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September 14, 2001 — At 11 a.m. EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Gabrielle was located near latitude 27.6 north, longitude 82.2 west or about 25 miles northeast of Sarasota, Fla. Gabrielle is moving toward the northeast near 15 mph, and a general northeasterly motion at a somewhat slower forward speed is expected during the next 24 hours. This motion should bring the center across the central Florida peninsula Friday and Friday night, according to NOAA's National Hurricane Center. (Click on NOAA satellite image for larger view of Tropical Storm Gabrielle and Hurricanes Erin and Felix taken Sept. 14, 2001 at 6:45 a.m. EDT. Click here to see latest satellite image.)

Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph with higher gusts. Some weakening is forecast during the next 24 hours as Gabrielle crosses the Florida peninsula. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 145 miles from the center. The automated station at Venice, Fla., recently reported sustained winds of 58 mph with gusts to 73 mph. Estimated minimum central pressure is 986 mb, 29.12 inches. The automated station at Venice reported a pressure of 983.2 mb, 29.03 inches as the center made landfall.

Rainfalls of 5 to 10 inches with locally heavier amounts are likely over portions of the central and northern Florida peninsula. Locally heavy rains are also possible in rainbands over the southern Florida peninsula and Keys. 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 3 to 5 feet above normal is likely near and to the south of where the center crosses the coast. Storm surge flooding in the forecast range has been reported in northwest Collier and Lee counties.

There is the risk of isolated tornadoes over the eastern portions of the central and southern Florida peninsula and the Florida Keys Friday. A tornado was recently reported near Eau Gallie, Fla.

The tropical storm warning is extended north of St. Augustine to Brunswick, Ga. A tropical storm warning is now in effect from north of Jupiter Inlet, Fla., to Brunswick, Ga.
Tropical storm warnings remain in effect along the Florida west coast from Flamingo to the mouth of the Suwannee River and in the Florida Keys from Craig Key westward to the Dry Tortugas. A tropical storm warning also remains in effect for Lake Okeechobee. These warnings may be lowered later Friday. The hurricane watch for the Florida west coast is discontinued.

FELIX BEGINS TO WEAKEN

At 11 a.m. EDT, the center of Hurricane Felix was located near latitude 30.5 north, longitude 45.0 west or about 1,085 miles west-southwest of the Azores. Felix is moving toward the northeast near 14 mph, and a turn to the east-northeast is expected during the next 24 hours.

Maximum sustained winds are near 110 mph with higher gusts. Some weakening is forecast 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 320 miles. Estimated minimum central pressure is 967 mb, 28.56 inches.

ERIN MOVING NORTHEASTWARD TOWARDS CAPE RACE

At 11 a.m. EDT, the center of hurricane Erin was located near latitude 44.1 north, longitude 55.9 west or about 225 miles southwest of Cape Race, Newfoundland. Erin is moving toward the northeast near 21 mph, and this motion and a faster forward speed are expected during the next 24 hours. This motion should bring the center near Cape
Race Friday night.

Maximum sustained winds are near 75 mph with higher gusts. Some weakening is forecast during the next 24 hours, and Erin will likely lose tropical characteristics Friday night or Saturday. 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 987 mb, 29.15 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.

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

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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