GABRIELLE STRENGTHENS SLIGHTLY WHILE MOVING AWAY FROM BERMUDA;
FELIX WEAKENS TO A TROPICAL STORM SOUTHWEST OF THE AZORES

September 17, 2001 — At 11 a.m. EDT, the center of Hurricane Gabrielle was located near latitude 35.8 north, longitude 65.7 west or about 250 miles north-northwest of Bermuda. Gabrielle is moving toward the northeast near 20 mph, and this general motion is expected to continue for the next 24 hours, according to NOAA's National Hurricane Center. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of Hurricane Gabrielle taken Sept. 17, 2001 at 8:15 a.m. EDT. Click here to see latest Atlantic Ocean satellite image.)

Maximum sustained winds are near 80 mph with higher gusts, based on recent reports from an Air Force Reserve reconnaissance aircraft. Little change in strength is forecast during the next 24 hours. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 30 miles from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 290 miles. The minimum central pressure reported by reconnaissance aircraft is 983 mb, 29.03 inches.

Dangerous surf and large waves will continue to affect Bermuda Monday.

A tropical storm warning remains in effect for Bermuda. This warning will probably be discontinued later Monday.

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

An intermediate advisory will be issued by NOAA's National Hurricane Center at 2 p.m. EDT followed by the next complete advisory at 5 p.m. EDT.

FELIX WEAKENS TO A TROPICAL STORM SOUTHWEST OF THE AZORES

At 11 a.m. EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Felix was located near latitude 34.9 north, longitude 31.0 west or about 335 miles southwest of Lajes in the Azores. Felix is moving toward the east-southeast near 3 mph, and a gradual turn toward the east is expected later Monday along with a slight increase in forward speed.

Maximum sustained winds are near 70 mph with higher gusts. Slow weakening is forecast during the next 24 hours. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 230 miles from the center. Estimated minimum central pressure is 985 mb, 29.09 inches.

Residents of the Azores should monitor the progress of Felix as strong winds are forecast to come fairly close to these islands during the next day or two. Heavy surf and large battering waves are expected to affect the Azores Monday and Tuesday.

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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