ISIDORE MOVING NORTH-NORTHWEST;
WATCHES AND WARNINGS ISSUED FOR THE NORTHERN GULF COAST

September 24, 2002 — At 11 a.m. EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Isidore was located near latitude 22.1 north, longitude 90.0 west or about 80 miles north-northwest of Merida, Mexico. This is also about 485 miles south of the Louisiana coast. Isidore is moving toward the north-northwest near 8 mph, and this motion is expected to continue for the next 25 hours. This motion should take the center away from the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico Tuesday, according to the NOAA National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of Tropical Storm Isidore taken at 10:45 a.m. EDT on Sept. 24, 2002. Click here to see latest view. Please credit “NOAA.”)

Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours. Isidore is a large storm with tropical storm force winds extending outward up to 200 miles from the center. The estimated minimum central pressure is 987 mb, 29.15 inches.

Bands of heavy rains continue to affect the Yucatan peninsula and other portions of eastern Mexico. Additional rainfall amounts of 5 to 10 inches are possible before the bands move offshore later Tuesday and Tuesday night. Bands of heavy rain may also spread onto portions of the northern gulf coast later Tuesday and Tuesday night. ( Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of Tropical Storm Isidore taken at 8:15 a.m. EDT on Sept. 24, 2002.)

Coastal storm surge flooding of 2 to 4 feet above normal tide levels is likely in areas of onshore winds over the northwest Yucatan peninsula and elsewhere along the coast of Mexico from Campeche westward to near Veracruz. These tides should diminish later Tuesday. Tides are running 1 to 2 feet above normal along much of the remainder of the gulf coast, and this, combined with large swells generated by Isidore, may cause some coastal flooding and beach erosion.

A hurricane watch is in effect along the northern gulf coast from Cameron, La., to Pascagoula, Miss, as of 11 a.m. EDT. A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possible in the watch area during the next 36 hours.

A tropical storm warning is in effect from east of High Island, Texas, to Destin, Fla. A tropical storm warning means tropical storm conditions are expected in the warning area during the next 24 hours. A tropical storm warning remains in effect along the gulf coast of Mexico from Cabo Catoche to Veracruz. Interests elsewhere along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico should monitor the progress of Isidore.

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