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August 16, 2001 — Preliminary reports from a reconnaissance plane indicate that Chantal may not have a closed circulation, and it may be necessary to downgrade the system to a strong tropical wave. However, conditions appear favorable for redevelopment, and the plane will continue monitoring the system Thursday evening, according to NOAA's National Hurricane Center. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of Tropical Storm Chantal taken August 16, 2001.)

The best estimate of the center location at 5 p.m. EDT is in the vicinity of latitude 12.9 north, longitude 58.0 west or about 100 miles east of Barbados. Chantal is moving toward the west near 26 mph, and this motion is expected to continue during the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph with higher gusts. If the center redevelops, Chantal could strengthen.

Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 115 miles to the north of the center. Even if Chantal has lost its closed circulation, tropical storm force winds are likely over portions of the warning area.

Rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches with locally higher amounts in mountainous areas are likely near the path of Chantal. Estimated minimum central pressure is 1010 Mb, 29.82 inches.

The government of France issued a tropical storm watch for Guadeloupe and the adjacent islands effective at 12 p.m. EDT. A tropical storm warning remains in effect for Barbados, St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Dominica and the Grenadines. A tropical storm watch remains in effect for Grenada, Tobago and its dependencies, and Martinique.

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

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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