ISIDORE EXPECTED TO SPEND FRIDAY CROSSING THE WESTERNMOST PORTION OF CUBA ACCOMPANIED BY TORRENTIAL RAINS

September 19, 2002 — At 11 p.m. EDT, the center of Hurricane Isidore was estimated near latitude 21.0 north, longitude 82.5 west or about 60 miles south-southeast of the southeastern tip of the Isle of Youth, Cuba, or 165 miles south of Havana. Isidore is moving between the west-northwest and northwest near 8 mph. On this track, the core of Isidore will be moving very near or over the Isle of Youth during the next 6 to 12 hours and crossing the westernmost portion of Cuba later on Friday, according to the NOAA National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of Hurricane Isidore taken at 11:15 p.m. EDT on Sept. 19, 2002. Click here to see latest view. Please credit “NOAA.”)

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 85 mph with higher gusts. Additional strengthening is expected before the center reaches the coast of Cuba. Isidore is forecast to become a major hurricane in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. A reconnaissance plane will be in the area in a few hours.

Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 25 miles from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 145 miles. Strong gusty winds are beginning to affect the Isle of Youth.

Estimated minimum central pressure is 979 mb, 28.91 inches. Extremely heavy rainfall amounts—up to 20 to 30 inches—can be expected over portions of western Cuba over the next two to three days. Coastal storm surge flooding of 8 to 10 feet above normal tide levels, along with large and dangerous battering waves, can be expected near and to the east of where the center makes landfall.

A hurricane warning remains in effect for the western Cuban provinces of Matanzas, Ciudad de La Habana, La Habana and Pinar del Rio, including the Isle of Youth. A tropical storm watch remains in effect for the lower Florida Keys west of the Seven Mile Bridge and the Dry Tortugas. A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area generally within 36 hours. A tropical storm warning remains in effect for the Cayman Islands.

For storm information specific to your area, please monitor products issued by NOAA National Weather Service local forecast offices.

Click NOAA tracking map for larger view.

Relevant Web Sites
NOAA's National Hurricane Center — Get the latest advisories here

NOAA's Atlantic Hurricanes Database — 150 Years of Atlantic Hurricanes

El Niño Expected to Impact Atlantic Hurricane Season, NOAA Reports

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

NOAA's River Forecast Centers

NOAA's Flood Products

NOAA Rainfall Graphics
24-hour Observed Precipitation as of 8 a.m. today

Latest rainfall data as of 8 a.m. EDT today

NOAA Buoys

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