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September 14, 2001 — At 5 p.m. EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Gabrielle was located near latitude 28.6 north, longitude 81.6 west or near Orlando, Fla. Gabrielle is moving toward the northeast near 12 mph, and this general motion is expected to continue for the next 24 hours. This motion should bring the center across the central and northeastern Florida peninsula 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 45 mph with higher gusts. Further weakening is likely while the center crosses the Florida peninsula. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 145 miles from the center, mainly in squalls over the coastal waters. The automated station at St. Augustine, Fla., recently reported a wind gust to 57 mph. Estimated minimum central pressure is 994 mb, 29.35 inches. Orlando recently reported a pressure of 994.9 mb, 29.38 inches.

Rainfalls of 3 to 6 inches with locally heavier amounts are likely over portions of the central and northern Florida peninsula. Consult statements from NOAA's National Weather Service local forecast offices and emergency management offices for details on possible flooding resulting from the rains. In addition, see NOAA's Southeast River Forecast Center for the latest river conditions.

Storm surge flooding along portions of the Florida west coast should diminish Friday night. Storm surge flooding of 1 to 2 ft above normal is possible along portions of the Florida east coast in areas of onshore flow.

There is the risk of isolated tornadoes over the extreme northeastern Florida peninsula early Friday night.

Tropical storm warnings are discontinued for the Florida west coast and Florida Keys. A tropical storm warning remains in effect along the east coast of Florida and Georgia from north of Jupiter Inlet, Fla., to Brunswick, Ga.

FELIX MOVING NORTHEASTWARD OVER OPEN WATERS

At 5 p.m. EDT, the center of Hurricane Felix was located near latitude 31.2 north, longitude 43.7 west or about 985 miles west-southwest of the Azores. Felix is moving toward the northeast near 15 mph. A turn to the east-northeast is expected Friday night.

Maximum sustained winds are near 105 mph with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast during the next 24 hours. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 45 miles from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 175 miles. Estimated minimum central pressure is 970 mb, 28.64 inches.

ERIN STILL A HURRICANE AS IT APPROACHES SOUTHEASTERN NEWFOUNDLAND

At 5 p.m. EDT, the center of Hurricane Erin was located near latitude 45.6 north, longitude 54.3 west or about 90 miles southeast of Cape Race, Newfoundland. Erin is moving toward the northeast near 21 mph, and this motion is expected to continue with a faster forward speed during the next 24 hours.

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 984 mb, 29.06 inches.

Locally heavy rains and strong gusty winds will likely occur over portions of southeastern Newfoundland Friday night and Saturday in association with Erin.

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's Southeast River Forecast Center

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