thursday night. Consult statements issued by NOAA's national Weather Service and Canadian weather forecast offices for further details.

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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