GABRIELLE LOSING TROPICAL CHARACTERISTICS OVER THE NORTH ATLANTIC SHIPPING LANES;
FELIX WEAKENING SOUTHWEST OF THE AZORES ISLANDS
September 18, 2001 — At 11 a.m. EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Gabrielle was located near latitude 39.5 north, longitude 59.6 west or about 305 miles south of Sable Island, Nova Scotia. Gabrielle is moving toward the northeast near 18 mph, and this general motion is expected to continue for the next 24 hours with a gradual increase in forward speed, according to NOAA's National Hurricane Center. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of Tropical Storm Felix taken Sept. 18, 2001 at 7:27 a.m. EDT. Click here to see latest Atlantic Ocean satellite image.)
Maximum sustained winds are near 65 mph with higher gusts. Little change in strength is expected during the next 24 hours, but Gabrielle may transition to an extratropical low pressure system later Tuesday or Wednesday as it interacts with a cold front. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 290 miles from the center. Estimated minimum central pressure is 990 mb, 29.23 inches.
FELIX WEAKENING SOUTHWEST OF THE AZORES ISLANDS
At 11 a.m. EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Felix was located near latitude 34.7 north, longitude 32.1 west or about 395 miles southwest of Lajes in the Azores. Felix is drifting toward the south near 2 mph, and this general motion is expected to continue for the next 24 hours.
Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph with higher gusts. Continued weakening is forecast during the next 24 hours, and Felix may dissipate later Tuesday or Wednesday. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 115 miles from the center. Estimated minimum central pressure is 1001 mb, 29.56 inches.
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.
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Relevant Web Sites
NOAA's National Hurricane Center — Get the latest advisories here
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Media Contact:
Frank Lepore, NOAA's National Hurricane Center, (305) 229-4404
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